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MacOS halt command

The MacOS halt command allows users to shut down or restart their Mac from the command line. This command can be useful for those who prefer using the Terminal for system control tasks or automation scripts. By entering the halt command with the appropriate options, users can initiate a safe shutdown or restart of their Mac without having to use the graphical interface. It is important to understand the proper syntax and options for the halt command to ensure that the operation is executed correctly and without any issues.

halt Syntax:

Terminal window
sudo halt

Options:

OptionDescription
-nDo not sync the file system prior to halting.
-qPerform a quick halt without saving open files.
-hHalt and power off the system.

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
No specific parameters for the halt command.

halt Usage:

{EXAMPLES}

Halt the system immediately

Terminal window
sudo halt -n

This command will halt the system immediately without any warning or delay.

Halt the system and display a message

Terminal window
sudo halt -p "System will shut down for maintenance at 2 PM"

The system will be halted after displaying the specified message.

Halt the system and power off

Terminal window
sudo halt -p -o

This command will halt the system, display a message, and power off the machine.

Halt the system and reboot

Terminal window
sudo halt -r

The system will halt and then automatically reboot.

How do I use halt in MacOS?

To use the halt command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
halt

How do I force shutdown using halt in MacOS?

To force shutdown using the halt command in MacOS, add the -q or --quick option:

Terminal window
halt -q

How do I schedule a shutdown using halt in MacOS?

To schedule a shutdown using the halt command in MacOS, add the -t or --time option followed by the time in minutes:

Terminal window
halt -t 10

How do I halt and power off the system in MacOS?

To halt and power off the system using the halt command in MacOS, add the -p or --power-off option:

Terminal window
halt -p

How do I halt and reboot the system in MacOS?

To halt and reboot the system using the halt command in MacOS, add the -r or --reboot option:

Terminal window
halt -r

How do I cancel a scheduled shutdown in MacOS using halt?

To cancel a scheduled shutdown using the halt command in MacOS, use the -c or --cancel option:

Terminal window
halt -c

How do I view available options for halt in MacOS?

To view the available options for the halt command in MacOS, use the -h or --help option:

Terminal window
halt -h

Applications of the halt MacOS command

  • Shutting down the macOS system completely.