How to access the boot menu on a Mac

Here are the steps to access the boot menu on a Mac in order to boot from CD/DVD or USB device:

  1. First connect the USB device or insert the CD/DVD.
  2. Then power cycle the Mac.
  3. As soon as it powers up hold down the option key until the boot menu appears.

You will need to wait until all the boot devices have been read before you will be able to select a device to boot.

Last updated: 22/01/2012