How to Fix a macOS Update That Is Stuck

What Causes This?

A macOS update usually gets stuck because there is not enough free disk space, the update files are corrupted, or the internet connection dropped during download or install. It can also happen if the Mac is hanging on a background process, the startup disk has errors, or Apple’s update servers are slow or temporarily unavailable. In some cases, security software or connected peripherals can interfere with the update process.

Common Symptoms

• The progress bar stops moving for a long time
• The Mac stays on “Preparing update” or “Installing” for hours
• The update download keeps failing or restarting
• The Mac reboots repeatedly without finishing the update
• You see an error saying there is not enough storage space

How to Fix It Manually

1. Wait long enough to confirm it is actually stuck

   • Some macOS updates take much longer than expected, especially during Preparing update or after a restart.
   • If the screen has been frozen for more than 1 hour with no progress, move to the next step.
   • Keep the Mac plugged into power and connected to stable Wi-Fi.

2. Force restart the Mac

   • Press and hold the Power button until the Mac shuts down.
   • Wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
   • If the Mac starts normally, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update and try the update again.
   • On older versions of macOS, this may be under Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

3. Free up storage space

   • Open Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info > Storage Settings.
   • Make sure you have at least 20–30 GB of free space before retrying a major macOS update.
   • Remove large unused apps, empty the Trash, and delete old downloads or videos.
   • If you use iCloud, enable Optimize Mac Storage to free local space.

4. Delete the downloaded macOS update and download it again

   • Open Finder.
   • Go to Applications and look for an installer such as Install macOS Sonoma or similar.
   • Delete that installer if it is present.
   • Then open System Settings > General > Software Update and download the update again.

5. Start in Safe Mode and try the update

   • Apple silicon Mac: Shut down the Mac. Press and hold the Power button until Loading startup options appears. Select your startup disk, hold Shift, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
   • Intel Mac: Restart and immediately hold Shift until you see the login screen.
   • Once in Safe Mode, open Software Update and try installing again.
   • Safe Mode can prevent third-party software from interfering with the update.

6. Use Disk Utility to check the startup disk

   • Restart the Mac in macOS Recovery.
   • Apple silicon: Shut down, then hold the Power button until startup options appear, then choose Options > Continue.
   • Intel Mac: Restart and hold Command + R.
   • Open Disk Utility, select your startup disk, and click First Aid.
   • After the scan finishes, restart the Mac and try the update again.

7. Install the update from Recovery if normal update keeps failing

   • Boot into macOS Recovery again.
   • Choose Reinstall macOS and follow the prompts.
   • This reinstalls macOS without removing your personal files in most cases, but backing up first is still recommended.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If a macOS update is stuck because of low disk space, leftover update files, or system clutter, Kudu can help clean it up automatically. It can find large junk files, remove unnecessary temporary data, and make it easier to free the space needed for the update without digging through folders manually.

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