How to Retrieve or Reset an Admin Password on macOS High Sierra (10.13.5)

Are you looking to retrieve or reset your admin password on macOS High Sierra version 10.13.5? This guide will walk you through several methods to accomplish this task, including booting into recovery mode and using terminal commands. While brute force cracking might be theoretically possible, it is not feasible given current computational limitations.

Brute Force Cracking: Not Feasible

Brute force cracking, a method that attempts to guess every possible password until the correct one is found, is not a practical option for retrieving an admin password on an 8-core Macbook Pro system. The sheer number of possible password combinations means that it would take longer than the age of the universe to check all possibilities. This makes attempting brute force cracking on such a system infeasible in practical terms.

Forgotten Password and Password Change

If you have forgotten your admin password and wish to reset it, here’s a straightforward method using the recovery mode of macOS High Sierra. This method involves booting into recovery mode, accessing a terminal, and following a series of prompts to change your password.

Steps to Boot into Recovery Mode and Reset Password

Power off your Macbook Pro. Press and hold the Command R keys immediately after powering on your computer. This will boot your Mac into recovery mode. Once in recovery mode, the macOS Utilities window will appear. Select the Utilities > Terminal option. In the Terminal app, type the following command and press Enter:

resetpassword

Follow the on-screen prompts to change your admin password. You will be prompted to enter your current password, and then to set a new one.

Conclusion

While brute force methods are impractical, using recovery mode to change your password is a secure and effective solution if you ever forget your admin password on macOS High Sierra. Remember to keep your password secure and update it regularly to ensure the safety of your computer and data. If you encounter any issues or require further support, consult Apple’s official documentation or contact their support services.

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This comprehensive guide will help you manage your admin password through recovery mode on macOS High Sierra, ensuring you have a reliable method of accessing your system when needed.