Mac OS Big Sur 11 .7.4 still shows an update available and spins for hours

garydschneideryahoocom wrote:

Mac OS Big Sur 11 .7.4 still shows an update available and spins for hours. What can I do to fix this ?

I understand Software Update is "Checking for updates..." with no end in sight.

This is a known bug. Several workarounds have been proposed, such as restarting your Mac in "Safe Mode" and checking for updates while in that mode, and / or resetting NVRAM. Try both.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

Related: Software Update stuck at "Checking for updates"… - Apple Community

The last I looked Big Sur 11.7.4 is the last upDate available.

Just checked before posting in reply.

Does the user actually mean an upGrade as in a Newer Version of macOS like Monterey or Ventura.

There are factors:

1 - Like poor Wifi connection

2 - Slow wifi connection

3 - Too many other people downloading at the same time and Apple Severs are overloaded

4 - Software on the computer interfering with the download process including AntiVirus Software

Notation: Disabling the AV Software may or may not solve the issue. Removal of the AV Software may increase the chances of the download to perform as expected.

5 - Running behind a VPN which may increase Packet losses or corruption of the download 

6 - If via wifi too many Other devices using the wifi at the same time reducing the Bandwidth to your computer. 

7 - Best Results are via Ethernet Cable to Router

8 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal and

Try Again using the Software Update Applet in System Preferences

You may have run out of space. How big is your hard drive and how full is it?