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Level 1

55 points

Macbook 2016 stuck in an update loop

Hello!

As the title says, I received my 2016 macbook pro 15' last week and everything was fine until today when my macbook shut down on its own and attempted to install an update. However, prior to completing the update, I get the following error message:

"A critical software update is required for your Mac, but an error was encountered when installing this update. Your Mac can't be used until this update is installed."

I am given the option to either try again or shut down which leads to the same situation and my laptop is now stuck in this loop. I was hoping someone would be able to assist me with this. Thanks!

MacBook Pro, iOS 10.1.1

Posted on Dec 8, 2016 11:01 AM

Best reply

AvailableName

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Jan 31, 2017 6:02 PM

In trying to set up and log into my new Macbook Pro 15" with TouchBar, I got only as far as entering my network information when I received the error message:

A critical software update is required for your Mac, but an error was encountered while installing this update. Your mac can't be used until this update is installed.

On the advice of others posting here, I did a re-install of the OS from Command-R. This did not help me. I tried several times.

Then (also from within Command-R) I erased and re-formatted the hard drive, re-installed the OS, and for the first time was able to get as far as inputting my time zone and setting up a user account.

The first thing I did once I finally gained access to my new computer was to visit the App Store and download updates. One of the App Store system updates needed a re-start.

When the computer re-started, it made it to the log-in screen. However, after I entered my password, the screen froze, with a spinning beach ball. I was not able to login again to the account.

I did a hard re-start. When the system started again, I was prompted for my WIFI network, and then received the same error message:

A critical software update is required for your Mac, but an error was encountered while installing this update. Your mac can't be used until this update is installed.

Help??!

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52 replies

Mar 9, 2018 11:41 PM in response to prpshrt

Great suggestion. If the Wi-Fi is turned off, just press the Wi-Fi icon in the upper right corner and reconnect to your Wi-Fi. The choose the re-install the OS. Wait until the macbook re-downloads the OS and then go throigh the re-booting process.

Mar 9, 2018 11:50 PM in response to HoffyfromHeath

To clarify point 1.

I used the personal hotspot feature on my iPhone and connected to the internet via the usb cable, not via wifi.

I would be interested to know whether anyone who hardwires their internet connection has had this problem.

Nov 24, 2017 8:19 AM in response to prpshrt

SOLUTION:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8106654?start=0&tstart=0

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Dec 8, 2016 11:03 AM in response to prpshrt

Your computer is new and in warranty. Use your 90-day free telephone support or make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service. If needed find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple.

zimjhz

Level 1

16 points

Dec 17, 2016 6:57 AM in response to prpshrt

I had the same problem . It was fixed by doing an internet system software installation. Immediately after pressing the start button press option command r together. This caused a completely new system to be installed and it fixed the problem. It also did not delete the user info already transferred and it was nice that that step did not have to be repeated. I called Apple tech support and they set me on this path.

Dec 30, 2016 6:57 AM in response to zimjhz

Same thing happened to me. Had to reboot with Command-R MacOS Recovery and re-installed the OS. I didn't have to do internet recovery, good thing because I did not have Wi-Fi at the time. One problem I did experience - when it came back up I had a very difficult time reconnecting to my Wi-Fi and I had to go through diagnostics to get it to connect. Could this be the underlying problem with the update, it's not able to connect to Wi-Fi in the process?

prpshrt Author

Level 1

55 points

Dec 30, 2016 1:41 PM in response to prpshrt

Hey all thanks for the replies! Unfortunately I wasn't able to resolve the issue and Apple had to replace the entire machine. I'm hoping this doesn't happen again but I'll keep the internet recovery in mind if it happens again.