What does priiloader really do?

[ChazJohn]

I know it protects you from bricks, but if your Wii DOES get bricked, how do you recover it with it?
I've just been curious.

 

[jeannotte]

see here, lots of things to know about Priiloader (click on the links) ==>
https://wii.hacks.guide/priiloader.html

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Priiloader loads before Home Menu.
Certain software damage becomes repairable therefore. For example: Malformed banners, bad themes or the like.

You can still access Priiloader – holding (Reset) on the console or [ESC] on a USB keyboard – if booting to Home Menu doesn't work because of such damage. From Priiloader you can start homebrew software to remove the problematic stuff.

Certain things are not covered by just having Priiloader. If one for example deletes the IOS that us used for the current Home Menu version you can't access anything anymore. Same for blindly installing packs of random WAD files. Notably some early development version of Home Menu that is/was part of an archive full of pirated content. Some immature people seem to gather enjoyment from mistakes of others.
If you are not sure with something… just ask here. Chances are you'll get competent help. Better a question too much.

Good luck and have fun!