How to Fix macOS Update Problems: Step-by-Step Guide

Updating your Mac should be a smooth process, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. You may experience stuck updates, failed installations, or slow downloads. If you’re struggling with macOS update issues, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting to fix macOS update problems efficiently.

Table of Contents

🔹 Common macOS Update Issues

Here are some common problems users face while updating macOS:

🔴 macOS update stuck – The update progress bar stops moving
🔴 Update not showing in System Preferences – No update available
🔴 Update download slow or failing – Network-related issues
🔴 Mac won’t restart after update – Boot loop or black screen
🔴 Update installation failed – Error messages during installation
🔴 Not enough space for update – Insufficient storage error

Now, let’s fix them one by one! ✅

🔹 1. Check macOS Compatibility

Before updating, ensure your Mac supports the latest macOS version.

✅ Go to  Apple Menu → About This Mac
✅ Check your macOS version and Mac model
✅ Visit Apple’s official website to verify compatibility with the latest macOS

💡 If your Mac isn’t compatible, you won’t see the update in System Settings.

🔹 2. Restart Your Mac & Try Again 🔄

A simple restart can fix minor glitches that might be preventing the update.

✅ Click  Apple Menu → Restart
✅ After rebooting, try updating again

🔹 3. Check Apple’s Server Status 🌐

If Apple’s servers are down, your Mac won’t download or install updates.

✅ Visit Apple’s System Status page
✅ Look for “macOS Software Update”
✅ If there’s a red or yellow indicator, Apple’s servers are down. Wait and try later

🔹 4. Free Up Storage Space for the Update 💾

macOS updates need at least 20GB of free space to install properly.

✅ Check your storage:

Click  Apple Menu → About This Mac → Storage
Ensure you have enough free space

✅ Clear storage if needed:

Delete old files, unused apps, or system junk
Empty Trash
Move large files to external storage or iCloud

💡 After freeing up space, retry the update!

🔹 5. Connect to a Stable Internet Connection 📶

Slow or unstable internet can cause update failures or stuck downloads.

✅ Restart your Wi-Fi router
✅ Connect to a faster, more stable network
✅ If using Wi-Fi, try a wired Ethernet connection for better speed

💡 Run a speed test to check your internet. If it’s slow, contact your ISP.

🔹 6. Update macOS in Safe Mode 🔧

Safe Mode prevents third-party apps from interfering with the update process.

How to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode:

🔹 For Intel Macs:
1️⃣ Shut down your Mac completely
2️⃣ Turn it back on and immediately press & hold the Shift key
3️⃣ Release it when the login screen appears
4️⃣ Try updating macOS

🔹 For Apple Silicon (M1, M2) Macs:
1️⃣ Shut down your Mac
2️⃣ Press & hold the Power button until the Startup Options screen appears
3️⃣ Select your startup disk, then press & hold Shift → Click “Continue in Safe Mode”
4️⃣ Try updating macOS

💡 If the update works in Safe Mode, a third-party app may be causing the issue.

🔹 7. Reset NVRAM & PRAM (Intel Macs Only) 🔄

Resetting NVRAM & PRAM can fix update errors caused by system settings.

How to Reset NVRAM & PRAM:

1️⃣ Shut down your Mac
2️⃣ Turn it on and immediately press & hold Option + Command + P + R
3️⃣ Hold the keys for 20 seconds until the Mac restarts
4️⃣ Try updating macOS again

💡 For M1/M2 Macs, NVRAM resets automatically at startup.

🔹 8. Reset SMC (Intel Macs Only) ⚙️

SMC controls power-related settings and can help resolve update failures.

How to Reset SMC:

🔹 MacBooks with T2 Chip (2018 & later):
1️⃣ Shut down your Mac
2️⃣ Press & hold Shift + Control + Option + Power button for 10 seconds
3️⃣ Release the keys, then turn on your Mac

🔹 Older MacBooks & Desktops:
1️⃣ Shut down your Mac
2️⃣ Unplug the power cord for 15 seconds, then plug it back in
3️⃣ Turn on your Mac and try updating again

🔹 9. Download & Install macOS Update Manually ⬇️

If System Settings isn’t working, you can manually download macOS updates.

✅ Visit Apple’s macOS Download Page (https://support.apple.com/downloads)
✅ Search for the latest macOS version
✅ Download the Combo Update package
✅ Install the update manually

🔹 10. Create a Bootable macOS Installer (Last Resort) 🛠️

If all else fails, you can reinstall macOS using a bootable USB installer.

✅ Use another Mac to create a macOS bootable USB drive
✅ Restart your Mac in macOS Recovery Mode
✅ Reinstall macOS without erasing your files

🔹 Final Thoughts: Fix macOS Update Issues Easily! 🚀

Here’s a quick recap of the solutions:

✅ Restart your Mac
✅ Check macOS compatibility
✅ Free up storage space
✅ Check Apple’s server status
✅ Use a stable internet connection
✅ Try updating in Safe Mode
✅ Reset NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC
✅ Download & install macOS manually
✅ Reinstall macOS (as a last resort)