A macOS update that remains stuck on “Downloading” is usually caused by a slow or interrupted internet connection, Apple server congestion, insufficient storage, or a temporary software problem. Start by checking your connection and available storage, then restart your Mac and try the update again. If it still will not move, remove the incomplete download and retry in Safe Mode or from macOS Recovery.
Quick Answer
Before trying advanced fixes:
- Make sure your Mac is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. 2. Check that the Mac has enough free storage for the update and temporary installation files. 3. Wait a little longer if the download is progressing slowly rather than completely stopped. 4.
Why a macOS Update Gets Stuck on Downloading
Several issues can prevent macOS from completing an update download:
- An unstable or slow internet connection
- A VPN, proxy, firewall, or content filter interfering with Apple’s update servers
- Temporary congestion or an outage affecting Apple services
- Not enough available storage
- An incomplete or corrupted update package
- A problem with Software Update’s temporary files
- Third-party security or system-cleaning software blocking the download
- A Mac that does not support the update
The progress indicator may appear unchanged even while macOS is checking, verifying, or preparing files. If the amount downloaded or the estimated time changes occasionally, give it more time before interrupting the process.
If you are unsure whether your Mac supports the update, check compatibility before continuing. Installing an update on unsupported hardware can produce different errors than a normal failed download.
Before You Start
Save your work and close apps that are not needed. Some troubleshooting steps restart the Mac or remove temporary update files.
If the update has already moved from Downloading to Preparing or Installing, do not follow steps that delete update files or force a shutdown. Use the guidance for a macOS update stuck on Preparing instead.
Also consider making a current backup before retrying a major macOS upgrade. A backup will not usually fix the download problem, but it protects your personal files if a later installation fails.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
A macOS update can be several gigabytes, so a connection that works for web browsing may still be unreliable for a large download.
- Open a browser and load several websites.
- If you are using Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or connect to a different network.
- If possible, connect the Mac directly to the router with Ethernet.
- Pause other large downloads, video streams, cloud backups, or game updates.
- Turn off a VPN temporarily and try Software Update again.
Only disable a VPN or other network security tool temporarily, and turn it back on after testing. If you use a managed Mac, workplace network, proxy, or content filter, the organization may need to allow Apple software-update traffic.
You can also restart your router, but do not do this if other people depend on the connection for important work unless you have permission.
2. Check Apple’s System Status
The download may be stuck because Apple’s update service is temporarily unavailable or overloaded. Check Apple’s System Status page in a browser and look for an incident affecting software updates or related services.
If Apple reports a service problem, wait until it is resolved before changing system files or repeatedly restarting the download. Repeated attempts will not fix an outage and may leave additional incomplete files on the Mac.
3. Check Available Storage
macOS needs more space than the displayed update size. It may need room for the downloaded installer, temporary files, and the installed system.
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click General in the sidebar.
- Select Storage.
- Review the recommendations and available space.
On older versions of macOS, choose Apple menu > About This Mac, then click Storage.
If storage is nearly full, remove files you no longer need or move large personal files to an external drive after confirming that they are backed up. Empty the Trash only when you are certain you do not need anything in it.
For more targeted storage troubleshooting, see how to fix “Not Enough Space” when installing a macOS update.
Avoid deleting system folders at random. Removing the wrong files can damage macOS or your applications.
4. Restart the Mac and Try Again
A normal restart clears temporary processes that may have become unresponsive.
- Save your work.
- Choose Apple menu > Restart.
- After the Mac starts, open System Settings.
- Click General, then Software Update.
- Try the update again.
On older macOS versions, open System Preferences and select Software Update.
If the Mac does not respond, press and hold the power button only as a last resort. A forced shutdown can cause data loss if an app is saving files or if macOS has already moved to the installation stage.
5. Disconnect Unnecessary Devices
External drives, hubs, docks, and other accessories do not normally prevent a macOS update from downloading, but they can contribute to startup or storage problems.
Before retrying:
- Eject external storage devices in Finder.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB devices, hubs, and accessories.
- Leave essential devices such as the keyboard, mouse, display, or power adapter connected.
- Restart the Mac and try Software Update again.
Do not disconnect an external drive while files are being copied to it. Eject it first by clicking the Eject icon next to the drive in Finder.
6. Remove the Incomplete Update Download
If the download repeatedly stops at the same point, its temporary files may be incomplete or corrupted. Removing the failed download forces macOS to start with a fresh copy.
Apple’s update files may be stored in temporary system locations, and the exact location can vary by macOS version. Use the dedicated removal steps in how to remove a failed macOS update download, then restart the Mac and check Software Update again.
This process can delete the update package that has already been downloaded. It does not normally remove personal documents, photos, or applications, but read the instructions carefully and do not delete unrelated system files.
7. Try the Download in Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts macOS with only essential components and performs certain checks. It can help identify interference from third-party software, login items, extensions, or security tools.
Apple silicon Mac
- Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
- Wait until the Mac is completely off.
- Press and hold the power button until Loading startup options appears.
- Select a volume.
- Hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
- Sign in and open System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Try downloading the update.
Intel-based Mac
- Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
- Turn on the Mac and immediately hold the Shift key.
- Release the key when the login window appears.
- Sign in. You may need to sign in again.
- Open Software Update and try the download.
Safe Mode can make the Mac look or behave differently, and some features may not work normally. After testing, restart normally by choosing Apple menu > Restart.
If the update succeeds in Safe Mode, a login item, security utility, VPN, system extension, or other third-party software may be interfering. Re-enable or update those tools one at a time to identify the cause.
8. Temporarily Review VPN, Security, and Network Tools
Antivirus software, firewalls, VPNs, proxy settings, and network filters can interrupt large system downloads.
Temporarily pause or quit third-party tools, then retry the update. Follow the vendor’s instructions for disabling and re-enabling the software. Turn protection back on immediately after testing.
If the Mac belongs to a business, school, or organization, do not remove management profiles or change security settings without administrator approval. Managed settings may be required for the organization’s network and security policies.
9. Try a Different Network
A different network can show whether the problem is specific to your router, internet provider, DNS configuration, or workplace network.
You can test with:
- Another trusted Wi-Fi network
- A wired Ethernet connection
- A personal hotspot, if your cellular plan allows it
A macOS update may use a large amount of data, so check your hotspot plan first. Do not use an unsecured public network for sensitive activity unless you understand the risks.
If the download works on another network, restart your router and review VPN, DNS, proxy, or filtering settings on the original network.
10. Use macOS Recovery if Software Update Still Fails
macOS Recovery provides tools for repairing the startup disk, reinstalling macOS, and troubleshooting startup problems. It is useful when Software Update cannot complete normally, but it should not be your first step for a simple stalled download.
Before using Recovery:
- Back up important files if possible.
- Connect the Mac to power.
- Make sure you know the password for an administrator account.
- Read each option carefully.
On an Apple silicon Mac, shut down the Mac, press and hold the power button until startup options appear, select Options, and click Continue.
On an Intel-based Mac, restart the Mac while holding Command-R until the Apple logo or a spinning globe appears.
From macOS Recovery, you can open Disk Utility to check the startup disk or choose the option to reinstall macOS. Reinstalling macOS can take time and requires a reliable internet connection. It is designed to preserve personal data in normal circumstances, but you should still have a backup before proceeding.
Do not erase the startup disk unless you have a complete backup and specifically intend to remove everything from the Mac. Erasing the disk deletes your files, applications, and settings.
Troubleshooting
The progress bar has not moved for a long time
Check whether the Mac is still using network data and whether the estimated time changes occasionally. If there is no apparent activity for an extended period, restart normally and try the connection, storage, and incomplete-download steps above.
Software Update says there is no update, but the download appeared earlier
Restart the Mac, check System Settings > General > Software Update again, and confirm that the Mac is connected to the internet. A failed download may disappear from the update screen while temporary files remain, so remove the incomplete download before trying again.
The update fails after downloading
A download problem and an installation problem are different. If the update reaches Preparing or Installing, do not delete its files or force a shutdown. Keep the Mac connected to power and follow troubleshooting steps for the installation stage.
The Mac says the update is not compatible
Confirm the exact Mac model and year in Apple menu > About This Mac, then compare it with the update’s requirements. If the Mac is not supported, downloading the installer will not resolve the problem.
The Mac has enough space, but the update still complains
The storage calculation may change during preparation, and macOS may need temporary working space beyond the advertised download size. Free additional space, restart the Mac, and retry. If the message continues, use the storage troubleshooting guide linked above.
The update keeps failing on one network
Try another trusted network. If the download works there, investigate the original network’s VPN, proxy, DNS, firewall, or content-filter settings. A managed network may require help from its administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a macOS update take to download?
There is no single normal time. It depends on the update size, internet speed, network congestion, and Mac model. A slow but changing progress indicator may be normal. If it remains unchanged after checking the connection and storage, restart and retry.
Can I close the lid while macOS is downloading an update?
It is better to keep a Mac notebook open and connected to power during the download. Closing the lid can put the Mac to sleep and interrupt network activity. Never close the lid or shut down the Mac once installation has started unless macOS specifically instructs you to do so.
Will removing a failed update delete my personal files?
Removing the incomplete update package should not delete personal documents, photos, or applications when performed correctly. However, system folders are sensitive. Use precise instructions and do not delete files simply because their names look related to an update.
Should I install a macOS update over Wi-Fi?
Yes, a reliable Wi-Fi connection is generally suitable. For a large update, Ethernet is often more stable. Avoid unreliable public Wi-Fi and check cellular data limits before using a hotspot.
Can I use Terminal to force the update?
Terminal can help advanced users inspect or manage update processes, but commands that modify system update files can cause data loss or additional problems if used incorrectly. Try the standard Software Update, Safe Mode, and Recovery methods first.
Final Thoughts
A macOS update stuck on downloading is usually resolved by restoring a reliable connection, freeing storage, restarting the Mac, or replacing an incomplete download.