macOS, "The update could not be verified." What do I do? Trying to upgrade to Sonoma.

iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019, macOS Mojave,

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Sep 28, 2023 4:40 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 29, 2023 11:37 AM

In the past I've had better luck installing from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the downloading and installing 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.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 29, 2023 11:37 AM in response to Jehiel

In the past I've had better luck installing from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the downloading and installing 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.

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macOS, "The update could not be verified." What do I do? Trying to upgrade to Sonoma.

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