How can I authenticate an update? Size 12.44 GB not 12.6

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Level 1

5 points

How can I authenticate an update? Size 12.44 GB not 12.6

I installed 12.5 and believe it was a home brew update because the update asked me to log in twice between 3 different big white apple with progress bar screens, without the usual login screen content visible, there was no acceptance of terms, and one of the update progress screens the apple was too large. Additionally, when I went back to the app store, it did not recognize that I had the 11.5 update yet. Now I'm in the process of downloading 12.5.1 to do a clean install and it is showing as 12.44 GB instead of 12.6 like it says in the app store. I am trying to check a certificate or something to confirm that the software is genuine, but because it is a .app file, I can't check the certificate. How do I verify authenticity of the update? And why is it 12.44 GB instead of 12.6 as stated in the app store?

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Jul 27, 2021 7:45 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 27, 2021 9:34 AM in response to bfornuto

bfornuto wrote:

showing as 12.44 GB instead of 12.6

I clicked download from the app store, but I am concerned about a hack that has compromised my DNS server/router or computer. So before I do a clean install, i want to make sure this is authentic.

Big Sur macOS 11.5.1

Install packages are customized for your particular machine— those estimates can vary...

I do not see this an issue.

You can always reinstall from Recovery—if you are in doubt

How to erase your Intel-based Mac - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496

How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,210 points

Jul 27, 2021 7:51 AM in response to bfornuto

Where, exactly, did you get the update you installed?

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Answer 3

Jul 27, 2021 10:27 AM in response to leroydouglas

Different models of MacBook will vary with OS image sizes due to specific features. Same applies to phones and watches.

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Answer 4

bfornuto Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 27, 2021 8:36 AM in response to KiltedTim

I clicked download from the app store, but I am concerned about a hack that has compromised my DNS server/router or computer. So before I do a clean install, i want to make sure this is authentic.

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Answer 5

Jul 27, 2021 9:55 AM in response to bfornuto

bfornuto wrote:

And why is it 12.44 GB instead of 12.6 as stated in the app store?

My installer came in at 12.43 GB

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Answer 6

Phil0124

Level 10

216,974 points

Jul 27, 2021 9:53 AM in response to bfornuto

There is no way for anyone but Apple to push macOS updates through the App Store. Its basically impossible for anyone to get a home-brew update through Apple's own App Store platform, since no one but Apple has access to it for macOS updates.

The difference in size, can be due to may things. If it comes from the App Store app, then its a valid update from Apple.

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How can I authenticate an update? Size 12.44 GB not 12.6

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