Introduction

macOS update installation errors can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to get the latest features or security patches. From cryptic error messages to unexpected restarts during installation, these issues can prevent your Mac from successfully updating to the latest version of macOS.

A typical macOS update installation error message

This comprehensive guide covers the most common macOS update installation errors and provides step-by-step solutions to resolve them. Whether you're seeing a specific error code, experiencing installation failures, or dealing with an update that won't complete, we've got you covered.

Common Installation Errors & Codes

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the common error types and codes you might encounter during a macOS update:

Error Type/Code	Description	Common Causes
"An error occurred installing macOS"	Generic error message	Multiple possible causes
"Installation Failed"	Update couldn't complete	Disk issues, insufficient space
"The installer payload failed signature verification"	Downloaded package may be corrupted	Network issues, interrupted download
"The update couldn't be verified"	Update file verification failed	Corrupted download, security settings
Error Code -1008F	Network connection issue	Poor internet connection, server issues
Error Code -2002F	File system issues	Disk problems, permissions issues
Error Code -1	Generic installation failure	Multiple possible causes
Error Code 8 or -108	Insufficient storage space	Not enough free disk space

Preparation Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into specific solutions, here are critical preparation steps to take:

Preparation Checklist

Back up your data: Always create a Time Machine backup or other full system backup before attempting any fixes
Check compatibility: Verify your Mac model is compatible with the macOS version you're trying to install
Check system requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum RAM and storage requirements
Connect to power: Make sure your Mac is connected to a power source
Stable internet: Use a reliable, fast internet connection (preferably wired)
Time available: Some solutions might take 1-2 hours to complete

Solution 1: Free Up Storage Space

Insufficient storage space is one of the most common causes of installation failures. macOS updates require significant free space both for the download and for the installation process.

How much space do you need?

For minor updates: At least 10GB of free space
For major version upgrades: At least 20GB of free space is recommended
For optimal performance: Having 25-30GB free is ideal

How to check your available space:

Click the Apple menu (🍎) in the top-left corner
Select "About This Mac"
Click on the "Storage" tab
Review your available storage space

How to free up space quickly:

Click the Apple menu (🍎) > About This Mac > Storage > Manage
Use the built-in recommendations:
- Store in iCloud: Move files to iCloud
- Optimize Storage: Remove watched iTunes/TV app movies and shows
- Empty Trash Automatically: Enable automatic trash emptying
- Reduce Clutter: Find and delete large files
Additional space-saving tips:
- Delete large unused applications
- Remove old iOS backups in Finder/iTunes
- Clear browser caches
- Empty the Downloads folder
- Delete old mail attachments

Tip: After freeing up space, restart your Mac before attempting the update installation again. This ensures all cleared resources are properly released.

Solution 2: Reset Software Update Catalog

Sometimes the software update catalog can become corrupted, causing installation errors. Resetting it can solve many update-related problems.

Clear Software Update cache files:

Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
Enter the following commands (press Return after each):

sudo rm -rf /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate.plist
sudo rm -rf /Library/Preferences/com.apple.commerce.plist
sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/softwareupdate/

You'll need to enter your administrator password when prompted. The password won't be visible as you type.

Reset the update catalog:

In Terminal, enter this command and press Return:

sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog

Restart and try again:

Restart your Mac
After restarting, go to System Settings > General > Software Update (or System Preferences > Software Update in older versions)
Your Mac should now check for updates with a fresh catalog
Click "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now" to try installing the update again

Solution 3: Safe Mode Installation

Installing updates in Safe Mode can bypass software conflicts that might be preventing successful installation.

Start in Safe Mode (Intel Macs):

Shut down your Mac
Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key
Release the Shift key when you see the login screen
You might need to log in twice
You should see "Safe Boot" in the top-right corner of the screen

Start in Safe Mode (Apple Silicon Macs):

Shut down your Mac
Press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options"
Select your startup disk
Press and hold the Shift key while clicking "Continue in Safe Mode"
Release the Shift key
Log in to your Mac

Install the update in Safe Mode:

Once in Safe Mode, open System Settings > General > Software Update (or System Preferences > Software Update)
Click "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now"
Follow the installation instructions

Note: Safe Mode temporarily disables third-party extensions, launch items, and some system services that might be interfering with the update process. Updates might take longer to install in Safe Mode.

Solution 4: Repair Disk Permissions and Errors

File system and permission issues can cause update installations to fail. Using Disk Utility to verify and repair your disk can resolve these problems.

Use Disk Utility to check your disk:

Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility)
In the sidebar, select your startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD")
Click the "First Aid" button in the toolbar
Click "Run" to verify and repair the disk
Wait for the process to complete (it may take some time)
If errors are found, follow the prompts to repair them

For more serious issues, use Recovery Mode:

Restart your Mac and hold down one of these key combinations:
- Intel Macs: Command (⌘) + R
- Apple Silicon Macs: Press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options", then select "Options"
Select "Disk Utility" from the utilities window
Select your startup disk
Click "First Aid" and then "Run"
After repairs are complete, restart your Mac normally
Try the update installation again

Solution 5: Use Terminal to Download Updates

When the normal update process fails, using Terminal commands can provide a more reliable way to download and install updates.

Check for available updates:

Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
Type the following command and press Return:

softwareupdate --list

This will show all available updates for your Mac.

Download and install all updates:

To install all recommended updates, enter:

sudo softwareupdate --install --recommended

Install a specific update:

From the list of available updates, note the exact name of the update you want to install
Enter this command, replacing [UPDATE-NAME] with the exact name:

sudo softwareupdate --install "[UPDATE-NAME]"

Download only (without installing):

If you want to download an update but install it later:

sudo softwareupdate --download "[UPDATE-NAME]"

Warning: For major macOS upgrades (like going from Ventura to Sonoma), the softwareupdate command may not work. You'll need to use a bootable installer for major version upgrades.

Solution 6: Use a Bootable Installer

When all other methods fail, creating and using a bootable installer is the most reliable way to update or upgrade macOS.

Create a bootable installer:

Follow our detailed guide: How to Create a Bootable macOS USB Installer

Install macOS from the bootable installer:

Connect your bootable installer USB drive to your Mac
Restart your Mac while holding the appropriate key:
- Intel Macs: Hold the Option (⌥) key during startup
- Apple Silicon Macs: Press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears
Select your bootable installer from the startup options
Once booted from the installer, select "Install macOS [Version]"
Follow the on-screen instructions
When prompted to select a disk, choose your main drive
Important: Select the option to install/upgrade without erasing your disk to preserve your data (unless you specifically want a clean install)

Tip: The bootable installer method bypasses many of the issues that can occur with the normal update process. It's especially useful for major version upgrades or when your current system is experiencing problems.

Fixing Specific Error Codes

Some error codes require specific solutions. Here are fixes for the most common error codes:

Check your internet connection - try a different network if possible
Reset your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds
Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible
Try downloading during off-peak hours when Apple's servers might be less busy
Reset your Mac's network settings:
1. Go to System Settings > Network
2. Click the menu button (three dots) and select "Remove Location"
3. Create a new location and set up your connection again

Run Disk Utility First Aid as described in Solution 4
Reset NVRAM/PRAM:
- Shut down your Mac
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R
- Hold for about 20 seconds
- Release when you hear the startup sound a second time or see the Apple logo appear and disappear for the second time
Reset SMC (System Management Controller) - Intel Macs only:
- For laptops with non-removable battery: Shut down > Press Shift+Control+Option+Power button for 10 seconds > Release > Press power button
- For desktops: Shut down > Unplug power cord > Wait 15 seconds > Plug back in > Wait 5 seconds > Press power button

Follow Solution 1 to free up storage space
After freeing up space, restart your Mac
Reset the update catalog as described in Solution 2
If you still can't free enough space, consider using a bootable installer

Reset the update catalog as described in Solution 2
Check your date and time settings:
- Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time
- Enable "Set automatically"
Check your security settings:
- Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security
- Under "Security," ensure "App Store and identified developers" is selected
Try downloading the update using Terminal as described in Solution 5
As a last resort, use a bootable installer

Preventing Future Update Errors

To minimize the chances of encountering installation errors in the future, follow these best practices:

Before every update:

Create a backup: Always make a Time Machine backup before updating
Free up space: Ensure you have at least 20GB of free storage space
Check compatibility: Verify your Mac is compatible with the update
Update apps: Update your applications before updating macOS
Disconnect peripherals: Remove external drives and devices except keyboard, mouse, and power
Use a wired connection: Connect to the internet via Ethernet if possible
Maintain your Mac: Regularly use Disk Utility's First Aid feature to check for and fix disk issues
Choose the right time: Avoid updating during peak hours when Apple's servers might be overloaded
Disable antivirus temporarily: Some security software can interfere with updates
Close all applications: Ensure no apps are running when you start the update

Tip: For major macOS version upgrades, consider having a bootable installer ready before you start. This gives you an alternative installation method if the standard update process encounters problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to force restart my Mac if an update is stuck?

It depends on the stage of the update:

If stuck on "Preparing to Update" — Generally safe to force restart
If stuck on "Installing on Macintosh HD" with a progress bar — Risky to force restart; wait at least 4-6 hours before considering it stuck
If stuck on a black screen with Apple logo and progress bar — Avoid force restarting if possible; wait several hours

If you must force restart, hold the power button for 10 seconds. Be aware this could potentially lead to data loss or a corrupted system if done during critical installation phases.

Will I lose my data if I use a bootable installer?

Not if you choose the right option. When using a bootable installer, you'll be presented with options to:

Upgrade macOS (keeps all your data and applications)
Clean install (erases everything)

If you select "Upgrade macOS" or "Install macOS" (without erasing), your data will be preserved. However, it's still critical to have a complete backup before proceeding, as unexpected issues can always occur.

My Mac doesn't meet the requirements for the latest macOS. Can I force it to update?

Apple restricts macOS updates to compatible hardware for good reasons. Unsupported Macs may lack the necessary hardware capabilities or may experience poor performance with newer OS versions.

While there are unofficial patchers available online that claim to enable installation on unsupported Macs, we don't recommend using them for several reasons:

Stability issues and frequent crashes
Security vulnerabilities
Poor performance
Risk of data loss
No official support for problems

Instead, keep your current macOS version updated with security patches as long as Apple supports it, or consider upgrading to a newer Mac model.

How long should an update take? When should I worry?

Update times vary greatly depending on your Mac's specs, internet speed, and the size of the update:

Minor updates on newer Macs with SSDs: 20-40 minutes
Major updates on newer Macs: 30-60 minutes
Major updates on older Macs or those with hard drives: 1-3 hours

You should start to worry if:

There's no visible progress for more than 3 hours
Your Mac restarts repeatedly without completing the update
You see the same error message multiple times after retrying

Is it better to do a clean install or an upgrade?

Both methods have their advantages:

Upgrade (standard update):
- Keeps all your data, applications, and settings
- Faster and more convenient
- No need to reinstall applications
Clean install:
- Provides a fresh start without accumulated system clutter
- Can resolve long-standing performance issues
- Generally more stable and faster performance
- Eliminates issues that might have carried over from previous updates

For most users, the standard upgrade process is fine. Consider a clean install if your Mac has been experiencing persistent issues or if you've been upgrading through multiple macOS versions without ever doing a clean install.

For more details, see our guide: macOS: Upgrade vs. Clean Install

How to Fix macOS Update Installation Errors

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