MacOS Update Stuck on “Preparing” or “Verifying”? Here’s What to Do

28 Jul 2026
macOS Update Stuck on Preparing or Verifying Here’s What to Do

Keeping macOS up to date is an important part of protecting your Mac. Updates can include security fixes, compatibility improvements, reliability changes and new features.

However, the update process does not always progress smoothly.

You may open System Settings > General > Software Update and find that your Mac remains on Preparing, Verifying or Estimating time remaining. Alternatively, the download may appear complete, but the update never moves to installation.

In other cases, the Mac restarts but remains on an Apple logo and progress bar for much longer than expected.

Although this can be frustrating, it does not necessarily mean the Mac has failed. Preparing and verifying are genuine stages of Apple’s update process, and some updates can take longer than others depending on the Mac, available storage, internet connection and software installed on the device.

Here is what to check before taking more drastic action.

What Does “Preparing” Mean?

A macOS update passes through several stages:

  1. Detecting the available update.
  2. Downloading the required components.
  3. Preparing those components.
  4. Authorising the update.
  5. Restarting and installing it.
  6. Completing post-installation work.

Apple explains that recent macOS updates are normally incremental, meaning Software Update downloads the components required for that specific Mac rather than necessarily downloading a complete operating-system installer. The preparation stage takes place after the necessary files have been downloaded and before installation begins. 

While preparing, the Mac may need to check:

  • Whether enough storage is available.
  • Whether the downloaded files are complete.
  • Whether the update is appropriate for the Mac.
  • Whether the required user can authorise it.
  • Whether applications or processes are blocking a restart.
  • Whether other installation requirements have been met.

On a Mac with Apple silicon, the person authorising the update may need to be a volume owner. In managed business environments, this authorisation may instead be handled through a device-management bootstrap token. 

What Does “Verifying” Mean?

Apple digitally signs its software updates. When an update is downloaded through Software Update, macOS automatically verifies Apple’s digital signature before installation. This helps confirm that the software came from Apple and has not been altered. 

Verification may fail or take longer when:

  • The download is incomplete or damaged.
  • The Mac’s internet connection is unstable.
  • Apple’s services cannot be reached.
  • The Mac’s date and time are incorrect.
  • Storage or file-system errors are present.
  • Security, filtering or network software interferes with communication.
  • The previously downloaded installer is no longer valid.

Do not try to bypass verification. It is an important security control designed to stop unauthorised operating-system software from being installed.

First: Is the Update Actually Stuck?

Before forcing the Mac to restart, establish whether the process is still moving.

A macOS installation progress bar can remain in one position for a surprisingly long time, particularly during a major upgrade. Apple warns that the progress bar may move slowly, pause for extended periods or take longer than expected during an update. 

Look for signs that work is continuing:

  • The estimated time changes occasionally.
  • The progress bar moves, even very slowly.
  • The Mac remains warm.
  • Fans are running.
  • Storage activity is occurring.
  • The screen changes between installation stages.
  • The Mac restarts by itself.

Keep a MacBook connected to power and avoid closing the lid unnecessarily.

There is no single waiting period that applies to every update. A small security update on a recent Mac may finish quickly, while a major macOS upgrade on an older or heavily used device may take considerably longer.

If the screen has shown absolutely no change for an extended period and the Mac no longer appears responsive, move through the following steps carefully.

1. Back Up the Mac Before Attempting Repairs

Create or confirm a current backup before making significant changes.

Time Machine can automatically back up files including applications, documents, email, photographs and other user information to an external or supported network storage device. 

For a business Mac, also confirm that:

  • Important OneDrive or SharePoint files have synchronised.
  • Locally stored documents are protected.
  • Browser-based systems do not contain unsaved work.
  • Specialist application data is backed up.
  • FileVault recovery information is available.
  • The business can access administrator credentials.
  • The device-management platform shows the correct device record.

Cloud synchronisation should not automatically be treated as a complete backup. A synchronised deletion or unwanted file change may affect the cloud copy as well as the Mac.

2. Restart the Mac

If the update is stuck at Preparing or Verifying while you can still use macOS, begin with a normal restart:

  1. Save any open work.
  2. Quit applications.
  3. Open the Apple menu.
  4. Select Restart.
  5. Sign back in.
  6. Return to System Settings > General > Software Update.
  7. Check for the update again.

Software Update checks for available updates after a restart, and a normal restart can clear a temporary stalled process or network session. 

Where possible, use a normal restart rather than immediately holding down the power button.

When a Forced Shutdown May Be Necessary

If the Mac has become completely unresponsive, press and hold the power button—or the Touch ID button on a Mac laptop—for up to ten seconds until it turns off. Then wait briefly and turn it on again. Apple recommends this procedure when a Mac remains stuck on an Apple logo or progress bar. 

Forcing the Mac off while an update is actively writing system files carries some risk. It should therefore be reserved for a process that genuinely appears frozen rather than one that is simply slow.

3. Check the Internet Connection

The installer requires an internet connection not only to download macOS but also to obtain firmware and other information specific to the Mac model. Apple recommends checking the connection when an update cannot be prepared, verified or installed. 

Try the following:

  • Open a few websites to confirm that the connection works.
  • Restart the router where appropriate.
  • Move closer to the wireless access point.
  • Use a wired network connection if available.
  • Temporarily test from another trusted network.
  • Disconnect from an unnecessary VPN.
  • Confirm that a business firewall or content filter is not blocking Apple update services.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi for a major operating-system upgrade. A stable business or home connection is preferable.

On a managed corporate network, do not change firewall, proxy, VPN or security settings without approval. Ask the IT provider to confirm that the network permits the connections required by Apple’s update services.

4. Check the Mac’s Date and Time

An incorrect system date or time can interfere with secure internet connections and verification.

Open:

System Settings > General > Date & Time

Enable Set time and date automatically, then confirm that the time zone is correct. Apple provides an automatic network time option within macOS and recommends checking date and time when Apple online services cannot be reached correctly. 

After correcting the date or time, restart the Mac and retry the update.

5. Check Available Storage

A macOS update needs working space in addition to the size shown for the download.

Space may be required for:

  • Downloaded update components.
  • Temporary installation files.
  • Virtual memory.
  • Local snapshots.
  • Application caches.
  • The existing and replacement system components.

Apple specifically identifies insufficient storage as a cause of failures while downloading, preparing or installing macOS. 

To check:

  1. Open the Apple menu.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Choose General.
  4. Select Storage.
  5. Review the available space and recommendations.

Safe items to investigate may include:

  • Old items in Downloads.
  • Unused applications.
  • Duplicate media.
  • Old device backups.
  • Large installation files.
  • Unnecessary videos.
  • Files already stored securely elsewhere.
  • Items in the Bin.

Do not remove unfamiliar folders from the macOS System or Library directories. Do not move confidential company information to a personal cloud account simply to free storage.

After creating additional space, empty the Bin, restart the Mac and retry Software Update.

6. Confirm That the Update Is Compatible

The Software Update section normally offers only software compatible with the Mac being used. Apple describes Software Update as the quickest and easiest installation method and notes that it displays updates and upgrades appropriate to the Mac model. 

Problems can still occur when:

  • A full installer was downloaded manually.
  • The installer is old.
  • The installer was copied from another Mac.
  • The Mac is attempting to install an unsupported version.
  • A managed-device policy is deferring or restricting the update.
  • The user does not have the required authorisation.

Prefer System Settings > General > Software Update unless there is a specific reason to use a full installer.

For a company Mac, check whether the update is being managed through Microsoft Intune, Jamf or another device-management service. The update may be waiting for an organisational deadline, approval, password or volume-owner authorisation rather than being technically frozen.

7. Disconnect Unnecessary Accessories

A peripheral, storage device, dock or adapter can occasionally interfere with startup or installation.

Shut down the Mac and disconnect non-essential equipment such as:

  • USB hubs.
  • External hard drives.
  • Printers.
  • Scanners.
  • Audio interfaces.
  • Display adapters.
  • Memory-card readers.
  • Mobile devices.
  • Non-essential network adapters.

Keep only the power supply, keyboard, mouse and essential display connected.

Apple recommends disconnecting unnecessary accessories when a Mac is unable to start properly or remains stuck at an Apple logo and progress bar. 

Turn the Mac on and retry the update. Accessories can be reconnected after the installation is complete.

8. Quit Applications That Could Block a Restart

Apple’s update process requires that no application or process prevents the Mac from restarting. 

Before retrying:

  1. Save all work.
  2. Quit Microsoft 365 applications.
  3. Quit web browsers.
  4. Pause legitimate large file transfers.
  5. Close virtual machines.
  6. Disconnect active remote-desktop sessions.
  7. Allow backup jobs to finish.
  8. Restart the Mac.

Do not disable company endpoint protection, backup agents or device-management software without speaking to IT. These tools may need a compatible update rather than removal.

9. Try Updating in Safe Mode

Safe mode starts macOS with a reduced set of software and can help prevent third-party startup components from interfering with the installation. Apple recommends trying Software Update in safe mode when an installation cannot complete normally. 

Apple Silicon Mac

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Press and hold the power button.
  3. Release it when the startup-options screen appears.
  4. Select the startup disk.
  5. Hold the Shift key.
  6. Select Continue in Safe Mode.
  7. Sign in.
  8. Open Software Update and try again.

Intel Mac

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Turn it on and immediately hold Shift.
  3. Release Shift when the login window appears.
  4. Sign in.
  5. Try Software Update again.

Apple’s startup-options screen on Apple silicon provides access to safe mode, Recovery and alternative startup disks. Intel Macs use startup key combinations such as Shift for safe mode. 

Restart normally after the test to leave safe mode.

10. Delete a Damaged Full Installer and Download It Again

This applies mainly when you downloaded a full installer rather than using the normal incremental Software Update process.

A full macOS installer normally appears in the Applications folder with a name such as:

Install macOS [Version Name]

If macOS reports that the installer is damaged or cannot be verified, Apple recommends deleting the previously downloaded installer and obtaining it again from Apple after checking or repairing the startup disk. 

Do not manually delete hidden update folders or files from /Library or /System. Removing the wrong content can create additional problems.

Where Software Update itself is stuck, restarting and requesting the update again is normally safer than searching for unofficial Terminal commands or third-party cleanup tools.

11. Start the Mac in macOS Recovery

If the update repeatedly fails in normal macOS and safe mode, use macOS Recovery.

Recovery is built into the Mac and provides access to tools for repairing the startup disk, reinstalling macOS, restoring a Time Machine backup and completing other recovery work. 

Apple Silicon Mac

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Press and hold the power button.
  3. Continue holding it until startup options appear.
  4. Select Options.
  5. Select Continue.
  6. Choose an authorised user if requested.
  7. Enter the user’s password.

Intel Mac

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Turn it on.
  3. Immediately hold Command-R.
  4. Release the keys when the Apple logo or Recovery screen appears.
  5. Enter an administrator password if requested.

From Recovery, you can use Disk Utility or reinstall macOS.

12. Run Disk Utility First Aid

File-system or directory errors can prevent an update from preparing or installing correctly.

Apple recommends using Disk Utility from macOS Recovery to repair the startup disk when macOS installation errors persist. Disk Utility can identify and repair certain problems involving the formatting and directory structure of the storage device. 

After entering Recovery:

  1. Select Disk Utility.
  2. Choose Continue.
  3. Select View > Show All Devices.
  4. Begin with the last volume under the startup disk.
  5. Select First Aid.
  6. Choose Run.
  7. Repeat the process for each volume, then the container and finally the physical device.
  8. Quit Disk Utility.
  9. Restart the Mac.
  10. Retry the update.

Create a current backup before running repairs. Apple recommends having a backup available in case Disk Utility finds problems it cannot correct. 

If Disk Utility cannot see the internal storage or reports errors it cannot repair, the Mac may require professional assessment.

13. Reinstall macOS from Recovery

Reinstalling macOS can replace damaged or incomplete operating-system files.

Start in macOS Recovery, then select:

Reinstall macOS

Follow the on-screen instructions and select the existing startup disk.

On Apple silicon, Recovery normally installs the current version of the most recently installed macOS. On an Intel Mac, the version offered can vary depending on whether local Recovery or one of the Internet Recovery key combinations was used. 

A standard reinstallation is not intended to erase personal files, but a current backup remains essential. Do not select an erase option unless data deletion is genuinely intended and the recovery plan has been confirmed.

For a business Mac, verify before reinstalling that:

  • Company files are backed up.
  • FileVault recovery details are available.
  • The Mac will re-enrol into device management.
  • Microsoft 365 and specialist application credentials are known.
  • Required software licences can be reactivated.
  • The employee’s OneDrive or SharePoint files are synchronised.

14. Firmware Recovery May Be Required in Rare Cases

Apple states that a Mac with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip may rarely require a firmware revive or restore when a persistent installation problem cannot be resolved through normal recovery methods. 

This is an advanced procedure requiring:

  • Another compatible Mac.
  • A suitable USB-C cable.
  • Internet access.
  • Access to the affected Mac’s DFU mode.
  • Careful use of Apple’s firmware-recovery process.

A revive attempts to repair firmware and Recovery without erasing the Mac. A restore erases the Mac and returns it to factory condition.

Because of the risk of data loss and the precise steps involved, businesses should normally have this completed by an experienced IT provider or Apple-authorised technician.

15. Erasing the Mac Should Be the Final Option

Apple lists erasing and resetting the Mac as a final step after storage, connectivity, safe mode, Recovery, disk repair and firmware options have been considered. 

Erasing removes the device’s information and settings.

Before proceeding, confirm that:

  • The backup has completed successfully.
  • Important information can actually be restored.
  • FileVault credentials are available.
  • The Apple Account or Activation Lock arrangements are understood.
  • The Mac’s device-management assignment is correct.
  • Business applications and licences can be recovered.
  • The employee knows which local files are not stored in the cloud.
  • The company has approved the data destruction.

An erase should never be used as the first response to a slow Preparing screen.

What Not to Do

Do Not Repeatedly Force the Mac Off

Repeated interruptions can make the installation problem worse, particularly once the Mac has restarted and begun changing system files.

Do Not Download macOS from Unofficial Websites

Use Software Update, the Mac App Store where directed or an installer obtained through Apple’s official methods.

Do Not Disable Security Controls Without Approval

Endpoint protection, web filtering, VPN software and device-management agents may be business requirements. Ask IT to investigate compatibility rather than simply removing them.

Do Not Run Random Terminal Commands

Online instructions may refer to outdated macOS versions, incorrect folders or destructive commands. Terminal should be used only when the precise effect is understood.

Do Not Delete System or Library Folders

Removing hidden installer caches or operating-system files manually can leave macOS less stable.

Do Not Erase Without Testing the Backup

A backup notification does not guarantee that every required file or application can be restored.

A Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Work through these steps in order:

  1. Confirm whether the update is still progressing.
  2. Keep the Mac connected to power.
  3. Back up important information.
  4. Restart the Mac normally.
  5. Check the internet connection.
  6. Confirm the date and time.
  7. Free additional storage.
  8. Quit open applications.
  9. Disconnect non-essential accessories.
  10. Retry through Software Update.
  11. Try the update in safe mode.
  12. Delete and redownload a damaged full installer.
  13. Enter macOS Recovery.
  14. Run Disk Utility First Aid.
  15. Reinstall macOS from Recovery.
  16. Escalate firmware recovery to an expert.
  17. Erase the Mac only as a final, authorised step.

Managing macOS Updates in a Business

Allowing every employee to install a major macOS upgrade immediately can create avoidable disruption.

A controlled business update process should include:

  • Maintaining an accurate Mac inventory.
  • Confirming model compatibility.
  • Testing important business applications.
  • Reviewing security and backup software support.
  • Testing docks, printers and other peripherals.
  • Confirming successful backups.
  • Piloting updates with a small user group.
  • Scheduling installation outside critical working periods.
  • Monitoring update status through device management.
  • Supporting employees who encounter failures.
  • Maintaining a documented recovery process.

Apple’s device-management framework can report update stages such as waiting, downloading, preparing and installing. Organisations can also test updates with selected devices, phase deployment and enforce installation deadlines. 

Managed updates are particularly important where Macs support regulated work, customer services, design production or other business-critical processes.

How Hamilton Group Can Help

A macOS update stuck on Preparing or Verifying may be caused by something relatively simple, such as insufficient storage or an unstable connection. It can also indicate a damaged installer, startup-disk problem, device-management issue or more serious operating-system fault.

Hamilton Group can diagnose the cause without immediately resorting to destructive fixes.

Our Mac support services can include:

  • macOS update troubleshooting.
  • macOS Recovery support.
  • Disk Utility and startup-disk checks.
  • Application compatibility reviews.
  • Microsoft Intune management for macOS.
  • Apple device deployment.
  • FileVault recovery-key management.
  • Backup verification.
  • macOS reinstallation.
  • Firmware recovery support.
  • Managed business update rollouts.
  • Ongoing Mac and Microsoft 365 support.

Hamilton Group aims to make first contact on IT support requests within 15 minutes, helping your employees receive an early response when a Mac update prevents them from working.

To discuss macOS support for your business, contact Hamilton Group on 0330 043 0069 or visit hgmssp.com.


 

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