Fixed: MacOS Stuck on Checking for Updates

Are you finding problems while updating your Mac to the latest macOS version? Well, many users have reported the same issue. Whenever they try the update by clicking Update Now or Upgrade Now, macOS stuck on checking for updates, and an error message appears.

There are so many reasons that lead to this issue. And each of them requires a different solution. For example, a temporary SMC bug is removed by resetting it.

What Causes Checking for Updates Error?

The MacBook Software Update may not work for a number of reasons:

• Internet connection problems.
• Outage on Apple’s servers.
• Insufficient Mac storage.
• NVRAM or SMC bugs.
• Current OS-related errors.

Once you understand the potential reasons why Mac updates get stuck, you can move on to implementing solutions to resolve the issue. Applying these fixes one at a time allows you to successfully update your Mac without encountering any errors.

How to fix the Mac checking for updates stuck?

1. Check Your Internet Connectivity

Slow internet speed can prevent your Mac from connecting to the updated server, and users might experience frequent Mac disconnects from WiFi. Therefore, it is important to check your internet connection and try resetting your network settings. Another troubleshooting step is disconnecting and reconnecting the router’s power cable.

• To reset network settings, select “System Preferences.”
• Now, choose “Network” and then your Wi-Fi connection.
• Tap the “minus (-) symbol” under the list of connections.
• Click “Apply” and the “plus” symbol.
• Again add your Wi-Fi connection and tap “Apply.” 

2. Free Up Mac Storage

MacOS Ventura requires at least 12GB of free storage space on Mac. You will need an extra 2GB of space for a successful and complete installation. So, be sure you have sufficient storage space on your Mac startup disk.

• To check “storage” space on your Mac:
• Hit the “Apple” logo and select “About this Mac“ from the dropdown menu.
• Choose the “Storage” tab and wait for about a second.

You will receive information on the space used, available, and total. If needed, consider transferring some files to external storage. In some instances, you may have to uninstall specific applications. If you’re unsure how to do so, the video below provides instructions.

3. Update in Safe Mode

Another way to fix macOS stuck on checking for updates is to update in Safe Mode. Boot your Mac into Safe Mode and install the macOS update.

To boot an Intel-based Mac:

• Turn it off and wait 10 seconds.
• Restart your Mac and hold the “Shift key” simultaneously.
• Release the key once you get the login window.

To boot Apple M1 Mac in Safe Mode:

• Turn off your device.
• Tap the “power” button until you get the Options gear icon.
• Select the startup disk and hold “Shift.”
• Tap Continue and then release the key. Now, check for updates.

4. Update via Terminal

If nothing works, update macOS using Terminal. It bypasses bugs to do macOS update installation easily.

To update Macos Via Terminal;

• Click “Utilities” in the Applications
• Open the Terminal app. Type the “software update -l “command and press “Return/Enter.”

• Type your “password” and again tap “Enter/Return.”
• Use the software update -i‘ NAME’ command to download and install an update.
• Put your specific update in place of “NAME” in a command.
• It will automatically begin downloading and installing the selected update.

5. Examine Apple Update Server

Alongside the above methods, you can try to restart your Mac. For this, tap on Apple Menu and then click Restart. Inspect your Apple’s update servers if the error message still appears on the screen. Check if Apple servers are experiencing any issues.

For examination, you have to access Apple’s System Support page. Check whether the update is still available by clicking macOS Software Update. If there is something wrong with the servers, you must wait until the issue gets resolved.

6. Disable FileVault Feature

FileVault is a security feature on Mac that prevents unauthorized access to data on the startup disk. Sometimes, this feature creates a problem in Apple’s updates. It is due to enter into a loop while enforcing encryption to the updated OS.

So, disable this feature by choosing the Apple logo. Click Security and Privacy in System Preferences. Then, click on FileVault. Disable it by selecting the Turn Off FileVault option. You can enable this feature again after completing the fixed update.  

Conclusion

Completing the installation process of the new macOS upgrade usually takes some time. However, if you are stuck on checking for updates screen for a long time, implement these troubleshooting methods.

Before fixing the macOS update stuck error, don’t forget to back up your macOS to keep essential data. It will help recover the data lost due to mishaps such as system crashes. After trying any tips to check if everything works perfectly, ensure you restart your Mac.

FAQs