Updates often help in solving bugs and errors in the operating system. In MacOS, the process of downloading and installing them is quite simple.
However, you have landed here because your Mac is not updating and you are simply stuck. Do not worry as you are not alone and the issue is quite common. We are here to brief you on how to fix your Macbook update issue.
What Is In The Latest MacOS Update?
Apple released macOS Sonoma series version 14.5 in May 2024 with many promises. This update seriously changed things like increased system speed and responsiveness. Also, the update improved security as it included important patches to keep your system safe from potential threats.
But that is not all, macOS 14.5 also brought some cool system enhancements like better overall performance and new features that made using your Mac even more enjoyable and intuitive.
Let’s Talk About Why Your Mac Is Not Updating.
There Might Be A Network Problem.
You cannot update your MacOS with a poor or unstable internet connection, it simply won’t work like that. Therefore, you must check your Wifi and see whether it is working properly or not.
However, if your Wifi has a problem, try connecting to some other strong network or wait until your internet issue gets solved. Things might become easier.
There Could Be An Issue With The Apple Server.
If your internet connection is all good and you are still not able to update your device, the issue might be linked to the Apple Server. You can check the status of Apple Server on their official website because they have a dedicated page that shows the status of Apple Servers.
Your Storage Might Be Full.
Many people forget to go through their disk space and just get on with updating their operating system. It is an update, after all, that means it is going to occupy some space on your device.
For that reason, you should always check your storage space before updating. You can analyze your disk space by going to the ‘About This Mac’ option on Menu and choosing ‘Storage’.
Down below is a step-by-step way to analyze your storage –
- Select Apple Menu
- Go to About This Mac
- Choose Storage
On the storage tab, you will find all the categories of applications and even see large and small files separately that are hovering up space on your device and blocking the update.
When you discover all the files that are overstuffing your system, try deleting the ones that you do not require and clean up some space so that the update can run smoothly.
Tips To Delete Files On Your Macbook.
- Enable the ‘Empty Trash Automatically’ setting.
- Find unnecessary hidden files and delete them.
- Use Shredder tools to quickly delete unwanted and duplicate files.
- Permanently delete files that you no longer need. (Shortcut – Option + Command + Delete)
Your Mac Might Not Be Compatible With Sonoma 14.5.
Apple always puts out a list of Macs that are compatible with the latest update. However, the story is not always that straightforward because many users have complained about issues during the update even when their Mac’s name was there in the list. For example, M1 Mac and M1 Macbook Pro users were not able to update their OS.
In such a case, we recommend you approach directly to the main authorities or hire a professional person to get that issue solved.
You Might Not Have Installed Pending Updates.
If you have multiple updates waiting, it is better to start with the macOS updates first. That is because the latest macOS might need some of those other updates to be installed first.
However, if you keep putting off updates, your Mac will keep nudging you every few hours. Eventually, it may automatically install them after a certain time limit.
Therefore, even though you can go ahead with the macOS update without having done the other updates, it is always a better idea to handle them first to avoid any hiccups.
How Can You Solve Macbook Update Issue?
Firstly, Create A Backup.
It is always a good idea to have a backup before updating your Mac. Down below are some of the main reasons why you should do so –
- Danger of Losing Data
If you are familiar with update issues, then you might know that bad connections or software bugs could sometimes lead to data loss. In fact, many people have had issues like system crashes before updates which is seriously a big concern.
- You Can Recover Your Data
If you create a backup post-update and something unexpected happens during the update, you are on the safer side because you can bring back things to how they were earlier.
- Develop A Practice Of Having A Backup
It is quite a beneficial thing to regularly back up your data because that way you are free from the risk of losing anything, be it personal or professional. There is a built-in tool named Time Machine in every Mac that automatizes the backup process and allows users to recover files easily. So, you can do that as well if you are fed up with manually backing up your stuff.
If you want to learn more about how to create a backup, check out Macbook Repair Dubai.
Ensure Enough Storage Space On Your Device
We have talked about it earlier and even mentioned some tips that you can use to delete files on your Macbook. It is important to have space on your device otherwise your Mac simply won’t update and show an error or something. It is best to say goodbye to the stuff you no longer use. In fact, storage space also has an impact on the proper functioning of a Macbook.
There have been issues when people noticed slow performance mainly because their Mac was stuffed and there was no drive space left. Hence, having some Gigabytes free on your device is always a good thing.
Check Your Network
Many people have experienced very slow download speeds, with some taking hours to download just a small portion of the update. Additionally, network issues have been linked especially to wireless providers that offer lower bandwidths ranging from 15 to 23 Mbps. Hence, it is best to check your network and use a strong and stable internet connection so as to do things without any fuss.
Analyze Apple Servers
Just like any other new thing in the market, an Apple update faces loads of traffic all at the same time on its server. And even if your internet is working fine, you have enough disk space, and everything is smooth sailing, Apple Servers often face delays and overload whenever a new update is released. Hence, it is important to check its status and see if there are any issues.
Enter Into DFU Mode (Device Firmware Upgrade Mode)
A user was successfully able to solve the issue of updating to macOS Sonoma 14.5 by tapping into the Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode. He mentioned that he was facing various issues like download getting stuck at 65% followed by an error message, even though his internet connection was fine.
He said that he connected a second Mac running macOS 14 to the troublesome iMac Pro using a USB-C to USB-C cable. Keep in mind, that the cable was repurposed from the laptop’s power supply.
According to Apple, reviving the firmware needs a second Mac with macOS 14 and the right cable. So, this method helped him install around 700 MB of firmware updates with the use of the internet connection of the working Mac. Once the iMac was revived (not restored), the user was able to proceed with the update to macOS Sonoma 14.5.
Boot Into Safe Mode
This is another way to solve the update issue, though it does not fully guarantee the solution. Some people have said that booting into Safe Mode and trying to update their macOS helped them get through problems related to the update process. But, it is not 100% sure that everyone will be able to get past the problem.
Make Use Of Disk Utility
This is an in-built tool in macOS located in the ‘Utilities’ folder in the Application folder. It helps manage both internal and external storage devices, especially after an OS update.
After the Sonoma 14.5 update, people have faced issues with external drives disconnecting or not being recognized. Disk Utility can solve this problem by running First Aid to check for and repair errors on disks and volumes. If necessary, it can also reformat drives to help resolve these issues.
Use The Combo Update Method
You can go to Apple’s support site and find a combo update there. Basically, a combo update has all the necessary things to upgrade your Mac to the latest OS version and even fix things in some situations.
Reset The NVRAM
The NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) stores prudent settings related to your Mac’s hardware, hence when you reset it, any corrupted settings that may be causing problems like boot issues, display or sound problems, and wrong default settings will be cleared out.
The procedure to reset the NVRAM is down below –
- Shut down your Mac
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold – Option + Command + P + R keys (For 20 seconds).
- Leave after 20 seconds and let your Mac start.
You should keep in mind that Macs with Apple silicon (M-series) do not need NVRAM reset because the system in them manages things on its own. Also, you should always first backup your data before the reset.
Do A Clean Install
You can perform a clean install if you are facing any update issues because that can seriously help your Mac run better and more reliably. Basically, it removes old files and apps that might be slowing things down, fixes issues that updates cannot solve, and even clears out junk to free up space on your hard drive.
Make sure you consider going for a clean install only if your Mac is having problems that regular updates do not fix or if you want to start things fresh. Another time to opt for a clean install is when you plan to sell or give away your Mac because that will completely remove all your personal information in no time and without any fuss.
Difference Between Sonoma 14.5 Updating Issues And Downloading Issues
Causes Of Update Download Issues
- Slow internet connection and download speed
- Download errors like – ‘Update not found’ and ‘Forbidden’
- Having no storage space
Cause Of Sonoma 14.5 Updating Issues
- Sometimes installation gets stuck completely. At that time, restarting your Mac or booting in Safe Mode might solve the issue.
- Corrupted download files might also lead to updating issues.
Bottom Line
Sonoma 14.5 has been around for some time now and has received mixed reviews from different people. Some Mac users have experienced smoother and more stable system performance, whereas many complain about overheating, battery drain issues, and connectivity issues as well.
Moreover, there are online discussions where people say that they are disappointed with Sonoma 14.5. They assert that the previous update was much better and smoother for their Mac and there were not as many glitches in the previous update by Apple.
Hopefully, Apple will return with something very soon and cool down the rage that has built up in people.