How to Install Windows on Macbook Air That Has Firmware Lock
macOS provides multiple methods to
protect the data on a Mac: a user account password, encryption via FileVault, and optional depression-level security measure that prevents starting up from storage devices other than the selected startup disk. That’s known as the
firmware countersign or EFI
(Extensible Firmware Interface) lock, which volition also block the user’s ability to utilize all startup key combinations, except the NVRAM or PRAM reset combinations. This command (Option + Control + P + R), however, will initiate the automobile from macOS Recovery instead.
The
Lost Mode feature
of Observe My Mac will remotely lock the Mac with a firmware password for sometime utilize. The user’s Mac receives the lock didactics from iCloud, restarts, and asks for the system lock Pin lawmaking that they gear up. Afterward entering the passcode the Mac starts up from the designated startup disk and disables the passcode.
A
firmware password is not the aforementioned every bit the ambassador countersign
or login password. Information technology’s a dissever password that appears immediately after kicking and must exist entered into the organization lock screen, which appears as a lock symbol on either a black or a gray background.
Firmware Passcode Security
Low-level passwords are quite secure, which also means at that place is potentially a headache
if the password is forgotten. If you or any of your users tin can’t recollect the firmware password or passcode, know that Apple doesn’t allow for any workarounds, but instead recommends scheduling a service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. The process requires the original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase.
Earlier versions of macOS required manual installation of the firmware but, starting in 2015,
Apple began bundling EFI updates with the macOS updates
in social club to deliver security patches to all users. Just as security firm Duo Labs discovered in late 2017,
some Macs aren’t getting the right firmware, which makes them vulnerable to hackers. They recommend
checking the firmware version and updating if needed.
Firmware Passcode Location
On Intel-based Macs shipped before 2011, the
firmware password was stored in the PRAM
and read by the arrangement EFI firmware earlier other
PRAM variables. That lead to a serious security outcome, assuasive the firmware to be revealed in a native macOS app and weakening the enhanced security Apple had hoped to innovate with the addition of the firmware password.
In 2011, still, Apple tree added an important change to the organization: the
firmware password was moved to a separate programmable controller
from Atmel. This component contains lockable wink memory to store the password and requires special programming with identifier numbers for both the Mac’s motherboard and the Atmel fleck to admission and reset it.
Since the controller is an independent component, the
only way to featherbed it
is to manually remove it from the motherboard, but this requires highly precise reflow soldering tools and techniques.
Bypassing the Mac Firmware Password on MacBooks With Upgradeable RAM
This hardware hack works on both Intel- and Motorola-based MacBooks and requires users to remove the RAM and reinstall it. You can check our
guide on how to upgrade the RAM on Macs
for further reading.
- Close down your computer and
remove the battery. - Locate your RAM,
remove one of the RAM modules
and put it aside. - Put the battery in, and boot your computer while holding the
Control + Option + P + R
keys to reset the parameter RAM. - Expect for the chime to sound 3 times.
- Release the keys and shut down the computer.
- Remove the battery again, and
reinsert the RAM module. - Put the battery back in.
- Boot up your Mac, and y’all should non see the firmware lock again.
Disable the Countersign With Firmware Password Utility
- Restart your Mac while property down the Command + R keys to
enter Recovery Mode. - When the Utilities screen appears, become the Utilities menu bar, and select “Firmware Password Utility”.
- Cull to
turn the Firmware Password off.
If none of the above methods worked, there are withal two more options to try: either have
Apple do it for yous, so long as you have the original receipt or invoice, or alternatively use whatsoever of the
EFI lock bypass hardware
kits available for auction on various sites. In using one of these EFI lock hardware featherbed methods you’ll almost certainly void your warranty, so it is down to yous whether you want to risk the process.
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