How to troubleshoot and fix macOS software update errors

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to troubleshoot and fix macOS software update errors. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Keeping your macOS version up to date is critical for the security and stability of your business operations. However, it is not uncommon for updates to hang, fail to download, or return an error message. This guide will walk you through the process of diagnosing and resolving these installation failures.

Quick Fix Steps

Before attempting more complex technical solutions, try these basic steps which resolve the majority of update errors:

• Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable connection. If you are using a VPN, disconnect it, as these can often interfere with Apple's update servers.
• Check available disk space: macOS updates often require 15GB to 35GB of free space to download and expand the installer. Check this via Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage.
• Restart your Mac: A simple reboot can clear temporary cache files that may be blocking the update process.

Detailed Instructions

Method 1: Updating via System Settings

The standard way to update is through the built-in software update tool. If it has failed, try triggering it again manually:

1. Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
3. Navigate to General > Software Update.
4. Wait for the system to check for updates. If an update is available, click Update Now or Upgrade Now.

Method 2: Using macOS Recovery Mode

If the update fails to install while the operating system is running, you can attempt to reinstall macOS from the Recovery partition. This does not delete your data, but it replaces the system files with a fresh, updated version.

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. For Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3): Press and hold the Power button until you see "Loading startup options". Click Options, then click Continue.
3. For Intel Macs: Turn on the Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo appears.
4. Select Reinstall macOS from the Utilities window and follow the on-screen prompts.

Method 3: Using the App Store

Sometimes the System Settings tool fails, but the Mac App Store can trigger the download successfully.

1. Open the App Store application.
2. Search for the specific version of macOS you are trying to install (e.g., "macOS Sonoma").
3. Click Get or Download. This will launch the software update process in the background.

Troubleshooting Advanced Errors

Safe Mode Installation

Third-party software, such as antivirus or firewall applications, can sometimes block the installation of system files. Safe Mode disables these extensions.

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. For Apple Silicon: Hold the Power button until startup options appear. Select your disk, hold the Shift key, and click Continue in Safe Mode.
3. For Intel Macs: Restart and immediately hold the Shift key until the login window appears.
4. Once logged in, attempt to run the update via System Settings.

If you have followed these steps and the update still fails, please Open a Ticket so our technicians can analyse your system logs.

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