How to fix The black screen that stops macOS installation & shows support.apple.com/mac/startup

A black screen during macOS installation that displays support.apple.com/mac/startup (often with a folder and question mark or a prohibitory symbol) indicates that the Mac cannot find a valid bootable system or the installer has encountered a critical issue.

This can occur when installing macOS (e.g., Sequoia, Ventura) via a bootable USB, virtual machine, or recovery mode, including setups like Parallels Desktop on a MacBook (per your prior question).

The error suggests problems with the installer, disk, firmware, or boot configuration.

Below is a step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix this issue, tailored for macOS installations:-.

A video shows the fix for The black screen that stops macOS installation & shows support.apple.com/mac/startup

Step 1: Understand the Error

What It Means:
support.apple.com/mac/startup appears when the Mac’s firmware can’t locate a bootable macOS volume or the installer fails to load the kernel.
Common causes:
- Corrupted or incomplete installer (USB or VM image).
- Disk issues (e.g., incorrect format, bad sectors).
- Incompatible firmware or Secure Boot settings.
- Virtual machine misconfiguration (e.g., Parallels).
- Hardware/firmware mismatch (unsupported Mac for the macOS version).

Step 2: Initial Checks and Reboot

Power Cycle:
Shut down the Mac:
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds (Intel) or 20 seconds (Apple Silicon).
Wait 30 seconds, then restart while holding Option (⌥) to access the Startup Manager.
Select Boot Device:
If using a USB installer, select “Install macOS [Version]” (e.g., “Install macOS Sequoia”).
In a VM (e.g., Parallels), ensure the correct ISO/disk is attached.
Retry: If it boots to the installer, proceed with installation. If not, continue below.

Step 3: Verify the Installer

For USB Installers:
Check Size: On another Mac, mount the USB: ls -lh /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ [Version]/
- Ensure InstallESD.dmg is ~12-14GB.
Recreate USB: If corrupted, reformat as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), then rerun:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyUSB --nointeraction
For Virtual Machines (Parallels):
Verify ISO/.app/.ipsw:
- Intel: Confirm /Applications/Install macOS Sequoia.app is ~12GB:
  du -sh /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app
- Apple Silicon: Check .ipsw size (~12GB, e.g., UniversalMac_15.0_24A335_Restore.ipsw).
Reattach in Parallels:
- Open Parallels > VM Settings > Storage > Re-select the ISO/.ipsw or re-add .app.
Redownload: If incomplete, use App Store (if available) or gibMacOS:
git clone https://github.com/corpnewt/gibMacOS.git cd gibMacOS python3 gibMacOS.command

Step 4: Boot into Safe Mode or Recovery

Safe Mode (Intel/Apple Silicon):
Restart, hold Shift (Intel) or power button until “Loading startup options” (Apple Silicon).
Select your boot volume > Hold Shift > Continue in Safe Mode.
If it boots, check the installer or disk (Step 5).
Internet Recovery:
Restart, hold Command + Option + R until the globe appears.
Loads recovery mode—select Reinstall macOS to try the original OS or check disk.
Why: Ensures the Mac’s firmware can boot a known-good system.

Step 5: Check and Repair the Disk

Open Disk Utility:
Boot from USB installer or Recovery (Command + R).
Select Disk Utility > Continue.
Inspect Disk:
Select your internal drive (e.g., “Macintosh HD”) in the sidebar.
Click First Aid > Run to check for errors.
If errors are found, repair them—repeat for all volumes/partitions.
Reformat if Needed:
If unfixable, select the drive > Erase:
- Name: “Macintosh HD”.
- Format: APFS (preferred for macOS 10.13+; use Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for older).
- Scheme: GUID Partition Map.
Quit Disk Utility and retry installation.

Step 6: Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC

NVRAM/PRAM Reset (Intel):
Restart, hold Command + Option + P + R for 20 seconds (until second startup chime or Apple logo reappears).
T2 Chip or Apple Silicon:
NVRAM reset is automatic on reboot—skip this step.
SMC Reset (Intel):
Shut down.
For MacBooks: Hold Control + Option + Shift (left side) + power button for 10 seconds, then release all and boot.
Why: Clears firmware settings that might block booting.

Step 7: Parallels-Specific Fixes (If Using VM)

Check VM Settings:
Open Parallels > Select your Sequoia VM > Configure.
Storage: Ensure the correct .app (Intel) or .ipsw (Apple Silicon) is attached.
CPU & Memory: Minimum 4GB RAM, 2 CPUs (8GB/4 CPUs better).
Boot Order: Set to “Hard Disk” or “Try to boot from CD/DVD first” if ISO-based.
EFI Settings:
Hardware > Boot Order > Advanced > Check “Enable EFI” for modern macOS.
Rebuild VM:
If persistent, delete the VM (File > Remove) and recreate (see prior answer for steps).
Update Parallels:
Ensure version 20+: Parallels Desktop > Check for Updates.

Step 8: Test with a Different macOS Version

Why: Sequoia may be incompatible with your Mac’s firmware if it’s too old.
Try Older Version:
Download Install macOS Monterey.app or Ventura.app via gibMacOS.
Create a new USB installer or VM and test.
If it boots, your Mac may need OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP) for Sequoia.