Bibimij
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: 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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Bibimij

Q: El Capitan doesn't restart while updating

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  • Helpful answers

  • by joe_7399,Helpful

    joe_7399 joe_7399 Apr 4, 2016 2:42 PM in response to Bibimij
    Community Specialists
    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.

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Apr 3, 2016 3:56 PM in response to Bibimij
    Level 9 (70,176 points)
    iTunes
    Apr 3, 2016 3:56 PM in response to Bibimij

    Try running the combo update.

     

    10.11.4 Combo Update

  • by Bibimij,

    Bibimij Bibimij Apr 4, 2016 2:09 AM in response to joe_7399
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 4, 2016 2:09 AM in response to joe_7399

    All applications closed automatically by updater. I was making Force quit for my applications in Activity monitor. Nothing changed.

    Ok, guys! I'll try your advices today.

  • by Bibimij,

    Bibimij Bibimij Apr 4, 2016 2:42 PM in response to Bibimij
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 4, 2016 2:42 PM in response to Bibimij

    So, I tried to reset NVRAM, nothing changed. Safe mode was booting for a long time, but when it was done, I could install the update easily. Thank you so much!