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Can't install mac OS updates!

I have a MacBook Pro 2018 model and am unable to update it to the new macos. I am currently running Mojave 10.14.6 and can't update to catalina or any of the newer versions.

I have tried to do it in recovery mode, safe mode, recover via the internet, using a usb as the startup disk, repaired the disk i disk utility, i have wiped the disk to do a clean install and reinstalled macos and so on. The computer is able to download the installer but will always fail at the end of installation.

When I try to use a USB key to install, I end up with a dialog saying "A software update is required to use this startup disk" with the options 'Update' or 'set a new Startup Disk'. When I click 'Update', it goes through the motions and then fails and saying "an error occured while installing" or something like that.


Please can somebody help me, I don't know what else to try.


MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Feb 27, 2023 2:03 AM

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5 replies

Feb 27, 2023 3:24 AM in response to johanne26

See How to download macOS - Apple Support for your choice of Catalina or later. Have a last Time Machine backup before any upgrade, and because you are on Mojave now, I recommend that you use the free Go64 application to see what 32-bit software is not supported on Catalina or later which only support 64-bit applications. Don't forget to check that your printer/scanner vendors support your operating system choice with current drivers.


Fully remove any anti-virus, or any so-called "cleaner" applications, and any third-party device drivers before the upgrade.


Mar 5, 2023 2:37 AM in response to johanne26

Scorched Earth Method 


This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No DATA Recovery - Period.


>> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computer <<


To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer


The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer 


This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer.


Example : Bootable Installer of Big Sur would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Big Sur.


Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.


Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.


Extra Special Notation regarding the Touch ID equipped Apple Computer.


 About Startup Security Utility and Must Enable from Recovery Mode the ability to boot from External Drive Before Attempting 


1 - Shutdown computer and disconnect all external drive Except the newly created Bootable Installer.


2- Restart and immediately hold the OPTION key until the Startup Manager appears and choose the USB Drive. 


3 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives. 


4 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).


5 - The drive normally is called Apple Media or Apple SSD - that is the drive to Erase and format as APFS with the GUID Partition Map. This applies to macOS 10.14 Mojave and above. 


6 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS. 


7 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time. 


8 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version of macOS.

Mar 3, 2023 5:48 AM in response to VikingOSX

I have wiped the computer completely, so there is no anti-virus or cleaners on there. I have followed the 'How to download macos' guide, but none of the methods have worked as described in my post.

I am using an adapter to plug-in my usb for the bootable driver, so maybe the adapter is a 'third-party device driver' and is causing the problem. I will try to by an usb with usb-c tomorrow and try again.

Can't install mac OS updates!

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