Are you trying to update your Mac but keep receiving the error message “Mac error occurred preparing software update”? This error can be frustrating and prevent you from taking advantage of new features and bug fixes. In this article, we’ll discuss what this error means, its causes, and how to fix it.
What is “Mac Error Occurred Preparing Software Update”?
“Mac Error Occurred Preparing Software Update” is an error message that Mac users may encounter when attempting to update their operating systems. This error appears during the preparation stage of the update process and prevents the update from being installed. Typically, it occurs as a result of insufficient disk space, a damaged system file, or an issue with the installer.
Causes of “Mac Error Occurred Preparing Software Update”
Here are the possible reasons why you’re getting the “Mac error occurred preparing software update” message:
Insufficient Disk Space
If your Mac doesn’t have enough disk space to install the update, you may see the “Mac error occurred preparing software update” error message. Before you install any updates on your Mac, ensure that you have enough free space. To check your disk storage, navigate to the Apple icon > About This Mac > Storage. If your disk storage is running low, delete any unnecessary files or transfer them to an external hard drive.
Corrupted Installer
If the installer is corrupted or damaged, you won’t be able to install the update. In this case, download the installer again or check whether the existing installer is corrupt. Additionally, you can try using a different software update package; this may resolve the issue.
Damaged System Files
If some system files are damaged, you may encounter the “Mac error occurred preparing software update” message when trying to update your Mac. In this case, you should repair your Mac’s hard drive using the Disk Utility app. This can be accessed by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. Select “First Aid” and click on “Repair Disk”. This may solve any issues with the system files.
How to Fix “Mac Error Occurred Preparing Software Update”
Here are five methods to help you fix the “Mac error occurred preparing software update” message:
Method 1 – Connect to a Stable Network
If your internet connection is interrupted during the software update process, you might encounter the “Mac error occurred preparing software update” error message. To overcome this issue, make sure that your Mac system is connected to a steady network for the whole duration of the update process. If necessary, use a wired connection instead of a wireless connection.
Method 2 – Free Up Disk Space
One reason for “Mac error occurred preparing software update” is a lack of free disk space on your Mac system. You should ensure that you have at least 8GB of free space for a successful update. To check your system’s disk storage, navigate to the Apple icon > About This Mac > Storage. If you find out that you do not have enough memory space, try to delete unnecessary files until you have enough space.
Method 3 – Repair the Disk Using Disk Utility
You can also try using Disk Utility to fix any issues on your Mac’s hard drive. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open “Applications” and then go to “Utilities”
2. Launch “Disk Utility”
3. Choose your startup disk from the list
4. Click on “First Aid” and wait for the check and fixes to complete
Method 4 – Restart your Mac
Sometimes, restarting your Mac systems can fix the “Mac error occurred preparing software update” message. Before trying any other methods, try restarting your Mac and check if the problem is still there. If the problem persists, try out other methods listed in this article.
Method 5 – Use Terminal to Kill the Software Update Process
If none of the above solutions works, you can attempt to kill the software update process running on your Mac using the Unix command in Terminal. To do this, you need to:
1. Launch Terminal
2. Type “sudo killall installd” (without quotes) and hit “Enter”
3. Enter your Mac’s admin password when prompted
4. Try to update your Mac again
Concluding Thoughts
The “Mac error occurred preparing software update” message can be frustrating when trying to update your Mac’s software. If you encounter this error, the above methods should help fix the problem. Always ensure that you have enough disk space, a steady network connection, and you’re using the latest installer. When all else fails, you can reach out to Apple Support to get additional assistance.
FAQs About Mac Update Issues
1. How long does it take to prepare a software update on Mac?
Preparing a software update can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on the size of the update being installed and the speed of your internet connection.
2. How do I free up my disk space on Mac?
To free up disk space on your Mac, you can use the built-in Disk Utility app to remove temporary files, downloaded files, and duplicates of large files. Alternatively, you can move files to external hard drives, use Optimized Storage, and delete unwanted applications.
3. How do I check for available software updates on Mac?
To check available software updates on your Mac, navigate to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update, and look for available updates. If updates are available, you can choose to install them immediately or use a schedule to update your Mac while you are away.
