iMac not updating

Question

iMac not updating

Hi,

I have a 2017 iMac running on macOS Big Sur which I wanted to update to Ventura.

During the preparation phase of the update (where the computer is still on) it would get close to finishing and then fail, saying try agin.

I did this multiple times and tried deleting and re-downloading the 'install macOS Ventura app', with no luck.

I then deleted the 'install macOS Ventura app' and instead downloaded Monterey off the App Store, thinking it could bridge the gap and make it work. It didn't and every time I went to select a disk for it to install on it came up with a message that 'disk cannot be downgraded', even though Monterey is an upgrade from Big Sur.

I also restarted the Mac in safe mode and tried to install Monterey but this also didn't work.

Does this mean that Ventura partially installed on my computer and is preventing future updates?

I have about 90 gigs of free storage (I can free up more if I need) and I just want to get macOS Ventura.

What should I do?

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Nov 30, 2023 1:11 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

217,802 points

Nov 30, 2023 3:51 PM in response to Not_so_tech_support

I've had a similar problem in the past and have had better luck 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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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

111,351 points

Nov 30, 2023 4:46 AM in response to Not_so_tech_support

Sorry for being so insistent☺️ but this really helps a lot

Big Sur version 11.2.3 was released 08 March 2021

The have certainly been may updates since that time

You may be better served by updating the existing Big Sur to a newer or newest version of Big Sur.

This may eliminate this oddity of " disk cannot be downgraded " Issue 🤞

Then and only then attempt the upGrade

Is alway best to Make Time Machine Backup before doing any UpDates or UpGrades

About the security content of macOS Big Sur 11.7.1

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

111,351 points

Nov 30, 2023 2:22 AM in response to Not_so_tech_support

Suggest providing a screen shot from " About this Mac " and without the Serial Number Appearing.

The information in that image you are upload, may answer several important questions like what Year is this computer, what version of macOS is presently installed etc.

To upload the image use the " Image Insertion icon and the bottom right.

It is the Second to Last icon that looks like a TV Screen

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Answer 4

Dec 1, 2023 10:06 PM in response to Owl-53

I tried this today and it didn't work. So I am going to get a hard-drive and back the computer up and then reinstall macOS form recovery mode.

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Answer 5

Owl-53

Level 10

111,351 points

Nov 30, 2023 4:16 AM in response to Not_so_tech_support

User wrote and this send a Red Flag for me.

" It didn't and every time I went to select a disk for it to install on it came up with a message that 'disk cannot be downgraded', even though Monterey is an upgrade from Big Sur. "

This would imply that a Newer Version of macOS is Installed on this computer.

A true way to close this off and determine what is what, is to perform the requested actions previously requested.

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