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"This copy of the Install macOS Monterey.app application is damaged, and can‘t be used to install macOS."

I have tried multiple times (using both the System Preferences update option AND the Apple support site and I continue to get the above (subject line) error message after the download. I have deleted (multiple times) the installer for Monterey. I have made sure the deleted copy is not in the trash–I've emptied the trash. I have tried restarting my computer (MacBook Pro 15-inch 2018 running OS 11.6.4) and that has not helped. Why am I not able to get the installer for this upgrade to function? What am I missing here?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Mar 7, 2022 11:01 AM

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Posted on Mar 8, 2022 3:36 PM

I've had similar problems and have had better luck installing from the Safe Mode because I apparently 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.


7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 8, 2022 3:36 PM in response to DavidBJ

I've had similar problems and have had better luck installing from the Safe Mode because I apparently 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.


Mar 8, 2022 6:00 AM in response to DavidBJ

I ran into this the other day and it was very frustrating. Here's how I worked around the problem:


Reboot the Mac (might be residual mounted disk images from earlier attempts)


Download Monterey so you have /Applications/Install macOS Monterey


Open Terminal:


sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey/Contents/Resources/startosinstall --agreetolicense


Enter your password and Terminate the Terminal when prompted. The install should actually work.


I have no idea what checks or balances are failing but it worked fine when I ran it in this automated command line method.

Mar 8, 2022 9:47 AM in response to DavidBJ

Yours is not an uncommon problem. What has typically happened is that the file got corrupted during the download and that Wi-Fi was used. Wi-Fi will often fail for these very large files. It is too slow. Instead use a wired Ethernet cable connected to your modem even of you have to move the computer temporarily. Then do a clean new download and it should do just fine. Good luck.

"This copy of the Install macOS Monterey.app application is damaged, and can‘t be used to install macOS."

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