Why won't my Mac update?

Installing the latest macOS update is usually a hassle-free and straightforward task, but if you've found yourself here, you must be one of the many people wondering, "why won't my Mac update?"

Many users have reported problems downloading and installing it, so rest assured you're not alone, and the great news is, we have lots of troubleshooting tips to help. Below, we’ll provide some tips applicable to any macOS version as well as Sonoma-specific glitches, since users frequently describe this particular operating system as problematic.

macOS update vs Software update: What’s the difference? 

These terms can be a bit confusing, so let’s clarify how they differ:

• macOS update: That’s a full upgrade to a new major macOS version. For example, moving from macOS Sequoia to macOS Tahoe. macOS updates bring new features and often require checking app compatibility and making sure your Mac is ready.

• Software update: These are smaller updates within your current version, like Tahoe 26.0 > 26.1. They are focused on bug fixes, performance improvements, and stability.

Both can be accessed through the same Software Update feature in System Settings (under Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update), but they represent very different levels of change to your Mac.

Why you can't update your Mac?

Have you been plagued by the following warning messages?

• "An error occurred while installing the selected updates."

• "The macOS installation couldn't be completed."

Or are you experiencing freezing, stalling, or crashing during the download? Don't worry; we've got the reasons why and the tricks to help you update your Mac smoothly.

Here are a few common reasons why a Mac won't update:

• Your Mac is not compatible. With every major macOS version release, Apple also provides a list of compatible Mac computers. The thing is that you will not be able to update your Mac if your Mac model is not mentioned on the official list. Even if it is there, you may face some problems when trying to install macOS software update on older Macs. 

• You don't have enough disk space. Commonly, Mac users think they need the amount of space that equals the size of the installation package. It is a common misconception, so if you don't have enough storage space, your Mac won't install any software updates. 

• Bad Wi-Fi connection. To update your Mac, you need a stable internet connection. Without it, you won't download the software update from App Store. Also, your device won't be able to connect to update servers and install the macOS update.

• Issues with Apple servers. Like any other company, Apple may have troubles with their servers. The good news is that this problem is temporary, although it prevents Mac users from downloading and installing macOS updates that very moment they want to. 

• Outdated macOS blocking new updates. In some cases, your current macOS version may be too outdated to jump directly to the latest release. Apple may require you to first install an intermediate update before the newest one becomes available.

• Admin permissions missing. macOS updates require administrator rights. If you’re using a standard account or if permissions became misconfigured, the system may refuse to install updates until an admin signs in or adjusts the settings.

• Corrupted update files in cache. Sometimes partially downloaded or damaged update files get stuck in the system’s cache. When that happens, macOS keeps trying to use those broken files, causing repeated failures. Clearing the update cache or rebooting into Safe Mode often resolves this issue.

• VPN is preventing your Mac from updating. It can happen because VPN is blocking connection to Apple’s update servers, triggering an active kill switch, or causing DNS conflicts

• Third-party conflicts. It is less frequent than any other reason on the list, but a third-party app can prevent your MacBook from updating by actively interfering with Apple's background update daemon, blocking network requests to Apple servers via a firewall, or utilizing an enterprise MDM configuration profile.

Mac not updating to Sonoma?

All of the above are general problems users may encounter when upgrading to any macOS version. However, there are some Sonoma-specific issues that should be considered as well, just to make an informed decision about the update:

• Sonoma may brick some Mac models. Even though there is a list of Mac devices officially compatible with Sonoma, it may brick some of them. There have been reports of bricking M1 Macs, including M1 MacBook Pro. If that is your case, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional at an Apple-certified service provider. If you are tech-savvy, you can try to run Apple Configurator to restore your Mac, though the first option is safer.
• Macs not booting up after an update. Some users report that after updating to Sonoma, their Macs would boot themselves into recovery mode, and they could not restart normally. For other users, it booted into safe mode. The issue was reported on Macs with Apple silicon. To fix it, open Disk Utility in either recovery or safe mode and run First Aid. It should help boot your Mac normally; however, you may lose all your data and content. If that is the case, you might need to restore your data from the backup. Learn how to do it from this article by Apple.

Returning to the general issues, thankfully, we've got all the troubleshooting tips you need if you're experiencing freezing, crashing, or stalling during the macOS download process and software update. 

So, let's get started: what's the first step?

Tip: Before installing any significant updates, make sure to back up your Mac — it’s the safest way to protect your data if something goes wrong. You have three solid options: 

1. Time Machine (fastest): Connect an external drive and let Time Machine create a full, automatic backup you can restore anytime. 
2. iCloud (automatic): Syncs important files, photos, and settings across devices with minimal effort. 
3. Carbon Copy Cloner (bootable): Creates a complete, bootable clone of your Mac, letting you get back up and running immediately if an update fails. 

Read more about these backup options here.

Also, disconnect external peripherals (external monitors, mice, and keyboards, USB/Thunderbolt devices except power), quit unused apps, and turn off VPN in System Settings > VPN to avoid any conflicts. Now, proceed with the fixes.

How to fix it if your Mac won't update

Important: Keep your Mac plugged into power during the entire update and preferably disable sleep mode in System Settings > Lock Screen. Unplugging your MacBook during an update can result in corrupted system files, boot loops, getting stuck on a black screen, and a potential need to revive a bricked Mac.

1. Is your Mac compatible?

If you're trying to install macOS Tahoe as a starting point, it's worth checking that your Mac is actually compatible.

Here's a handy list from Apple that shows you which devices are compatible.

Alternatively, if you want to install any other macOS version, find the list of compatible devices using the search tab on the Apple website. 

2. Check if you have enough space

The single most common reason your Mac won't update is lack of space. For instance, if you're upgrading from macOS Monterey to macOS Ventura, this update requires 25 GB, but if you're upgrading from a much earlier release, you'll need even more available storage to ensure that the software update is successful. Aim for 35-50 GB for a safe upgrade.

Here's how to check your available disk space:

1. Go to the main Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.

2. Once the bar loads, you'll get a quick overview of your available storage. 

If you've already installed macOS Ventura and are trying to install macOS Sonoma or later, follow these steps to check available storage space: Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info > Storage Settings. 

The problem is, even if you think you have the required storage, your Mac will sometimes tell you that you don't, so what can you do? The easiest thing to do is clear up more storage space. 

You could spend hours scouring through your Mac, digging up old folders and removing apps, or use a handy tool like CleanMyMac. 

CleanMyMac has a dedicated My Clutter feature, which can quickly locate old files you haven't opened in months and let you quickly select what you want to remove. It also detects duplicate files and similar images so that you can free up even more space. Bonus points, it is notarized by Apple. 

Here's how to clear space the easy way:

1. Get started with a free CleanMyMac trial.
2. From the left sidebar, click My Clutter > Scan.
3. When the scan is complete, click Review All Files.
4. Tap Large & Old Files.
5. Scroll through the list, select which items you want to delete, and click Remove.
6. Done.

Do not forget to review duplicates and similar images, too. Congrats! You've just saved yourself some serious time, not to mention space.

Top reasons to use CleanMyMac:

• On average, users remove 34 GB of junk on their first day with the app.

• Cleans over 50K Mac every day.

• Used in more than 185 countries.

• Winner of the Red Dot Award and the iF Design Award.

Get your CleanMyMac trial (free for 7 days) — see the market leader in action on your Mac. 

If you’ve freed up space but your Mac still refuses to update, the problem may be hidden in the system’s update cache. That’s the next thing worth checking.

How to clear update cache 

To delete your old software update files via Terminal, run this command:

sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog

Once the cache is cleared, try running the update again — it often solves the problem instantly. 

Did you know? You can update your Mac via Terminal, too. Just run these commands: sudo softwareupdate -l to list available updates and sudo softwareupdate -ia to install all available updates. You will need to enter your admin password.

3. What to do if the download is taking too long

If you're trying to download a new version of the operating system on release day, you could face long wait times as Apple's servers get overloaded. It's a smart idea to check Apple's System Status page for any known issues. 

If there are no known issues, check that your internet connection is stable and consider using an ethernet cable.

If your internet is working fine, try adjusting your content caching to reduce bandwidth usage and speed up installations. Here's how to do it for macOS Monterey and any older macOS version:

1. Select the Apple menu > System Preferences > Sharing. Or you can go directly to System Preferences > Sharing. 

2. Select Content Caching, and from the drop-down, select All Content.

3. Restart your Mac and try again.

For macOS Ventura, go to System Settings > General > Sharing and follow the steps above. 

Still no luck? Keep on reading. 

Tip: If software update is not showing on Mac, check out these tips to fix it.

4. Repair your hard drive with Disk Utility

If nothing of the above helped, try using a built-in utility to run checks and repair any existing issues with the hard drive and files. It is Disk Utility that can be of value here. Here's how to use it:

• From the Finder, go to Applications > Utilities and open Disk Utility. Alternatively, use the Spotlight search to find it or ask Siri to do it for you.
• From the sidebar, select Macintosh HD and click First Aid at the top of the screen.
• Click Run > Continue. 
• Once done, you will see a green check next to your hard drive. 
• Click Done, restart your Mac, and try updating macOS once again.

5. Disconnect from your Wi-FI

Turn your Wi-Fi on and off. Once it's connected, check for the macOS update again and press the upgrade button. Sometimes, a quick refresh of the connection can help. If not, skip to the next step. 

6. Try a combo update

A combo update contains everything needed to get your Mac to the latest version of macOS and can, in some cases, resolve faulty updates.

Go to Apple's support website to access the Combo updater, find the update you're looking for, and click Download. If this doesn't work, keep reading.

7. Try installing your update in safe mode

Occasionally, login items, launch agents, or corrupt extensions that load when your Mac starts up can cause issues when it comes to installing macOS updates. Luckily, you can start up in safe mode and try your update from there. The process will depend on the Mac model you use. 

Here's how to boot in safe mode for Intel-based Macs:

• Shut down your Mac and wait 10 seconds before turning it on again.
• As soon as your Mac starts up, press the Shift key.
• Release Shift when you see the Apple logo. 

For a Mac with Apple silicon, you can boot in safe mode by following these steps: 

• Shut down your Mac and wait 10 seconds.
• Press and hold the power button until the startup options window shows up.
• Select a startup disk.
• Press the Shift key and click Continue in Safe Mode.
• Release the Shift key.

Try your update again. If this doesn't help and you still can't update your macOS, keep reading. 

8. Try to reset your NVRAM

If safe mode didn't help, wiping your NVRAM could be the answer. NVRAM stands for non-volatile random-access memory and stores specific preferences and settings while your Mac is switched off. Some examples of settings include startup disk selection, display resolution, and kernel panic information.  

Occasionally, a logging error can cause issues. Luckily, wiping your NVRAM is super easy.

Here's how for an Intel Mac:

1. Restart your Mac and hold down Command + Option + P + R keys. 

2. Once your Mac reloads, try the update again. 

For a Mac with Apple silicon, no intervention on your side is needed. Mac computer will restart automatically should any problems with memory emerge. 

Should I reset SMC together with NVRAM when my Mac does not update? No, SMC controls hardware components, and so resetting it does not fix software issues. You can read more in this article from Apple on how to reset SMC.

If your issue is not with the download taking too long but your Mac update getting stuck, jump to the next step.

If your download starts but, after a while, freezes or gets stuck, there could be a few reasons why. Let's work through these tips to try and kick-start the download.

But first, make sure that it’s really stuck, not just taking long to install. Answer these questions: 

Has there been zero disk/fan activity for 3+ hours? 

• Is the screen completely unresponsive to keyboard/mouse? 

• Does Command+L (shortcut allowing you to view exactly which files are being installed in real time) show no log activity? 

• If YES to all three, follow the steps below.

9. Delete corrupted update files

If your Mac keeps failing to install an update, the problem might be corrupted or incomplete update files stuck on your system. These files can interrupt the installation process and cause errors.

You can remove them manually:

1. Open Finder.

2. Press Shift + Command + G to open Go to Folder.

3. Enter: /Library/Updates

4. Look for any partially downloaded or oddly sized files and move them to the Trash.

5. Empty the Trash and try running the update again.

Clearing these leftover files often helps the next update download and install without trouble.

10. Check admin permissions

macOS updates can only be installed by accounts with administrator rights. If you’re using a standard account, or if permissions were changed at some point, your Mac may block the update.

Here’s how to check your permissions:

1. Open System Settings.

2. Go to Users & Groups.

3. Select your account and look for the Admin label.

 

If you don’t have admin rights, you’ll need to switch to an administrator account or ask the admin user to grant your account permission. 

11. Restart in recovery mode and reinstall macOS

To boot your Intel Mac in recovery mode, hold down the Command + R during startup until the Apple logo appears.

For a Mac with Apple silicon, follow these steps: 

• When turning on your Mac, press and hold the Power button. 
• Keep it pressed until you see startup options. 
• Click the Gears icon (Options) and hit Continue.
• You may be asked to select a user and enter their administrator password. Follow on-screen instructions and press Next after any action you take.

Now, select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions.

When the reinstall is complete, your Mac will have replaced all of the system files, overwriting any troublesome ones that may have been causing issues with the software update. 

What to do when you keep getting install error messages?

If you manage to download your update but keep receiving an error message during installation, you're not alone. 

From the "An error has occurred during installation" message to "Not enough space," these warnings are enough to drive anyone crazy. So what can we do?

12. Install macOS from an external drive [pro users only]

You can create a bootable installer and install macOS from an external drive. It may work when other installation methods (System Settings, Terminal, recovery mode) fail. You will need a 16 GB+ USB drive and a macOS installer. 

For all detailed steps, check out this guide on how to create a bootable installer for macOS — it describes the process and lists the command you will need to run in Terminal. 

13. Perform a clean install

If no matter the amount of space you recover, you're still plagued with error messages about space, it's time to consider a clean install.

A clean install basically removes the current Mac operating system, Mac apps, and user files during the installation process, helping your operating system to perform faster and eradicate issues. 

If you're trying to update to macOS Ventura, we recommend this comprehensive how-to guide — the detailed manual to clean install macOS Ventura.

And here are a few other helpful guides: 

• How to clean install macOS Sonoma

• How to clean install macOS Sequoia

• How to clean install macOS Tahoe

Other update-related questions

Why does my Mac show a black screen after an update?

If a Mac is stuck on black screen or won’t boot after an update, it is because of an interrupted/corrupted update. Here are some solutions to try: 

• Hold the power button to force restart

• Boot into safe mode and then reboot normally

• Run Disk Utility First Aid from recovery mode

• Reinstall macOS

Why is there a flashing question mark on my Mac after an update?

Seeing a flashing question mark on the screen means that your Mac cannot find a startup disk. Here’s how to fix it: 

• Run First Aid from recovery mode

• If it does not help, reinstall macOS

• If still no luck, you’ll need to erase your Mac (you’ll lose all data)

Why did my Mac get stuck in a boot loop after updating?

It means that your Mac encounters a kernel panic — continuously reboots because of critical boot problems. Here’s what to do: 

• Wait for 10 minutes to see if it self-resolves 

• Force restart your MacBook 

• Boot into safe mode and then reboot normally

• Reinstall macOS from recovery mode

When NOT to update immediately

Keeping your Mac updated is important, but there are moments when it’s better to wait a bit.

• Your essential apps haven’t been updated yet.

If you rely on specific software for work, wait until the developers confirm full compatibility with the new macOS version. Updating too soon can break plugins or disrupt your workflow.

• Your Mac is already running low on storage or performance.

Major macOS updates need plenty of space and can be demanding on older machines. If your Mac already feels slow or cluttered, it’s better to clean it up and stabilize things before installing anything new.

• Early releases are showing widespread bugs.

The first version of a new macOS often comes with unexpected issues. If reports of crashes, battery drain, or app failures are popping up, give Apple time to fix things with a minor update (like 26.0 > 26.1).

• You’re in the middle of an important project.

If you’re on a deadline, it’s safer to wait until you’re done.

Did you know? Sometimes, Mac may become slow and sluggish after an update. If that is your case, check out this article on how to fix it.

There's nothing more frustrating when your Mac won't update, so hopefully, one of these tips was the magic ticket you needed to solve it.