A macOS update can appear stuck on Preparing for several minutes—or sometimes much longer—before installation begins. Usually, the Mac is checking the installer, preparing storage, or verifying system files. If the progress does not change for a long time, however, a failed download, low storage, network problem, or background process may be preventing the update from continuing.
This guide explains how to safely fix a Mac update stuck on Preparing, starting with the least disruptive solutions.
Quick Answer
Wait at least 30 minutes if the progress bar is still moving or the Mac is working. If nothing changes, connect the Mac to power, close open apps, and restart it normally. Then check available storage and download the update again from System Settings > General > Software Update.
If the problem returns, start in Safe Mode and retry the update. You can also remove the incomplete installer from the Applications folder and download it again. Back up important files before retrying, especially if the update has already started installing.
Before You Start
Keep the Mac connected to its power adapter during the entire update. A laptop may pause or fail if its battery becomes critically low.
Also check these conditions:
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Make sure the Mac is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Disconnect unnecessary external drives, hubs, and accessories.
- Keep the Mac connected to the internet while the update downloads and prepares.
- Confirm that you have enough free storage.
- Do not repeatedly force the Mac to shut down while the progress bar is actively moving.
If you have not backed up recently, create a backup before trying more advanced steps. An update normally preserves your files, but a backup protects you if the Mac encounters a startup or storage problem.
1. Wait and Check Whether the Mac Is Actually Working
The Preparing stage can take longer than expected, particularly when the update is large, the Mac has limited free storage, or the system is verifying many files.
Look for signs of activity:
- The progress bar moves occasionally.
- The Mac’s fans turn on or change speed.
- The system responds when you move the pointer.
- The display does not show an error message.
- The Mac eventually advances to a restart or installation screen.
If the screen has remained completely unchanged for about 30 minutes and the Mac does not respond normally, continue with the next steps. Avoid judging the process only by the percentage shown; macOS may spend a long time at one point on the progress bar.
2. Close Apps and Restart the Mac Normally
An open app, background process, or temporary system error can interfere with an update.
- If possible, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
- Choose Restart.
- If macOS asks whether to reopen windows, clear Reopen windows when logging back in when available.
- Wait for the Mac to start again.
- Open System Settings.
- Select General, then Software Update.
- Try the update again.
If the Mac is completely unresponsive
Use a forced shutdown only when the Mac does not respond to normal commands and the update has clearly stopped.
- Press and hold the Mac’s power button until it turns off.
- Wait several seconds.
- Press the power button again to start the Mac.
- After signing in, retry the update from System Settings > General > Software Update.
Warning: A forced shutdown can cause unsaved work to be lost and is not recommended while the Mac is actively installing firmware or showing a restart or installation screen. Use it only when the system is frozen.
3. Check Your Internet Connection
A macOS update may download successfully but fail while macOS verifies or prepares it. An unstable connection can leave the update in a repeated Preparing state.
Try these basic checks:
- Open Safari and load a few different websites.
- If pages do not load, reconnect to Wi-Fi from Control Center in the menu bar.
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router if the signal is weak.
- Restart your router if other devices are also having connection problems.
- Temporarily disconnect from a VPN, if one is active.
- Retry the update.
Do not use a public or heavily congested network if you have another reliable option. Avoid switching networks while the update is downloading or preparing.
4. Free Up Storage Space
macOS needs more space than the update’s displayed download size. It may need temporary room to unpack the installer, verify files, and create working copies of system data.
To check storage:
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose System Settings.
- Click General.
- Select Storage.
Review the recommendations and remove files you no longer need. Large videos, old downloads, unused apps, and items in the Trash are common sources of unnecessary storage use.
Empty the Trash after deleting files if you need the space immediately. Do not delete folders or files from system locations simply because they appear large. If an external drive contains your files, you can move personal data there only after confirming that the files copied correctly.
After freeing space, restart the Mac and try Software Update again.
5. Remove an Incomplete macOS Installer
A damaged or incomplete installer can cause macOS to remain on Preparing. If the installer was downloaded as an app, it may appear in the Applications folder.
- Open Finder.
- Click Applications in the sidebar.
- Look for an app named Install macOS [version name].
- If it is present and you are not currently in the middle of installation, move it to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash if macOS allows you to do so.
- Restart the Mac.
- Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Download the update again.
Warning: Do not remove the installer if the Mac has already restarted and is displaying an installation progress screen. Removing files during installation could interrupt the process. This step is for an update that is stuck before installation begins.
If macOS reports that the installer is in use, restart first and try again. You may also need to sign out of another user account that has the installer open.
6. Install the Update in Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts macOS with only the components needed for basic operation. It can prevent third-party login items, extensions, and background utilities from interfering with the update.
Start a Mac with Apple silicon in Safe Mode
- Shut down the Mac.
- Press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears.
- Select a startup volume.
- Hold the Shift key.
- Click Continue in Safe Mode.
- Sign in when prompted.
- Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Try the update again.
Start an Intel-based Mac in Safe Mode
- Shut down the Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key when the login window appears.
- Sign in.
- Open Software Update and retry the update.
A Safe Mode startup may look different from a normal startup, and some features may be temporarily unavailable. Restart normally after the update finishes.
7. Disconnect External Devices and Security Utilities
Some external devices and third-party utilities can interfere with downloading, disk access, or restarting.
Before trying again, disconnect:
- External storage drives
- USB hubs and docks
- Printers and scanners
- Nonessential adapters
- Audio and video accessories
Leave the keyboard, mouse, display, and power connection attached as needed. If you use third-party antivirus, disk-cleaning, firewall, or system-monitoring software, temporarily pause it according to the app’s instructions. Re-enable it after the update completes.
Warning: Do not uninstall security software unless its documentation specifically requires it. Pausing protection changes your Mac’s security behavior, so avoid browsing or downloading files until protection is enabled again.
8. Reset the Update Attempt With Terminal
Most users do not need Terminal. However, if the update repeatedly remains on Preparing and the installer app is not visible, you can clear macOS’s software-update download cache and ask the system to check again.
First, save your work and close System Settings. Then open Terminal from Applications > Utilities and run:
sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog
sudo softwareupdate --list
Enter your administrator password when prompted. The password will not appear on screen while you type it.
The first command clears the software-update catalog information used by the Mac. The second asks macOS to check for available updates again. Depending on the macOS version and update source, the catalog command may have little or no visible effect; that is normal.
You can then return to System Settings > General > Software Update and try again.
Reversal and limitations
These commands do not delete personal files or installed apps. There is no separate “undo” command needed: macOS refreshes its update information the next time it checks for updates. If Terminal reports an error, stop there and use the graphical Software Update controls instead.
Do not run random commands found online that delete system folders or modify permissions. Those changes can create additional startup and update problems.
9. Check for Disk Errors With Disk Utility
If the Mac has storage errors, macOS may fail while preparing or verifying the update.
- Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
- In the menu bar, choose View > Show All Devices.
- Select the internal startup volume in the sidebar.
- Click First Aid.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Repeat First Aid for the relevant volume or container if Disk Utility recommends it.
Warning: First Aid checks and repairs disk structures, but it is not a substitute for a backup. Do not erase a disk or choose Erase unless you intentionally plan to remove its contents.
If Disk Utility reports that it cannot repair the disk, stop troubleshooting the update and back up important files. A failing internal drive may need professional service.
Troubleshooting
The progress bar moves, but very slowly
Leave the Mac connected to power and wait. Slow progress is not necessarily a failure. Do not force a shutdown simply because the percentage remains unchanged for several minutes.
Software Update says there is not enough storage
Remove large personal files, uninstall apps you no longer use, and empty the Trash. Restart afterward so macOS can recalculate available space.
The Mac restarts but returns to the same update
Start in Safe Mode and retry. If the cycle continues, shut down and disconnect nonessential accessories. If you can sign in normally, check System Settings > General > Software Update for an error message.
The Mac will not start after the forced shutdown
Wait a few minutes and try again. If startup still fails, use macOS Recovery to run Disk Utility First Aid and investigate startup options. Do not erase the Mac unless you have a backup and understand that erasing removes its data.
The update is no longer listed
Restart the Mac, reconnect to a reliable network, and open System Settings > General > Software Update again. An update may disappear temporarily if the previous download was removed or if Apple’s update service is unavailable.
The problem happens with every update
The cause may be persistent storage errors, a damaged user environment, third-party software, or an issue with the Mac’s startup disk. Test the update in Safe Mode and review any error message carefully. If the issue remains, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider with the exact macOS version and error details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should macOS stay on Preparing?
There is no single fixed time. A few minutes is common, while larger updates or Macs with limited storage may take longer. If the screen has not changed for roughly 30 minutes and the Mac is unresponsive, begin troubleshooting.
Can I turn off my Mac when an update is stuck on Preparing?
If the Mac is only preparing the update and still responds, use Apple menu > Restart. If it is completely frozen, hold the power button to force a shutdown as a last resort. Never interrupt a clearly active installation or firmware update unless the Mac has become unresponsive for an extended period.
Will I lose my files if I restart?
A normal restart should not delete personal files, but unsaved work may be lost. A forced shutdown carries a greater risk of losing unsaved data or causing file-system problems, which is why it should be used only when necessary.
Does Safe Mode delete anything?
No. Safe Mode changes how macOS starts and temporarily disables some software and features. Restart normally afterward to return to the usual startup mode.
Should I delete the macOS installer?
Only delete an installer app when the update is stuck before installation begins and the installer is clearly incomplete or damaged. Do not remove files while macOS is actively installing an update.
Final Thoughts
A macOS update stuck on Preparing is often resolved by waiting longer, restarting normally, checking storage, or downloading the installer again. If those steps do not help, Safe Mode, external-device removal, and Disk Utility can identify common causes without immediately risking your data. Keep the Mac connected to power, back up important files, and avoid forced shutdowns while installation is actively running.