El Capitan doesn't restart while updating

El Capitan 10.11.3 is trying to restart system to install 10.11.4. It closes all applications, there are only Finder and Trash icons in the Dock, but nothing happens.

Is there an opportunity to update OS X without fully reinstall the system? And why is this happening?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Apr 2, 2016 2:19 AM

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4 replies

Apr 4, 2016 2:42 PM in response to Bibimij

Hi there bibimij,


It sounds like you are installing the 10.11.4 update but the computer does not restart on its own. There could be a few reasons for something like that to happen, but I would first quit any running apps when you run the update because there could be an application holding it up. If you're unsure whether or not you have them all closed you can use the Force Quit option to quit programs that may be running.


Force an app to close on your Mac


If that does not help, then I would next reset your PRAM:


How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac


Test the issue once this has been reset. If it still keeps happening I would next boot to safe mode so that some system level and kernel caches, as well as perform a disk verification and repair if needed.


Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up

Follow these steps to start up into safe mode.

  1. Start or restart your Mac.
  2. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

After the Apple logo appears, it might take longer than usual to reach the login screen or your desktop. This is because your Mac performs a directory check of your startup disk as part of safe mode.

To leave safe mode, restart your computer without pressing any keys during startup.


Then leave safe mode with a normal restart and test it out once again. Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

El Capitan doesn't restart while updating

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