A failed macOS update download can leave behind incomplete installer files, consume storage, or cause Software Update to repeatedly display the same error. In most cases, you can remove the failed download safely by deleting the macOS installer from the Applications folder and restarting your Mac. If that does not work, you can clear temporary update files with Terminal.
Quick Answer
- Open Finder and select Applications in the sidebar.
- Look for an app named Install macOS [version name].
- Move it to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
- Restart your Mac and try the update again from System Settings > General > Software Update.
If no installer appears in Applications, use the Terminal method below to remove incomplete update files. Be careful: Terminal commands can delete files immediately and should be entered exactly as shown.
Before You Remove the Download
A failed update download is usually incomplete, so removing it should not delete your personal documents, photos, or other files. However, take these precautions first:
- Make sure the update is not currently installing.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Keep your Mac connected to power if it is a MacBook.
- Confirm that you have a reliable internet connection before downloading the update again.
- If you recently downloaded a complete macOS installer for another purpose, do not delete it unless you no longer need it.
If your Mac is already showing an Apple logo, progress bar, or installation screen, do not force it to shut down unless it has clearly stopped responding for an extended period. Interrupting an active installation can create additional problems.
For general preparation and backup advice, see How to Update macOS Safely.
Method 1: Delete the macOS Installer from Applications
When macOS downloads a full installer, it commonly appears as an application in the Applications folder. This is the easiest location to check.
1. Open the Applications folder
- Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
- Select Applications in the Finder sidebar.
- Look for an app named similarly to:
– Install macOS Sequoia
– Install macOS Sonoma
– Install macOS Ventura
The version name will vary depending on the update your Mac downloaded.
2. Check the installer before deleting it
Select the installer and press Command-I to open its information window. Check its size and name to confirm that it is the macOS installer you intend to remove.
Do not delete other applications simply because their names include “macOS,” “Installer,” or a version number. If you are unsure, leave the file in place and use the Software Update or Terminal steps instead.
3. Move the installer to the Trash
Control-click the installer, choose Move to Trash, and then enter your administrator password if macOS requests it.
This removes the installer from the Applications folder, but it may still occupy storage until you empty the Trash.
4. Empty the Trash
Control-click the Trash in the Dock and choose Empty Trash. Confirm the action when prompted.
Warning: Emptying the Trash permanently removes everything currently in it. Check the Trash first and move out anything you may need later.
5. Restart your Mac
Choose Apple menu > Restart, then try the update again after macOS starts.
Open System Settings, select General, and choose Software Update. Allow the update page time to check for available updates before starting a new download.
Method 2: Remove a Downloaded Installer with Launchpad
If you prefer not to browse through Finder, you may be able to locate the installer through Launchpad.
- Open Launchpad from the Dock or Applications folder.
- Search for Install macOS.
- If the installer appears, click and hold its icon until the apps begin to jiggle.
- Click the delete button if one appears.
- Confirm the removal.
This method is not available for every macOS installer. If no delete button appears, return to Finder and remove the installer from Applications instead.
Method 3: Remove Incomplete Update Files in Terminal
Use this method when the failed download does not appear as a complete installer in Applications, or when Software Update continues to behave as if an old download is present.
Terminal is an app that lets you control macOS by entering commands. The commands below target temporary software-update data rather than your personal files, but they still require care.
Important warnings before using Terminal
- Save your work and close open applications.
- Copy each command exactly.
- Press Return only after checking the command.
- macOS may ask for your administrator password. When you type it, no characters will appear on screen; this is normal. Press Return after entering it.
- Do not add quotation marks, extra spaces, or additional file paths.
1. Open Terminal
Open Finder, select Applications, open Utilities, and then double-click Terminal.
You can also press Command-Space, type Terminal, and press Return.
2. Check for downloaded installers
Enter this command:
softwareupdate --list-full-installers
This command lists full macOS installers that Apple’s update service makes available for your Mac. It does not delete anything. If it returns an error, continue with the next step.
3. Remove temporary software-update downloads
Enter:
sudo rm -rf /Library/Updates/*
This command deletes the contents of the system’s /Library/Updates folder. That folder stores downloaded update packages and temporary update files. It does not remove your documents, photos, applications, or user account files.
Because rm -rf permanently deletes the specified files without moving them to the Trash, verify the path carefully before pressing Return. The command must contain exactly:
/Library/Updates/*
After the command finishes, restart your Mac:
sudo shutdown -r now
This immediately restarts the Mac. Save all work before using it.
Reversal and limitations
Files deleted with rm -rf do not have a normal Undo command and are not placed in the Trash. You cannot restore them through Finder. The practical reversal is to let Software Update download the required files again:
- Open System Settings.
- Select General.
- Choose Software Update.
- Start the update download again.
If the command reports that a file cannot be removed, restart your Mac and try the command again. Do not broaden the path or remove other folders.
Method 4: Stop and Restart the Software Update Service
Sometimes the update download is not simply a leftover file. The background service responsible for downloading updates may be stuck. You can stop that service, remove temporary files, and allow macOS to start it again.
Warning: This closes the software update process and removes downloaded update data. It does not erase personal files, but any update already downloaded will need to be downloaded again.
Open Terminal and enter:
sudo launchctl kickstart -k system/com.apple.softwareupdated
This restarts the softwareupdated background service. Afterward, restart your Mac and check System Settings > General > Software Update.
If the service immediately displays the same error, use Method 3 to clear the temporary update folder, then restart the Mac.
What to Do After Removing the Failed Download
Once the old download is gone, prepare for a fresh attempt:
- Connect your Mac to power if it is a notebook.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB drives, hubs, and other accessories.
- Confirm that your internet connection is working.
- Check that your Mac has enough free storage.
- Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Download and install the update again.
Avoid repeatedly clicking the download button while Software Update is still checking for updates. Give the page time to finish its check.
If the update is large, a wired connection or a stable Wi-Fi network may reduce interruptions. Do not close the lid, restart the Mac, or disconnect power while the update is actively installing.
Troubleshooting
The installer is not in Applications
Not every failed update creates a complete installer app. Use the Terminal cleanup method instead. You can also restart the Mac and check System Settings > General > Software Update again.
Software Update keeps showing the same error
Restart the Mac after deleting the installer or clearing /Library/Updates. If the error remains, check the following:
- Your Mac is connected to the internet.
- You have enough available storage.
- The date and time are set automatically in System Settings > General > Date & Time.
- No VPN, security tool, or network filter is interrupting Apple’s update service.
- Apple’s update service is not experiencing a temporary outage.
If the issue occurs only on one network, try another trusted network. Do not use an unsecured public network for sensitive activity.
The installer will not move to the Trash
The installer may still be open or in use.
- Close any window or prompt related to macOS installation.
- Restart the Mac.
- Try moving the installer to the Trash again.
If it remains locked, select it in Finder, press Command-I, and check whether Locked is selected. If it is, clear that option and try again. Do not alter permissions on unrelated system files.
The Mac says there is not enough storage
Deleting the failed installer may recover some space, but temporary files and other large items can also consume storage. Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage to review recommendations and large files.
Do not delete files from unfamiliar system folders merely to free space. If you need to remove personal files, confirm that you have a backup or no longer need them.
The download starts over from the beginning
This is normal after clearing the installer or update cache. The previous download was incomplete or was intentionally removed, so macOS must obtain a fresh copy.
Keep the Mac connected to power and avoid interrupting the download. If it repeatedly starts over, troubleshoot the network connection and available storage before deleting the files again.
The Mac restarts but the update still will not install
A failed download may not be the only problem. Check for:
- Insufficient free storage
- An unreliable internet connection
- Unsupported hardware for the requested macOS release
- External peripherals interfering with startup
- A problem with the Mac’s startup disk
Disconnect nonessential accessories, restart the Mac, and try Software Update again. If the Mac displays a specific error code or message, search for that exact message rather than repeatedly deleting the installer.
Terminal says “Operation not permitted”
This usually means macOS blocked access to the requested location or the command was not entered with administrator privileges. Confirm that the command begins with sudo, then enter the password for an administrator account.
Do not disable macOS security features or grant broad permissions just to force the command to run. If access remains blocked, use Finder to remove the visible installer and contact Apple Support for help with the system update service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting a failed macOS update damage my Mac?
Deleting an incomplete download or installer normally does not damage macOS. It removes files used for the update, not the operating system currently running on your Mac. Never delete system files outside the locations described in this guide.
Will I lose my personal files?
No. Removing the installer from Applications or temporary files from /Library/Updates should not remove documents, photos, or other personal data. Still, save your work and maintain a current backup before major system changes.
Can I delete the macOS installer after a successful update?
Yes, if you no longer need it. A complete installer can take up significant storage, but do not remove it if you plan to create a bootable installer or use it on another compatible Mac.
Do I need to delete the failed download before trying again?
Not always. Restarting the Mac may be enough. If Software Update repeatedly fails, reports a damaged download, or leaves an installer behind, removing the old files gives the next attempt a clean start.
Why does the update download fail repeatedly?
Common causes include an unstable internet connection, insufficient storage, a temporary update-service problem, incompatible hardware, or security software interfering with the connection. Deleting the old download helps only when damaged or incomplete files are part of the problem.
Is the Terminal method safe?
The commands are appropriate when entered exactly as shown, but Terminal does not provide the same visual safeguards as Finder. The rm -rf command permanently deletes files at the specified path. If you are uncomfortable using Terminal, remove the installer through Finder and restart the Mac instead.
Final Thoughts
The simplest fix for a failed macOS update download is to remove the Install macOS app from Applications, empty the Trash, and restart your Mac. If no installer is visible or Software Update remains stuck, clearing /Library/Updates in Terminal can remove incomplete temporary files. Afterward, retry the update with a stable internet connection, sufficient storage, and the Mac connected to power.