macOS Update Problems: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

macOS Update Problems: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Updating your Mac to the latest macOS version should bring better security, improved features, and enhanced performance. However, sometimes macOS updates cause problems like installation failures, slow performance, Wi-Fi issues, or apps crashing. If your Mac won’t update or you're experiencing post-update issues, you're not alone.

At ABQ Computer Pros, we specialize in Mac troubleshooting, system repairs, and malware removal. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common macOS update problems and how to fix them.

Common macOS Update Problems and Fixes

1. macOS Update Stuck or Won’t Install

• Symptoms: The update gets stuck on “Preparing Update”, the Apple logo, or a black screen.

• Fix:

  • Restart your Mac and try again.

  • Free up at least 20GB of disk space.

  • Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while starting) and retry the update.

  • If the issue persists, try updating via macOS Recovery (Command + R at startup > Reinstall macOS).

2. macOS Running Slow After Update

• Symptoms: Apps take longer to load, the system lags, or the spinning beach ball appears frequently.

• Fix:

  • Restart your Mac and let it optimize in the background for a few hours.

  • Reset PRAM/NVRAM (Restart and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds).

  • Check Activity Monitor (Command + Space > Search "Activity Monitor") to see if any app is consuming too many resources.

  • Free up disk space and remove unnecessary login items.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Not Working After Update

• Symptoms: Your Mac won’t connect to Wi-Fi, the connection is slow, or Bluetooth devices won’t pair.

• Fix:

  • Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi: Go to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Forget This Network, then reconnect.

  • Reset Network Settings: Open Terminal and type:

    sh

    CopyEdit

    sudo ifconfig en0 down && sudo ifconfig en0 up

  • Reset Bluetooth Module: Press Shift + Option, click Bluetooth in the menu bar, and select Reset the Bluetooth Module.

4. Battery Drains Quickly After macOS Update

• Symptoms: Your MacBook’s battery drains faster than usual.

• Fix:

  • Check Battery Usage in System Settings > Battery and close battery-draining apps.

  • Lower screen brightness and disable background app refresh.

  • Reset SMC (System Management Controller) (for Intel Macs: Shut down > Press Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds > Release > Turn on).

5. Apps Keep Crashing or Won’t Open

• Symptoms: Some apps won’t launch, freeze, or crash after updating macOS.

• Fix:

  • Update the app via the App Store or the developer’s website.

  • Reinstall the app by deleting it and downloading it again.

  • Check for compatibility issues—some older apps may not work on the latest macOS version.

6. macOS Freezes or Randomly Restarts (Kernel Panic)

• Symptoms: The system crashes with an error message or randomly restarts.

• Fix:

  • Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while starting).

  • Run Apple Diagnostics (Restart and hold D).

  • Check for corrupt files in Console Logs (Command + Space > Search "Console").

How to Prevent macOS Update Issues

✅ Backup your Mac before updating using Time Machine.
✅ Check storage space and free up at least 20GB before updating.
✅ Update apps before installing a macOS update.
✅ Use a stable internet connection to avoid update interruptions.
✅ Keep your Mac plugged in during the update to prevent shutdowns.

Need Help? Contact ABQ Computer Pros!

If you're experiencing macOS update problems, don’t struggle alone! At ABQ Computer Pros, we offer expert Mac troubleshooting, software fixes, and system recovery.

📞 Call us today for professional Mac repair services!