Mac stuck on checking for updates

I had the same problem, and running this command in the Terminal helped:

sudo launchctl kickstart -k system/com.apple.softwareupdated

(This was discussed in the MacAdmins Slack, where I found this solution.)

I have this same problem. Also running Big Sur 11.6.1. 2019 iMac purchased in June 2020. I have tried everything mentioned in this thread and nothing has worked. Removed CleanMyMac, ran EntreCheck. Removed Monterey download. Tried to update preferences. Nothing has worked. Now reinstalling the Big Sur OS after having been on the phone with Apple support. Installed. It can now find the Monterey update and appears to be installing.

moral: DO NOT INSTALL CLEAN MY MAC!!

There may have been something else going on; I have no idea.

The solution from Jamf did the job.

An easy one: sudo launchctl kickstart -k system/com.apple.softwareupdated

Thank you

Best advice is to call Apple and ask for a Senior Advisor. Tell them you want them to write a Ticket on this issue. Tell them you want them to interface with Engineering for you on this issue. This Software Updates trouble happened to users with the Apple security updates dated 1/26/22 apparently. That is what happened with us when we did that Catalina update. (On Monterey now, and that did not fix it.) I am still working with a Senior Advisor, since 2/9. Before 2/9, advisors kept trying to help but then did not communicate back with me very well. Now I have a good one. Can email her, and she faithfully calls me back. But it always takes Engineering a couple days or more though to get back to her each time she interfaces with Engineering.

Have you tried rebooting in Safe Boot since your reinstallation, etc.? Function might work in Safe Boot? But for us, even then, by the next day, function again lost in normal boot.

Engineering last Friday gave Sr.Advisor 3 specific commands for us to do in Terminal. Thought that might have fixed it. Nope.

hi - this is a known issue. Please refer to the following article in JAMF Nation, for both further details of the issue, and the "workaround".

https://community.jamf.com/t5/jamf-pro/big-sur-11-6-x-software-update-hangs/m-p/257464

"Uncheck" the box which says "Automatically keep my Mac up to date" (you'll have to "unlock" to make the change using the password you use to log in to your laptop).

Then, re-boot modem.

After re-starting and log-in, go check. No more spinning wheel.

Then you can re-check "automatically keep my Mac up to date".

Easy peasy.

I had the same thing, but I am running Catalina still. I ended up booting in safe mode and the system was able to detect and install the updates.

Valeriol wrote:

Yeah, I thought that. My next move was to redo the clean install, test the computer for a few days with a virgin account and then use the Time Machine to restore selected files.

That may achieve the desired results

I've been having this problem the last week with Catalina on my 2019 iMac, and finally called support after trying Safe Mode, a new test account, Terminal commands, etc. Support had me boot to Internet Recovery Mode, and I was able to successfully install Monterey.

Hello Nevyn82,

Yesterday I had the exact same problem. I'm using MacOS Catalina 10.15.7

I noticed in System Preferences there was an update ready which stated it could be installed "now" or "later tonight" which would "require restarting my computer".

I thought what the heck, and clicked to start installation right away.

That's when it all started.

After about 20 minutes of installation, and the laptop automatically restarting about 4 times, desktop showed up normal asking for the log-in password. I thought everything was finished.

It was not, apparently.

Again, even after the installation, when checking "applications" the little red flag showed an "update" was ready. When I clicked on it, the "checking for updates" showed and the DREADED WHEEL was going 'round and 'round. And 'round. Forever.

I searched and found this page. Nothing seemed to work.

I fooled around with it. So what I did, that worked, was super simple.

Just "uncheck" the box which says "Automatically keep my Mac up to date". You'll have to "unlock" using the password you use to log in to your laptop.

Then, re-boot modem.

Then, after re-starting and log-in, go check. No more spinning wheel. Re-check "automatically keep my Mac up to date".

What I'm thinking is that if you manually try to update when the "automatic" is checked, it get confused.

Hope this helps any future dreaded spinning wheels.

Hi

I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020 running Catalina 10:15:7 which developed this problem after installing Avast software. I tried all the suggestions proposed on here apart from the 'Safe Mode' option whic would have been the next step but seemed too involved time wise. What fixed it for me was running OnyxX. Now it works like a dream!

This includes AntiVirus, Disk Cleaners, Disk Optimizes, UnInstaller etc.

And Avast Antivirus does not qualify as AntiVirus software ?

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 

The only thing Avast Antivirus software is protecting the Developers Bank Account for a Non Existent Issue Affecting macOS.

That and giving Zero Return to the User ( you ) except a lot of problems and work to remove this Software as per the Developer Specific Instructions.

The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.

The " issue at hand " is the Avast Antivirus Software regardless for how long it has been installed.

The Other items outlined from the EtreCheck report are contributing factors in the overall condition and functionality of the computer too.

Hardware wise - the battery is an indication of Attention is needed regardless of the Software or version of macOS installed to intending to install.