MacBook Pro Software Update stuck checking for macOS updates

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro Software Update stuck checking for macOS updates

Hello,

I have a MacBook Pro, M1, 2020. It is running macOS Monterey version 12.2. and the OS has never been updated (to my knowledge). I think this is now an older OS and some applications don't run correctly on it. So, I would like to update to a later OS but the Software Update option continually shows 'checking for updates' and never returns any options.

I have strong wifi, not running VPN , not running any bespoke anti virus software. Any suggestions on how I get round this ?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Jul 10, 2026 9:48 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MartinR

Level 7

25,796 points

Jul 10, 2026 10:16 AM in response to Pickle-70

There are alternatives to Software Update.

Your best bet is probably just to go to the App Store, search for the version of macOS you want, and download it from there. You can get Ventura, Sonoma or Sequoia there.

For more details about downloading from the App Store, see this article -> How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

If for some reason that doesn't work for you, let us know because there are further alternatives. Just didn't want to list them here in order to keep this answer as simple as possible.

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Answer 2

Jul 10, 2026 11:43 AM in response to Pickle-70

You can try downloading a newer OS directly from the App Store app, there are currently 4 newer OS versions to choose from for your model. Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia and Tahoe.

You can download the installer using the links in the following support document:

click here ➜ How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

25,796 points

Jul 10, 2026 5:53 PM in response to Pickle-70

Pickle-70 wrote:

When I use the App Store and click on 'GET' for an updated OS, the Software Update window pops up and it continues to say 'finding update' without actually finding anything.

If you haven't done a full shut down & cold boot in awhile, do that first. (Full shut down, not just a restart.) Do the same with your router. Let your router restart in full before you restart your MBPro. Then see if you can get macOS via the App Store again. A complete shutdown & restart often clears up gremlins.

If that doesn't fix the problem, are you familiar with & comfortable using Terminal commands?

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Answer 4

Pickle-70 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 11, 2026 8:04 AM in response to MartinR

Hello,

So I have done a full shut down and everything is now working perfectly. I have updated my OS via the software update function and everything works. Thanks for your input.

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Answer 5

Pickle-70 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 10, 2026 11:03 AM in response to MartinR

Hi,

Thank you for your response. When I use the App Store and click on 'GET' for an updated OS, the Software Update window pops up and it continues to say 'finding update' without actually finding anything. Any other options or ways to get an update ?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

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Answer 6

MartinR

Level 7

25,796 points

Jul 11, 2026 11:56 AM in response to Pickle-70

Great to know that did the trick!

Keep that in mind for the future ... it is good practice to shut down & restart your Mac from time to time,

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