Are there any risks associated with resetting NVRAM on a MacBook Pro M4

What Happens When You Reset NVRAM?

Resetting NVRAM restores certain settings to their default values. These settings include the startup disk selection, speaker volume, screen resolution, time zone, and recent kernel panic information[9]. On M1-based Macs, the system automatically checks and resets NVRAM during startup if necessary, so you don't need to manually perform a reset[1][7].

Risks and Considerations

1. Data Safety: Resetting NVRAM does not affect your personal files, documents, or installed applications. It only resets system settings stored in the NVRAM, so you won't experience data loss[2][4].

2. System Settings: After resetting NVRAM, you might need to reconfigure some system settings, such as display resolution or speaker volume, as they will revert to default values[1][4].

3. Boot Issues: In rare cases, some users have reported issues like hard drive corruption or boot problems after resetting NVRAM, though these are not common[4].

4. Performance Impact: Resetting NVRAM can sometimes improve system performance by resolving issues related to corrupted settings[5].

How to Reset NVRAM on M1 Macs

For M1-based Macs, you don't need to manually reset NVRAM. However, if you want to ensure it's checked and reset if necessary, simply shut down your Mac, wait a few seconds, and then power it back on[1][7].

Conclusion

Resetting NVRAM on a MacBook Pro M4 (or any M1-based model) is generally safe and does not pose significant risks to your data or hardware. It's primarily used to resolve issues related to system settings and can sometimes improve performance. If you encounter persistent problems after resetting, it may be worth checking for other underlying issues or seeking further support.