Resolving Mac App Store "last update" stalls
This was initially by Sparrowhawk. I have amended some steps before step 1 as well:
You may find the Mac App Store last update date far in the past. This may be due to several factors.
Not directly related, but essential before installing anything is backing up your data.
Not directly related, but essential is ensuring your computer is not filled to capacity. When you open a Finder window, use the View menu to show status bar. It tells you how much space is available and how much is used. Space used/(Space used+ space available)= percentage full. That percent should be no more than 85% or 0.85. 1024 MB = 1 GB, 1024 GB = 1 TB. This number has arbitrarily been found to work out for years on the Mac system to indicate when you have gotten too full.
Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Software Update needs to apply another update. Sometimes permissions are optimized for your operating system upgrade during a system update.
You are accessing it during an outage: https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/
If none of these is a detriment, and you are still having issues, follow these steps:
- Open MAS
- Start download if the app is showing (not sure if this step is needed). If not showing, see below.
- Open Activity Monitor (Apps > Utilities)
- Find "appstoreagent" in the list and Force Quit it (Click X and then Force Quit)
- The non-downloading download will stop
- Click on Download again - the download starts for real (ie progress circle proceeds to end)
https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html - is a great place to offer feedback if the above does not pertain to you.