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Software Update Will Not Work On Mac

This article explains how you can fix the “Update not found. The requested version of macOS is not available.” error. You can see the error message below:


You may experience this problem when you want to upgrade to the latest version of the macOS software. You will not be able to update your Mac until you resolve this. This error may occur when you attempt to upgrade from the App Store, or from the Software Update option in System Preferences.

I am trying to install Quick Time, Java for Mac OS X 10.4, Release 9, iTunes, Security Update 2009-002, Software Updates. I get 'None of the checked updates could be installed. Software Update could not expand the package correctly.' Dec 26, 2018  Often, this traps users in a loop of trying to install this “critical software update” that never seems to work, essentially locking down the Mac (not the first time Macs have encountered.

Are you having this problem also? Were you greeted with this error message? Is your Mac saying, incorrectly, that your Mac is up to date when it really is not. Then this article is for you. Following the steps below will help you fix this problem so that you can update your Mac.

Oct 16, 2019  Note you may wish to download MacOS Catalina installer before ignoring the software update, for convenience, if you plan on installing it down the road, or onto another computer, or making a USB boot drive, or whatever else. Of course you can also make the upgrade show as available in Software Update again if you’d like to, as we’ll cover next. Jul 08, 2019  The majority of these problems are usually related to third-party software running on your MacBook. If your MacBook or other Mac does not start up at all after macOS High Sierra/Sierra update and hangs on a gray screen with an Apple Logo, here are some steps to consider.

It is important that you solve this issue so that you can update your computer. macOS updates will include several new and exciting features and important security updates. These new security updates will protect your Mac from malware and malicious attacks. For example, Apple introduced an important securutıy feature called System Integrity Protection (SIP) with OS X El Capitan.

‘macOS update not found’ error

Please try each step below, one at a time, in order. If one tip doesn’t work, move on to the next one!

1. Simply restart your Mac and try again updating your Mac. You can restart your Mac by going to Apple menu > Restart.

Apple Mac Updates Not Working

2. Restart your modem, router and your Mac. You may be having Wi-Fi related problems. See this article about how you can troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues on your Mac. If you can, try another Internet connection.

3. Make sure that the date and time on your Mac are set correctly. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Date & Time to verify. If they are not correct, click the lock icon to make changes. You can also check the “Set date and time automatically” box to have your Mac automatically update your date and time settings.

4. If you are using a VPN service, disable it to see if that makes any difference.

5. We previously wrote an article about “How To Turn Off Catalina Update Notifications“. Just like in this article, hiding the macOS software from Software Update may fix this issue, because it is possible that there may be a problem with your software update preferences file. Here is how:

Software Update Will Not Work On Mac Pro

  • Open the Terminal app on your Mac (Applications > Utilities) (You can also use Spotlight to search and launch the app)
  • Enter the following command hit enter:

Now restart your Mac by going to Apple menu > Restart. After your Mac turns on, then go to System Preferences and Software Update to see if this makes a difference. You should now see the Update option. If not, continue to the next step:

6. Let us try to install the latest macOS from macOS Recovery. This option will download and install the latest version of the macOS software. For this to work, your Mac must be connected to the Internet. Here is how:

  • Turn off your Mac
  • Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the following keys:
  • Option – Command – R
  • Keep holding the keys until you see a spinning globe image or the Apple logo.
  • You may have to enter your password
  • You will see the Utilities window
  • choose Reinstall macOS and click Continue. Then follow the onscreen instructions.

How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later

If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:

  1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
  2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
  3. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.

To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.

How to get updates for earlier macOS versions

If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date: Reinstall apple mail on mac.

  1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.
  2. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
  3. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
  4. When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.

To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.


* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu  > Software Update.

Software Update Will Not Work On Mac

How to get updates for iOS

Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.

Learn more

Software Update Not Working On Macbook Air

  • Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
  • Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
  • You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
  • Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.