Can't update OS on iMac

can't install updated OS after disk utility wipe out started over stuck in Catalina 2019 iMac 5k 64 mg ram 3 per hard drive plus 5 other hard drives attached plenty of space help ?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 21.5″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Oct 19, 2023 10:55 AM

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Posted on Oct 19, 2023 11:32 AM

Look for the installer in the Applications folder and delete it. Then 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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1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 19, 2023 11:32 AM in response to Alan Teigman

Look for the installer in the Applications folder and delete it. Then 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.

Reply Helpful


Can't update OS on iMac

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