Mini won't shut down after attemting to install Monterey

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Level 1

2 points

Mini won't shut down after attemting to install Monterey

I tried to install Monterey on my Mac Mini. This particular Mac mini was introduced in late 2014 which, based on the table on Apple Support is compatible. The OS downloads and spends a good hour setting itself up. If I remember correctly, it even tells me to restart my mini to start the install. Nothing happens. The Mini won't restart. I've used the off switch to turn the mini off and on. Thankfully the Mini does come up.

The OS is still Big Sur. However, when I try shut down the mini using Shut Down or Restart in finder or any other of the ways to shut it down, it clears the desktop and goes do farther. I've even logoff my account and tried to shut down using the available accounts screen. Nogo.

The mouse can move the cursor but nothing else happens. No menus, just an empty desktop with the usual but empty desktop background.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

MG

Posted on Apr 18, 2022 11:23 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

83,326 points

Apr 18, 2022 3:16 PM in response to Mike129

You running any third party AV, Cleaning or Optimizing ware on that Mac Mini?

If so, uninstall that junk-ware as per the developers instructions.

Then use Safe Mode to clear out the cob webs and try to upgrade.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

83,326 points

Apr 18, 2022 5:31 PM in response to Mike129

Try resetting the SMC, as per > How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Use Safe Mode as per the above article and then try upgrading the macOS.

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Answer 3

Mike129 Author

Level 1

2 points

Apr 18, 2022 3:19 PM in response to Lanny

Thank you. That is how I'm currently shutting the mini down. I guess I wasn't clear on my question. How do I permanently fix the problem? Get Monterey to install or have the mini shut down using the normal shut down commands.

Thanks again.

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Answer 4

Mike129 Author

Level 1

2 points

Apr 22, 2022 3:50 PM in response to den.thed

I found a solution. I powered up using the option + command + R keys. That's ALT + Windows Key + R for PC keyboards. It allowed me to install Monterey and run normally. It now reboots and all that good stuff from a normal working OS.

Did get the "less than a minute" remaining" screen for 20 minutes or so while installation was going on. Powered off and then powered on and it came up sort of. I got the thunderbolt icon floating around my screen. A second power on/off cycle took care of that.

Since I am a PC guy it took google to teach me a few basics.

Anyway all is well and wondering what the next challenge will be.

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Answer 5

Mike129 Author

Level 1

2 points

Apr 18, 2022 1:56 PM in response to Mike129

One recommendation I get was to ensure there was enough storage on my hard drive. There's 847 GB available so that does not seem to be causing the problem.

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Answer 6

Lanny

Level 6

13,207 points

Apr 18, 2022 3:13 PM in response to Mike129

Hold the power button on the Mac mini down for about 5 seconds to force a shutdown.

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Mini won't shut down after attemting to install Monterey

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