enter a password to unlock the disk”macintosh HD”

Do you mean like in below image ?

If Yes, this is a Firmware Password

Set a firmware password on your Mac

Not to scary you but unless you have that specific Password writting down or in a secure place other that on the effected computer.

" If you forgot your firmware password

If you can't remember your firmware password, schedule an in-person service appointment with an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Bring your Mac to the appointment, and bring your original receipt or invoice as proof of purchase. "

Gini_A wrote:

Hello,

I have a 2019 16” Macbook Pro. I installed windows 10 with bootcamp and my idea was to use an external ssd to stock games and other stuff for when i’m using windows. Otherways, i just use built-in storage.

I’m not sure if i moved/ deleted something i shouldn’t, but now my Macbook is stuck on “enter a password to unlock the disk Macintosh HD”.

when i type my password, it just reboots, brings me back to login page and it keeps looping.

same when i press OPTION to select start up disk.

also, i tried to boot my mac on Safe Mode, but if I press SHIFT right after turning it on, it boots into windows 10.

any ideas on how to fix this issue? i can’t even wipe everything down and reset my Macbook.

Is this a FileVault password...(?)

How does FileVault work on a Mac?

macOS utilizes the macOS admin user account password for unlocking Filevault.

On a 2018+ Mac with Filevault enabled, then Anytime you try to boot into any other mode than directly into macOS on the internal SSD, or try to mount the internal SSD while booted from any external media or secondary OS even on the internal SSD, it will prompt you to unlock the Filevaulted internal volume. If you don't want or need access to that volume while booted to other operating systems, then just ignore it & click "Cancel". For some boot options, you will be required to provide the Filevault password using one of the approved macOS user accounts of the Filevaulted volume.

For example, booting into the Filevaulted macOS volume directly only requires your normal macOS login prompt.

Booting into any other OS, or into Recovery Mode, Target Disk Mode, etc. will require you to authenticate with the security enclave chip to unlock Filevault even if you have no intention of accessing that encrypted volume. This new behavior of Filevault on 2018+ Macs is to make sure no one is able to boot this Mac using any other method to attempt to access data on the internal macOS boot volume that has Filevault enabled in order to greatly minimize the chances of anyone being able to figure out a vulnerability to access the data on that volume. If you don't like this, then you have to decide if you feel it safe to turn off Filevault. Full security...or reducing system security to omit needing to enter a password when booting into any other mode or OS.