softwareupdate -i -a -R only performs download, but not installing and reboot

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softwareupdate -i -a -R only performs download, but not installing and reboot

Hi, I would like to perform a software update via command line (SSH to a MacMini when it is away from a console access) to macOS 11.6.1 (it is currently running macOS 11.6.0).

I issued:

softwareupdate -i -a -R

And it gives:

Software Update Tool

Finding available software

Downloading macOS Big Sur 11.6.1

Downloaded: macOS Big Sur 11.6.1

Restarting...

But in fact, it does not install anything, it does not reboot the Mac.

It only returns to the shell prompt. Is "softwareupdate" still working?

Device: Mac Mini Intel Late 2018

Current OS: macOS 11.6.0

Want to: update to macOS 11.6.1 *** via shell prompt ***

Posted on Oct 26, 2021 6:48 PM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

105,589 points

Oct 27, 2021 3:03 AM in response to Dominic Lai

The manual issuing and downloading of Big Sur 11.6.1 via Terminal - from personal experience - will only download and Install the " Install Big Sur " Application in the normal Applications folder.

Performed this action on M1 Mac Mini ruining Big Sur to get the Full Installer of Monterey macOS 12.0.1. There is sat until manually initialed the installation.

Not 100% sure - but an unattended activation to install may not be possible due to the Express Requirement to Verify Identity via Computer Password before the installation will commence. Follows along the same lines as iPhone updates

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softwareupdate -i -a -R only performs download, but not installing and reboot

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