When trying to upgrade my macOS from Catalina to Monterey ...

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Level 1

4 points

When trying to upgrade my macOS from Catalina to Monterey ...

When trying to upgrade my macOS from Catalina to Monterey my Software Update section just says "Finding Update" continually with no change. How can I update my OS? My Wifi is fine and I've restarted the Mac. iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015). I have WIFI, but also hardwired it in and no changes for days. I will either just say "checking for updates" or when I go to the app store to try and update, it just says "finding updates" and spins continually, but nothing changes. Please advise

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 25, 2024 12:15 PM

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Answer 1

WheelieNick

Level 8

41,469 points

Nov 25, 2024 12:17 PM in response to D3bora

Have you tried to boot your Mac in the safe mode and update from the safe mode? that tends to help with these kind of issues

Start up your Intel-based Mac in safe mode

Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
Log in to your Mac.
You might be asked to log in again.
On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

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Answer 2

D3bora Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 25, 2024 1:34 PM in response to WheelieNick

No I have not. I will try that. I will not lose anything I assume? And will I have to restart in not safe mode after? I am not super computer savvy (obviously when saying those word right?!) , so not sure what to do after that?

After I restart in Safe Mode, will I go to try and update again?

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Answer 3

Nov 25, 2024 1:44 PM in response to D3bora

D3bora wrote:

No I have not. I will try that. I will not lose anything I assume?

I would suggest backing up your machine before trying to upgrade to Monterey, especially if you have been having problems. And having at least one bootable drive (could be a bootable clone backup) on hand.

Safe Mode in and of itself will not cause you to lose anything, but if something goes wrong during the middle of an upgrade, that might.

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Answer 4

Nov 25, 2024 1:42 PM in response to D3bora

If you haven't already, you might want to try using the App Store link for Monterey in

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 5

D3bora Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 25, 2024 1:50 PM in response to Servant of Cats

Yes, it would not go from the app store. I tried that as well. Thank you for your other insight. I have backed up and am now going to restart in safe mode.

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Answer 6

D3bora Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 25, 2024 1:56 PM in response to WheelieNick

Thank you! It has finally found and is now updating. I only just read about safe start this morning, but was not sure what it might do. Thank you again for noting it here for me to understand why.

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