Software Update not working

elric999 Said:

"Software Update not working: Running iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019) with Big Sur. Trying to update to Venture, but Software Update is stuck on 'Checking for Updates ...' This is the third try, and I've been waiting an hour this time around. Suggestions?"

-------

Troubleshooting macOS Updates:

Three Thoughts to Try...

A. Try a New Admin User:

If you cannot update, then try creating a new administrator(admin) user. Once updated, remove the new admin.

B. Restart your Router:

Power off your router for 30 seconds, and then power it back on. Try this once more.

C. Try Safe Mode:

See if you can update in Safe Mode.  Go here: Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

elric999 Said:

"A and B unsuccessful, but Safe Mode worked very well. Allowed update to 11.7.1 and then straight to 13.0.1 (didn't give me an option for 12). Guessing that either router application (NetGear Genie) or Norton was interfering, but it could have been something else. Thank you!"

-------

You are welcome.

Keep Security Software Off of your Mac.

Uninstall Norton, using the Uninstaller. Get download the Uninstaller directly from Norton. Security software just gets in the way on a Mac, and this is a pure example of how and why.

You Should Use Malwarebytes for Mac:

Malwarebytes searches for malware (short for malicious software) and spyware. Malware makes your Mac behave in a mislead manor. Malwarebytes is created by longtime users of these forums, making it the only reliable Security Software for a Mac. Remove what is found from the quarantine.

Downloads:

1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac
2. Malwarebytes Uninstaller

Is the user profile accurate Mac 21.5″, macOS 11.5 ?

From observations, attempting to upGrade to a newer version of macOS will generally work better if the computer is running a fully update previous version.

In this case Big Sur 11.7.1 is the current version of Big Sur.

There after, perhaps doing a prudent upgrade to Monterey macOS 12.6.1 initially and then onto Ventura macOS 13.0.1 may prove beneficial to both computer and user

Only after exhausting the suggestions from the previous Contributor, which should work.

Terminal command below which will only search for any Full Versions of macOS this computer Qualifies to run.

softwareupdate --list-full-installers

It should find the Big Sur 11.7.1 and probably Monterey and Ventura too as the computer does Qualify

Still in Terminal and the next command will download the Full Version of Big Sur 11.7.1. It would place a new application is Applications Folder called " Install Bug Sur "

When ready, just launch it like another application and sold the prompts

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 11.7.1