Why does my macintosh 21.5 inch from 2011 keep starting up into macos utilities?

The macintosh runs high sierra fyi, It is pretty much non functional other than when it starts into macos utilities.


Earlier Mac models

Posted on Jun 7, 2025 9:25 AM

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3 replies

Jun 7, 2025 9:57 AM in response to SussyHammy

A 2011 iMac shipped with gray system install restore disks. Could one of those be in the optical drive?


As a test, try booting while holding the OPTION key to invoke the Startup Manager. That should show if your regular drive is available for booting. Select that drive if available.


If it does not show in Startup Manager, then the drive is damaged or disconnected.


Ways to start up your Mac - Apple Support


Is your internal drive backed up?





Why does my macintosh 21.5 inch from 2011 keep starting up into macos utilities?

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