You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

software update issues

My software update will not move past "checking for updates"... any ideas?

I am currently on macOS Big Sur 11.7. I believe the iMac is a late 2015.



iMac 21.5″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Jan 22, 2023 12:56 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 22, 2023 3:18 PM

I understand Software Update is "Checking for updates..." with no end in sight.


Several workarounds have been proposed, such as restarting your Mac in "Safe Mode" and checking for updates while in that mode, and / or resetting NVRAM. Try both.


How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


Related: Software Update stuck at "Checking for updates"… - Apple Community

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 22, 2023 3:18 PM in response to belle-10

I understand Software Update is "Checking for updates..." with no end in sight.


Several workarounds have been proposed, such as restarting your Mac in "Safe Mode" and checking for updates while in that mode, and / or resetting NVRAM. Try both.


How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


Related: Software Update stuck at "Checking for updates"… - Apple Community

Jan 23, 2023 7:49 AM in response to belle-10

Fall back position and only after used the suggestions from previous Contributor


Restart in Recovery Mode ( Command r ) at startup and choose Reinstall macOS


This should pulling the latest version of Big Sur 11.7.2 ( as of this writing ) and commence the installation.


This will not touch your preferences, setting, Application nor personal files.


Good idea for either of the methods suggested would to do a  Time Machine Backup Before attempting

software update issues

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.