macOS Catalina 10.15.4 does not download through the App Store

Question

macOS Catalina 10.15.4 does not download through the App Store

Hi, I am currently using a Macbook Pro Retina 15-inch mid-2014, running macOS High Sierra, version 10.13.6.

I am trying to update my macOS to Catalina 10.15.4 (the latest version available). I am following the instructions on this page for installation: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475

According to that guide, I should be able to update through the App Store application.

However, when I go to my Macbook's App Store application, and click the "Download" button on the macOS Catalina page, the download does not start.

It says "Downloading", but does give any indication that the download has actually started, and how much time is remaining for the download to complete.

I have been running this for the past 3+ hours, but this is what it still shows in the App Store (see left):

I am not sure how to download Catalina. There is no other option given to download, besides using the App Store.

My internet connection is decent, so it should not take more than 3 hours to download.

I have looked under the other App Store tabs, and I can't see the download progress anywhere. The App Store version number is 2.4.

Thank you in advance.

MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on Apr 10, 2020 5:21 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

sham_robot_123 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 11, 2020 5:28 AM in response to sham_robot_123

Solved it! There is an alternative way which does not have to use the App Store.

Here's what to do if you have the same problem as above, and want to install the latest version of Catalina.

You can install through macOS Recovery mode. Simply follow the instructions on this help page:

https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204904

To install Catalina (the latest version), use the combination Option-⌘-R on your keyboard immediately after turning on your Mac. Then follow the rest of the instructions on the support page.

Catalina was installed seamlessly on my machine using this method. The download only took around 1 hour with my average internet connection, and I had no problem.

I hope this helps others with the same problem! :)

I'm pretty sure this was a problem with the App Store.

(Make sure to always backup your computer before trying anything, in case something goes wrong.)

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Answer 2

Apr 10, 2020 6:38 AM in response to sham_robot_123

Try SafeBoot https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

Takes noticeable longer to get to the login screen, does a 5-15 minute disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, including dynamic loader cache, etc. Login and try again your download

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Answer 3

Apr 10, 2020 6:22 AM in response to leroydouglas

I am having the exact same problem as sham_robot_123 on my iMac. I've tried for three days to download this. I can download other apps, but not Catalina. I can do updates. I tried your link and it still did not work. It just gets stuck on the screen shown above. I've spoken to two different Apple reps on Chat to no avail. Checked my storage, started in Safe Mode, nothing works. Maybe Apple should be made aware of this problem multiple people are having and check on the link?