If your MacBook Air is acting weird—wrong startup disk, low speaker volume, display glitches, or slow boot—resetting PRAM (or NVRAM) can often fix it in minutes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset PRAM on MacBook Air step by step, plus instructions for Mac mini, MacBook Pro (Intel & M1), MacBook Air M2, and even using a Windows keyboard.
Quick Answer (Featured Snippet)
To reset PRAM on a MacBook Air (Intel):
- Shut down your Mac
- Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R
- Hold for 20 seconds
- Release keys and let the Mac boot normally
⚠️ Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2) reset PRAM automatically.
What Is PRAM and Why Reset It?
PRAM (Parameter RAM) stores system-level settings like:
- Speaker volume
- Screen resolution
- Startup disk
- Time zone
- Kernel panic info
If these settings get corrupted, resetting PRAM restores them to default.
How to Reset PRAM on MacBook Air (Intel Models)
This method works for Intel-based MacBook Airs.
Steps:
- Shut down your MacBook Air
- Press the Power button
- Immediately press and hold:
Option + Command + P + R - Hold keys for 20 seconds
- Release and let macOS load
✅ Done. Your PRAM is reset.
How to Reset PRAM on MacBook Air M2
If you’re searching for how to reset PRAM on MacBook Air M2, here’s the truth:
👉 You don’t need to.
Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) automatically reset PRAM/NVRAM during startup.
What You Can Do Instead:
- Shut down the Mac
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn it back on
macOS handles PRAM reset in the background.
How to Reset PRAM on MacBook Pro M1
Just like the M2 Air:
- Manual PRAM reset is not supported
- macOS resets it automatically
If issues persist, reset SMC alternatives by shutting down and restarting.
How to Reset PRAM on MacBook Pro 2017
This model uses Intel, so manual reset works.
Steps:
- Shut down
- Power on
- Hold Option + Command + P + R
- Release after 20 seconds
This is especially useful if your MacBook Pro 2017 has:
- Boot issues
- Display problems
- Audio bugs
How to Reset PRAM on Mac Mini
Searching for how to reset PRAM on Mac mini? The process depends on the chip.
Intel Mac Mini:
- Use Option + Command + P + R
M1 / M2 Mac Mini:
- Shut down → Wait → Restart
(PRAM resets automatically)
How to Reset PRAM on Mac with Windows Keyboard
If you’re using a Windows keyboard, key mapping changes:
| Mac Key | Windows Key |
|---|---|
| Command | Windows key |
| Option | Alt key |
Use this combo:
Windows + Alt + P + R
Hold for 20 seconds during startup.
When Should You Reset PRAM?
Reset PRAM if you notice:
- Wrong screen resolution
- Startup disk not detected
- Volume settings resetting
- Random system glitches
For app-related issues, try this first:
👉 Logi Options Not Opening on Mac – Fix It Fast
https://multicaretechnical.com/logi-options-not-opening-on-mac-lets-fix-it-fast-easy
PRAM Reset vs Other Fixes
Sometimes PRAM isn’t the issue.
Helpful alternatives:
- Uninstall problematic apps properly
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-uninstall-apps-on-mac-macbook-macos-tahoe-macos-26 - Adjust display & power behavior
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-change-screen-timeout-windows-11-10-mac-complete-guide
Common Questions (AI Overview Friendly)
Does resetting PRAM delete data?
No. It only resets system settings—no files or apps are removed.
Is resetting PRAM free?
Yes. It costs $0 and requires no software.
How often should I reset PRAM?
Only when troubleshooting issues—not regularly.
FAQs – How to Reset PRAM on MacBook Air
How to reset PRAM on MacBook Air M2?
You don’t need to. macOS resets PRAM automatically on Apple Silicon Macs.
How to reset PRAM on Mac with Windows keyboard?
Use Windows + Alt + P + R instead of Command + Option + P + R.
How to reset PRAM on Mac mini?
Intel models support manual reset; M1/M2 models reset automatically.
Does PRAM reset fix slow Mac?
It can help if the issue is related to display, audio, or startup settings.
Final Verdict
Knowing how to reset PRAM on MacBook Air is a powerful troubleshooting trick—especially for Intel Macs. For newer M1 and M2 models, Apple has simplified the process so macOS handles it automatically.
If your Mac behaves oddly, this should be one of the first fixes you try.