I have a mid-2010 MacPro. I'm trying to install High Sierra, but I keep getting this message: "To install macOS High Sierra, a firmware update is required." I can't find any firmware updates. I've tried holding the start button down several times, but I still get the message.
Mac Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.6), MacPro 5,1, with 2.8GHz quad-core
Hi - I have the same model Mac Pro (mid-2010, 2.8 GHz Quad) and was having similar issues - but you might want to try the following:
In the instructions in the screen shot you posted, it tells you to hold down the power button until the power indicator light flashes OR you hear a long tone.
The first time I attempted the update I held down the button until the power light flashed and then let go. The long tone happened after I let go of the button and I got a normal looking startup screen (grey Apple logo with black status bar).
Upon restart, I was just taken to the same screen advising me that I needed to update the firmware.
The second time I attempted the update, I kept my finger on the power button past the flashing power light and until the long tone sounded. Only then did I let go of the button.
This time a different (old school/low res) startup screen showed up where both the Apple logo and the status bar were grey. The SuperDrive tray opened, the status bar went to completion and the SuperDrive tray closed itself again.
When the machine restarted it took me to the screen where I could proceed to install High Sierra, which happened successfully.
I'm not sure of the technical reason why this worked, but it did. Hope it helps you too.
A new feature of macOS High Sierra is to programmatically check for firmware update. This is related to the fact that EFI could be one point of weakness that could possibly lead to compromise the entire computer.
If you are interested on the argument you can read here.
You can also check if EFI firmware for your MacPro is the latest available, running this little program developed by the Duo Labs guys.
Back to your issue. Have you tried running High Sierra installation without the internet connection?
I found this article on iFixIt. Even though it is intended to upgrade the 2009 Mac Pro firmware to a 2010 Mac Pro firmware, it is worth reading, especially the "MOST HELPFUL ANSWER" I linked to, that explains the process involving firmware upgrade.
Have you tried to reset the SMC?
I found that if you just Shut Down using the Finder menu, the firmware update will not be applied; you must click "Shut Down" in the High Sierra installer window.
Yeah sorry about that, it's hidden from the search results so you need a direct link.
Here you are: https://itunes.apple.com/app/os-x-el-capitan/id1147835434?mt=12
I have the exact same computer, Mac Pro mid 2010. I currently have no OS installed on it so I created a bootable USB drive using the High Sierra installer that I downloaded from my MacBook mid 2010, I then booted to the installer and then chose the drive I wanted to install on, but directly after that I was greeted with the exact same message, but for me the 'Shut Down' button is grayed out so I can't select it. To get around that I used the 'Shut Down' from the drop down menu in the top left of the screen that you get from clicking the Apple logo. I followed the instructions and held the power button until I heard the long beep, after that it the Apple logo appeared along with the loading bar, once that completed it booted back into the installer and I got the exact same message.... I did this two more times and still no luck. At first I thought I was all alone on this issue, but I see it now that others have it too. Hopefully a solution will come soon.
Best of luck!
I have the same issue. Tried it like 5 times. I don't see any gray screen with apple logo though the screen is blank for like 5 minutes after the power light starts to flash and long tone afterwards. After that the I get the login screen and same message.
Then why do I keep getting that same message?
I don't have any external hard drives, but I have four big hard drives inside the computer. I will try removing the other three and see if that works.
I did mine on the day of release. 2009 Mac pro. Firmware is now MP51.0084.B00 .
Yes, this is what finally worked for my 2010 Westmere. Hold onto that power button people : )
my MBA 2010 has the same results, so I gave up after 6 tries,
HS is running on my Mac mini 2014 so I think they are prejudice due t we have absolute machines.
I love how next week and beyond everytime I turn on my MBA the will insist I upgrade!
my MBA 2010 has the same results, so I gave up after 6 tries,
HS is running on my Mac mini 2014 so I think they are prejudice due t we have absolute machines.
I installed the Firmware update and HS on my 2010 MBP.
It's not asking for a disc. I don't know why the drive opens.
Unless you get a blinking light or long tone, then the update isn't attempting to install. Anything else you see has nothing to do with the firmware update.
Well, when I did shut down by using the drop down menu it did seem like it applied the update since I heard the tone and everything, but maybe not. Weird thing is though, it simply won't let me click the shut down button thats inside the window. Also when I do click the shut down button thats in the window, the little spinning ball appears and then nothing happens, I've given it quite awhile too and it just never did anything.
"To install macOS High Sierra, a firmware update is required."
