My MacBook Air (M1, 2020) isn't updating to macOS Tahoe after successful download and installation

I have a MacBook Air (M1, 2020) on version 11.2.3 that I'm trying to update. I successfully downloaded the software update, installed macOS Tahoe onto my hard drive, my computer restarted, there were no error messages, but when I click about my computer it still says version 11.2.3. Why isn't the update working?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Software update not working

Posted on Feb 5, 2026 10:18 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 5, 2026 12:59 PM

How did you download the software update?

Do you see, in the Applications folder, an app named "Install macOS Tahoe"?

That is the installer that you downloaded, and now you must launch that installer to actually install the upgrade. Launch it by double-clicking, then follow the prompts.


As always, make sure you have your stuff backed up to another drive.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 5, 2026 12:59 PM in response to tallula242

How did you download the software update?

Do you see, in the Applications folder, an app named "Install macOS Tahoe"?

That is the installer that you downloaded, and now you must launch that installer to actually install the upgrade. Launch it by double-clicking, then follow the prompts.


As always, make sure you have your stuff backed up to another drive.

My MacBook Air (M1, 2020) isn't updating to macOS Tahoe after successful download and installation

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