Updating your Mac’s operating system (OS) is necessary for ensuring that you have access to the latest features and security fixes. However, sometimes the updating process can encounter glitches that result in your Mac getting stuck. When this happens, it can be frustrating and disruptive to your work. Fortunately, there are several fixes you can try to get your Mac unstuck and back to working normally.

Force restart your Mac

The first solution to try is to force your Mac to restart. Press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Then wait a few seconds before pressing the power button again to turn your Mac back on. This action will interrupt the update process, but it will also likely cause the system to revert to its previous version. After the restart, try installing the update again.

Disconnect unnecessary peripherals

If you have any peripheral devices connected to your Mac, try disconnecting them before attempting the update process. Some peripherals may interfere with the update process, causing it to stall or fail. Disconnecting your printer, scanner, external hard drive, and any other device could help the update process complete without any issues.

Check your internet connection

An unstable internet connection can also cause the update process to fail or become stuck. If you suspect that your internet connection is the culprit, try restarting your modem and router. Check your internet speed to ensure that your connection is stable and fast enough to support the update.

Free up disk space

Another common issue that can cause your Mac to get stuck during updates is a lack of disk space. If your Mac’s hard drive is nearly full, you may encounter problems with updating your OS. Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files and applications. Move large files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service to free up space.

Use Safe Mode

Booting your Mac in Safe Mode can also help to solve problems with stuck updates. To enter Safe mode, restart your Mac and hold down the Shift key. Once your Mac has booted up in Safe Mode, try running the update again.

Reset your NVRAM or PRAM

If none of the above fixes work, you can try resetting your Mac’s NVRAM or PRAM. These are small amounts of memory that help your Mac store information such as certain settings and preferences. To reset them, restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Command, Option, P, and R keys together. Release the keys when you hear the startup sound. Your Mac should then start up normally.