Mac · Repair guide

How to fix a macOS update that's stuck

8 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Give the update several hours, ideally overnight, before doing anything. If the Apple logo and progress bar still haven't moved, hold the power button for up to 10 seconds to turn the Mac off, unplug accessories, and turn it back on.

What it means

A macOS update can look stuck when it's actually still working: the progress bar may move slowly or pause for a long time, and the Mac can restart several times. A real stall is usually caused by too little storage space, an unstable internet connection, an accessory or other software getting in the way, or a problem with the startup disk.

Common causes

  • The update is still working and just slow
  • Not enough free storage space
  • A slow or unstable internet connection
  • An accessory such as a hub or external drive interfering
  • Other software interfering with the installer
  • Errors on the startup disk

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Wait longer than you thinkEasy

  1. Leave the Mac alone. The progress bar can move slowly and pause for long periods, and the screen may go blank between restarts.
  2. Don't close a MacBook's lid or let the Mac sleep while it updates.
  3. Apple suggests starting big updates in the evening so they can run overnight; if yours is stuck during the day, give it a few hours before going further.

Why it helps: Most updates that look frozen are still installing, and interrupting one too early can cause more trouble.

02If it's stuck on the Apple logo, force it off and restartEasy

  1. Press and hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until the Mac turns off. On a MacBook with Touch ID, hold Touch ID.
  2. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn it on.
  3. Give it time to start up and carry on with the update.

Why it helps: A fresh start can get past a one-time hang during startup.

03Unplug accessories and try againEasy

  1. If it's still stuck, hold the power button again until the Mac turns off.
  2. Unplug printers, external drives, USB hubs and other accessories, including their cables.
  3. Turn the Mac back on.

Why it helps: An accessory can stop a Mac from starting up or finishing an update.

04If it's stuck downloading or shows an error, check space and internetEasy

  1. Open System Settings > General > Storage and free up space if the disk is nearly full. Delete old files in Downloads and empty the Trash.
  2. Make sure the Mac has a steady internet connection. Move closer to the router or use an Ethernet cable if you can.
  3. Go back to System Settings > General > Software Update and click Check for Updates, then try again.
  4. On older macOS, use System Preferences > Software Update.

Why it helps: The installer needs free space and a stable connection to download macOS and firmware for your Mac.

05Install the update in safe modeMedium

  1. Apple silicon Mac: shut down, press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears, select your startup disk, then hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode.
  2. Intel Mac: turn it on and right away press and hold Shift until the login window appears.
  3. Log in (you may need to log in twice). Safe Boot appears in red at the top right of the login window.
  4. Open System Settings > General > Software Update and install the update.
  5. When it's done, choose Apple menu > Restart to leave safe mode.

Why it helps: Safe mode keeps other software from interfering and clears some system caches that can block an install.

06Repair the startup disk in macOS RecoveryMedium

  1. Apple silicon Mac: shut down, press and hold the power button until you see Loading startup options. Click Options, then Continue.
  2. Intel Mac: press the power button, then right away press and hold Command-R until you see an Apple logo or spinning globe.
  3. If asked, choose your disk and enter the password of a user on the Mac.
  4. Select Disk Utility and click Continue. Choose View > Show All Devices.
  5. Select the last volume under your startup disk, click First Aid, then Run. Then select the item above it and repeat, working up to the disk itself.
  6. Choose Apple menu > Restart when done.

Why it helps: Disk errors can stop an update from finishing, and First Aid can fix many of them.

07Reinstall macOS from RecoveryAdvancedBack up first

  1. Apple says reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your apps or personal files, but it still recommends a backup first. This is not the same as erasing your Mac.
  2. Start up from macOS Recovery as in the previous fix.
  3. Select the option to reinstall macOS, click Continue and follow the onscreen steps.
  4. If asked to choose between Macintosh HD and Macintosh HD - Data, choose Macintosh HD.
  5. Don't close the lid or let the Mac sleep. It may restart and show a progress bar several times.
  6. Recovery needs a working internet connection. Some hotel or office Wi-Fi networks that need a sign-in page won't work.

Why it helps: Installing from Recovery keeps other software out of the way and replaces damaged system files.

08If nothing else works, erase your Mac and start freshAdvancedBack up first

  1. Warning: this erases all your files, apps and settings and signs you out of Apple services. Only macOS itself stays. Only continue if you have a full backup or nothing on the Mac you need.
  2. If your Mac starts up, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General, then Transfer or Reset, and click Erase All Content and Settings. This works on Macs with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip running macOS Monterey or later.
  3. Enter your Mac login password, then your Apple Account password when asked, and click Erase All Content & Settings to confirm.
  4. When the Mac restarts, set it up and restore your files from your backup.
  5. If the Mac can't start or doesn't offer this option, contact Apple Support rather than erasing the disk yourself.

Why it helps: Erasing gives macOS a clean start when an install keeps failing, at the cost of everything on the Mac.

Check it's fixed

  • The Mac starts to the login window or desktop normally.
  • System Settings > General > Software Update says your Mac is up to date.
  • Apple menu > System Settings > General > About shows the new macOS version.

When to get help

If the update still fails after repairing the disk and reinstalling from Recovery, contact Apple Support. Macs with Apple silicon or a T2 chip may, in rare cases, need their firmware revived or restored, which Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider can do.

Questions

How long should a macOS update take?

Apple doesn't give a fixed time. The progress bar can move slowly and pause for long stretches, which is why Apple suggests starting updates in the evening so they can finish overnight.

Is it safe to turn off my Mac during an update?

Only if it's truly stuck for hours. Turning it off too early can interrupt the install, but holding the power button is the step Apple gives when a Mac won't get past the Apple logo or progress bar.

Will reinstalling macOS delete my files?

Apple says reinstalling macOS from Recovery doesn't remove your apps or personal data. Erasing your Mac is different and removes everything.

Why don't I see the newest macOS in Software Update?

Software Update only offers versions that work on your Mac model. If your Mac is too old for the newest macOS, it won't appear.

Related fixes

How to fix a Mac stuck on the Apple logoIf a macOS update is installing, give it time, even overnight. Otherwise, hold the power button for up to 10 seconds to turn the Mac off, unHow to stop the spinning wheel on a MacPress Option-Command-Esc, select the app that isn't responding and click Force Quit. If the wheel keeps coming back, restart the Mac, fHow to fix a Mac that's running slowQuit apps you aren't using and restart the Mac, then open System Settings > General > Storage and free up space using the recommeHow to fix a MacBook that won't turn onPlug the Mac into a working outlet with its own charger and give a fully drained MacBook up to 20 minutes to charge, then hold the power butHow to fix Windows Update not installingRestart the PC, make sure you have at least 20 GB of free space, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter from the Get Help app or Setting

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Sources