Monterrey update error - vicious cycle

inrecently went to download the new iOS for my MacBook Pro.


it takes 29 mins to attempt to download and then it says error, update has failed to download.


it gives me two options - one to use a startup disk and the other to restart.


when I click option one - nothing shows up apart from the option to use a target disk space. This requires me to use another computer I think, not sure what it’s trying to achieve.


the option to restart leads me back to square one where it tries and fails to download the update.


i now can’t access my Mac. How do I just go back and cancel this iOS update attempt?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Mar 6, 2022 2:57 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 6, 2022 3:09 PM

I've had the same problem before. I've had better luck from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the installation so try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3-5 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the System/Software Update preference pane and begin the download.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.


Also make sure you have a minimum of 50 GB of free space on your boot drive and your iMac qualifies for Monterey: macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple ...Official Apple Support.



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 6, 2022 3:09 PM in response to bravinthan

I've had the same problem before. I've had better luck from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the installation so try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3-5 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the System/Software Update preference pane and begin the download.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.


Also make sure you have a minimum of 50 GB of free space on your boot drive and your iMac qualifies for Monterey: macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple ...Official Apple Support.



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Monterrey update error - vicious cycle

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