What To Do When Your Mac Won’t Update To Latest Version

Most of the time updating your Mac to the latest version is a straightforward and easy task. However sometimes due to some reason or the other, the update is not initiated, which is irritating. Nowadays, the major reason behind “Mac won’t update” is the arrival of macOS Big Sur in November 2020. Since the date of release, numerous users have reported issues related to downloading, installing, and updating Mac. So, don’t worry you’re not alone in this.  Some troubleshooting fixes can be done to update your Mac to the latest version. This blog covers what to do when your Mac won’t update. So, let’s get started.

Also Read: Best Mac Cleaner Software To Optimize Your Mac in 2021

Reasons Behind Why You Can’t Update Mac to Latest Version

Check if you’re seeing the following warning messages on your screen while updating your Mac:

• The macOS installation couldn’t be completed.
• An error occurred while installing the selected updates.

Or check if you are experiencing stalling, freezing, or crashing while downloading your Mac:

• Your Mac is not compatible
• Bad Wi-Fi connection
• You don’t have enough disk space
• Issue with Apple servers

If you’re seeing the following messages, you will have to troubleshoot your Mac. read the below section to check fixes for “Mac won’t update”.

Check if your Mac is Compatible

Check if your Mac is compatible with the macOS Big Sur version, or if you’re trying to install it as a starting point.

To check your compatibility, visit Apple

Check if you have Space on your Mac

The most common error we make while updating our Mac is the spacing issue. If you don’t have enough space, your Mac won’t get updated to any latest version. macOS Big Sur requires 35.5 GB to be updated. To upgrade it, you should have 44.5 GB of available storage. To check available disk space on your Mac, follow:

1. Tap on the Apple Menu, go to About This Mac, and then go to Storage.
2. Wait till the bar loads properly and take an overview of available storage on your Mac.

You might face some space-related issues. To fix it, try to clear up space to update your Mac with the latest version.

The great news is that you don’t have to do it manually, now you can easily remove junk from your Mac with the help of a tool named CleanMyMac X instantly.

CleanMyMac X is free and comes with a module that helps in locating old files and quickly helps in selecting to remove them. To use CleanMyMac X on your Mac, follow:

Download CleanMyMac X

1. Download and launch CleanMyMac X on your Mac.

2. Click on Large & Old Files and click on Scan from the sidebar available on the left side.

3. Now, scroll down to the list and select the items you wish to delete, and click on the Remove button.

Also Read: CleanMyMac X Vs MacCleaner Pro – Mac Cleaners Go Head To Head

What to do when installation is taking too much time

Small fixes you can try are:

1. Check if your internet is working fine.

2. Try to connect with an Ethernet cable

3. Try to adjust your content cache for reducing bandwidth usage and speed up installation. To do it, follow:

• Click on the Apple Menu, go to System Preferences, and now click on Sharing.
• Click on Content Caching, and click on the drop-down and select All Content.
• Now, try to restart your Mac and try to install it again.

If this does not work, read the below section.

Try to install in Safe Mode

Sometimes some extensions or launch agents corrupt the working of your Mac and start causing issues while trying to install updates. To install updates in Safe Mode, follow:

• Shut down your Mac, wait for 10 seconds, and turn it on again.
• Whenever your Mac starts up again, press the Shift button.
• Release the button whenever the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Try resetting your NVRAM

If it is still not installed, you can wipe your Non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM). NVRAM stores specific preferences while your Mac is turned off. To reset NVRAM follow:

• Restart your Mac and press Cmd+Option+P+R Keys.
• Wait till your Mac reloads, now try to update your Mac again.

Disconnect your Wi-Fi

If this does not work, try to disconnect your Wi-Fi and connect it again. Go to the update window and press the upgrade button again.

Restart your Mac

If disconnecting and connecting your Wi-Fi does not work, try to restart your Mac.

Try Using Combo Update

If restarting your Mac does not work, try using Combo Update. Combo Update can help in resolving faulty updates as well. To do this,

Go to Apple’s support website for accessing the Combo Update, find the update, and click on Download. If this does not work, try to restart Mac in a Recovery Mode. To do it, follow:

• Hold keys Command + R during start and until the Apple Logo appears on the screen.
• Log in to the system and select Reinstall macOS.
• Now, keep following the on-screen instructions.

That’s all folks. I hope this blog helps you to fix the “Mac won’t update” issue on your Mac. For more such tech-related content, follow Tweak Library on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!

Recommended Readings:

CleanMyMac VS OnyX : Which is a better Mac Cleaner?

Best CleanMyMac Alternative to Clean Your Mac Device

How To Check Storage On Mac – Quick And Easy Ways