How to Set Auto-Boot Timeout on Your macOS Sequoia Hackintosh

Usually, after completing the Hackintosh installation using OpenCore, our macOS will not automatically boot. We need to select the boot device and press enter. When we enable the GPU passthrough in our Hackintosh, this will lead to an issue. In this article, we will show you how to set the auto-boot in macOS Sequoia. It also available for any other macOS versions.

Configuring your Hackintosh to auto-boot into your preferred operating system after a short delay can save you time during startup. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set a 5-second auto-boot timeout by editing the config.plist file, whether you’re using OpenCore or Clover bootloader.

Prerequisites

You need the following software in order to set auto-boot timeout.

1. Clover Configurator
2. ProperTree editor

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Auto-Boot Timeout

First, boot into macOS Sequoia and then download Clover Configurator and ProperTree. Now open Clover Configurator and then go to Mount EFI. Mount your EFI partition.

1. Locate the config.plist File

The config.plist file is located in your EFI partition:

• For OpenCore: Look in the EFI/OC directory.
• For Clover: Look in the EFI/CLOVER directory.

2. Open the config.plist File

Use a plist editor such as ProperTree or a text editor that supports plist formatting.

3. Modify the Timeout Value

For OpenCore

1. Navigate to the Misc -> Boot section in the file.
2. Look for the Timeout key and set its value to 5 to create a 5-second delay.

For Clover

1. Navigate to the Boot section in the file.
2. Look for the Timeout key and set its value to 5

4. Set the Default Boot Option

Ensure you have specified a default boot option:

• For OpenCore: Look for the Default key under Misc -> Boot and set it to the name of your preferred boot entry.

5. Save the config.plist

Save your changes and replace the edited file in your EFI partition.

6. Test the Changes

Reboot your Hackintosh and confirm the following:

• The boot menu appears for 5 seconds.
• After 5 seconds, the system automatically boots into the specified default OS.

Tips for Success

• Always back up your config.plist file before making changes.
• Use ProperTree or another plist editor to ensure the file maintains the correct formatting.
• Double-check your default boot settings to avoid booting into an unintended OS.

By following these steps, you can streamline your Hackintosh startup experience and avoid unnecessary delays. Let us know in the comments if you found this guide helpful or encountered any issues!