Spinning update software wheel

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will1959 Author

Level 1

4 points

Spinning update software wheel

I cant stop the software update wheel from spinning on my iMac M1 Desktop ?

iMac 24″, macOS 26.6

Posted on Sep 18, 2026 5:51 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

John Galt

Level 10

161,068 points

Sep 18, 2026 9:54 AM in response to will1959

I understand Software Update is "Checking for updates..." with no end in sight.

Restart the Mac and try again. If you are unable to restart your Mac, restart your Mac in "Safe Mode" and check for updates while in that mode. The following explains Safe Mode as well as how to force the Mac to shut down (if necessary).

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

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Answer 2

will1959 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 18, 2026 1:02 PM in response to John Galt

Hi John,

I tried your suggestions about using safe mode, but unfortunately I will probably have to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery, as I could not rectify the spinning icon problem in Software Update.

Many thanks

Will 59

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

161,068 points

Sep 18, 2026 1:46 PM in response to will1959

That will work also. At your option you can choose to upgrade macOS through Recovery.

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