Sonoma update won't finish

I have a Retina 4K, 21.5 inch 2019 iMac. Every time I try to update to Sonoma it takes me many tries. I get notified that there's an update, and click update now. My mac then shuts down (or appears to). When I come back there is a log in screen. However, when I enter my password it briefly logs me in and then immediately goes back to the log in screen. I make sure that my mouse is in the middle of the screen and not in any of the corners that ask it to lock. I've had to resort to power cycling it. It then lets me log in, but when I check the version of Sonoma it hasn't updated. I usually have to go through asking for update, and then power cycling about 3 or 4 times before the update "takes". Has anyone else seen this behavior? I've tried resetting my PRAM, but that doesn't seem to make a difference.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 14.3

Posted on Mar 9, 2024 2:19 PM

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1 reply

Mar 9, 2024 3:56 PM in response to VictorSMiller

VictorSMiller wrote:

I have a Retina 4K, 21.5 inch 2019 iMac. Every time I try to update to Sonoma it takes me many tries. I get notified that there's an update, and click update now. My mac then shuts down (or appears to). When I come back there is a log in screen. However, when I enter my password it briefly logs me in and then immediately goes back to the log in screen. I make sure that my mouse is in the middle of the screen and not in any of the corners that ask it to lock. I've had to resort to power cycling it. It then lets me log in, but when I check the version of Sonoma it hasn't updated. I usually have to go through asking for update, and then power cycling about 3 or 4 times before the update "takes". Has anyone else seen this behavior? I've tried resetting my PRAM, but that doesn't seem to make a difference.


You did or you did not complete the update?


If no success try from a Safeboot—Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support


Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS



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Sonoma update won't finish

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