How is the NVRAM reset on a Mac?

Resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) on a Mac is done by holding down specific keys during the startup process. This action allows the Mac to restore certain settings such as speaker volume, display resolution, startup disk selection, and recent kernel panic information.

When you hold down the keys for NVRAM reset—Command, Option, P, and R—immediately after turning on the Mac, the system clears the existing NVRAM values and allows the computer to start fresh. This method is essential for resolving issues related to these stored preferences, which can occasionally become corrupted or lead to unexpected behavior.

The other methods listed, while useful in different contexts, do not pertain to NVRAM reset. Using a software command, uninstalling and reinstalling the operating system, or resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) are distinct processes that address different areas of the Mac's functionality.