Mac Software Updates Will Not Install

How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later

Mac Software Updates Will Not Install Firefox

If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:

  1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
  2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
  3. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

My Mac Won't Update Software

Apr 25, 2018  I have noticed the past couple of updates to OSX High sierra have also taken an extremely long time to install. I also updated my wife's macbook Air (Mid 2011) today with the same security update and it took only about 5 minutes. My Mac runs fine in all other situations and is not slow in any way. Jun 22, 2018  Sometimes it’s the third party KEXT extensions that cause a lot of heartache during update/install of macOS. These KEXT Files get added to your Mac/MacBook when you are using third-party devices. If you are not sure about it, your best bet is to look and see what third-party extensions are currently there on your machine.

To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.

To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.

How to get updates for earlier macOS versions

If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:

Mac Software Updates Will Not Install
  1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.
  2. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
  3. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
  4. When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.

To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.


* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu  > Software Update.

How to get updates for iOS

Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.

Learn more

Mac Os Will Not Update

Mac Update Will Not Install

  • Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
  • Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
  • You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
  • Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.