Installation failed an error occurred while installing the selected updates

Some Mac users have run into an error when attempting to download or install system software updates that says “Installation failed, An error occurred while installing the selected updates.” This alert comes up in the Software Update system preference panel, and has been encountered in macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, and prior versions too.

There are a variety of reasons Mac users may see the “installation failed” error when trying to download and install a particular MacOS software update, and we’ll go through some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue here.

Troubleshooting macOS “Installation failed, An error occurred while installing the selected updates.” Errors

We’ll go through a variety of troubleshooting steps, as well as offer an alternate solution to download macOS installers even if the System Preference panel for Software Update is repeatedly showing failure errors.

Wait a bit

Users may encounter failures to download and install macOS updates when Apple servers are overloaded, therefore sometimes simply waiting a bit can be helpful. This is particularly relevant if the software update you are trying to install is brand new, like a major system software release (this happened with Big Sur for example).

Reboot the Mac

Sometimes simply rebooting the Mac and trying again can resolve the failed installation error.

Make sure the Mac is online and functionally connected to the internet

Some Mac users have encountered the Installation Failed error because their Mac has dropped an internet connection, or because of a DNS issue.

In either case, make sure the Mac is online, and easy way to do this is by opening Safari and going to a great website like https://osxdaily.com and make sure it loads and works as expected.

If you’re having DNS issues, you may want to check to see if custom DNS has been set on the Mac (or at the router level), or if your ISP DNS servers are offline. If those name servers are not functioning you may encounter various issues with downloading software updates, amongst other problems. Using Google DNS 8.8.8.8 is a common DNS for many users, as is OpenDNS 1.1.1.1.

Make Sure MacOS is Not Enrolled in Beta Updates

If you’re trying to download a final version of MacOS but it’s failing, you may still be enrolled in the beta program. Some users have experienced this and found that unenrolling from the beta updates resolves the Installation Failed error.

From the Software Update system preference panel, click on “Details” and choose “Restore Defaults” to unenroll from receiving Mac beta updates.

Try downloading the macOS installers directly

This is more of a workaround, as it bypasses the Software Update system preference panel on the Mac, but you can try to download the macOS installer via App Store or direct download link from Apple, downloading the full macOS installer application directly using the command line, or by using the excellent free third party app MDS (Mac Deploy Stick).

If you go with the MDS route, download and install the application (it’s free from the developer TwoCanoes and can be downloaded here), then launch the MDS app and choose “Download MacOS” from the sidebar, selecting the version of macOS system software you want to download and install.

Once you have the full installer of macOS, you should be able to launch it directly without experiencing the ‘installation failed’ error as you see it only in System Preferences.

For what it’s worth, this problem has been seen periodically over time with various macOS system software versions.

It looks like this in modern macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later:

And it looks like this in macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and earlier:

Did one of the tips above resolve the “Installation failed, An error occurred while installing the selected updates.” macOS error for you? Did you find another solution? Share your experiences in the comments!

The Error ‘An error occurred while downloading the updates (Update Failed)‘ prompt when attempting to install a newer version of macOS. This problem is typically reported to occur when the user attempts to install the Catalina and Big Sur versions of macOS.

After investigating various user reports and attempting to replicate the issue on our machines, it turns out that there are several different underlying causes that might lead to the apparition of this error code. Here’s a shortlist of potential culprits that might be responsible for this error code:

Now that you are familiar with every potential reason that might cause the error occurred while downloading the updates message pop-up when you attempt to update your macOS to the latest version available, let’s take a look at a couple of fixes that other dealing with the same issue have successfully used:

Check for a Server Issue

Before you go ahead and follow the other methods below to troubleshoot a local issue that’s causing the update failed error, you should start by ensuring that Apple is not currently experiencing issues with their Software Update delivery function.

In the past (when the Big Sur update was officially released), there was a surge of “An error occurred while downloading the updates (Update Failed)” reports as the Software Update component of Apple effectively broke.

If you are encountering this issue due to a server issue, none of the methods below will work in your case, so take the time to investigate if this is true or not.

Fortunately, there is an easy way of checking if Apple is currently experiencing issues with the macOS Software update component – Simply access Apple’s System Status page and check if there’s an Issue or Outage revolving around macOS Software Update.

If this investigation has allowed you to discover an underlying server issue, there’s nothing you can really do to fix the problem – All you can do is wait for Apple’s engineers to resolve their server issue.

On the other hand, if the status page is reporting no underlying issues or outages with the macOS Software Update component, you can conclude the problem is not server-related – In this case, start following the next potential fixes below.

Restart or Reset your Router

If you see this error occurring every time you attempt to download the pending system update for macOS, there’s a very big chance you’re dealing with a networking glitch that has affected a lot of Mac users in the past.

In case you are dealing with this problem, you’ll end up seeing the update failed error regardless if you’re performing the update from the System Preferences tab or downloading it from the official download page.

Fortunately, the problem is most likely occurring due to a generic case of badly cached IP / TCP data that is forcing the Apple server to reject the connection due to a security concern.

If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the issue by performing a router restart or reset procedure.

Note: If you can get the issue fixed with a simple router restart, do that instead of resetting your network

Restart your Router

A simple router reboot procedure will achieve the purpose of clearing the currently cached data for Internet Protocol and Transmission Control Protocol data.

To go for a router reboot on your network device, start by identifying the power button (it’s typically located on the back of the device). When you see it, press it once to cut off power.

As soon as power is cut off from the device, go ahead and disconnect the power cable from the power outlet and wait for 1 minute or more before plugging it back in in order to allow the power capacitors enough time to drain themselves.

Once the time period has passed, start your router once again, attempt to install the same update that was previously failing with the ‘An error occurred while downloading the updates (Update Failed)’ error prompt and see if the problem is now fixed.

If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the next potential fix below.

Reset your Router Configuration 

If the simple router restart didn’t fix the issue for you, the next logical step is to go for a complete network device reset to ensure that no network-related setting or cached data is currently preventing your macOS system from updating itself.

Important: Prior to resetting your network device, it’s important to understand that this operation will affect your current network setup. Any forwarded ports, blocked items, and any other type of custom settings will be lost once you go through with this procedure. Even more, if you’re using PPPoE, you will need to re-do the credentials before you can restore Internet access.

If you understand the consequences, you can initiate a router reset by locating the reset button on the back of your router.

Note: Typically, this is a built-in button that can only be reached with a sharp object (needle, toothpick, etc.) in order to prevent the accidental process.

Once you manage to locate the reset button, press and hold it for 10 seconds or more or until you notice that the front LEDs all flash at the same time.

After the router is successfully reset, go ahead and re-establish the connection by re-inserting your PPPoE credentials and see if the problem is now fixed.

If you’re still unable to complete the update on your macOS, move down to the next potential fix below.

Get rid of Kernel Extension Software (if applicable)

If you’re seeing the ‘An error occurred while downloading the updates (Update Failed)’ while attempting to install the Big Sur update, one fairly common culprit is 3rd party software that works by installing kernel extensions.

Common culprits in this particular case are software like Parallels, CPU Gadget, and Little Snitch.

If any of the 3rd party software mentioned above is currently installed on your Mac (or a similar tool), the only thing you have to do to bypass the error is to temporarily uninstall them from your macOS in order to ensure that the Big Sur update can be installed with no roadblocks.

If you’re looking for specific instructions on how to do this, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Finder app from the Launchbar at the bottom of the screen.
2. Once you’re inside the Finder app, access the Applications tab and locate the kernel extension software that you suspect might be conflicting with the Big Sur update.
3. After you locate the problematic software, right-click on it and choose Move to Trash (Move to Bin) from the context menu that just appeared.
4. If you get asked to insert your username and password, do so in order to grant the necessary permissions to uninstall the application.
5. Once the uninstallation procedure is complete, reboot your macOS device and wait for the next startup to complete before attempting to install the Big Sur update once again.

If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the next method below.

Reset PRAM & NVRAM Caches

If none of the other fixes above have worked in your case, it’s very likely that you’re dealing with an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter Random-Access Memory) issue that is preventing your system from properly dealing with temporary files.

Info: macOS computers will use NVRAM to store certain settings data that can be accessed quickly, while PRAM is used to store information related to some core components of your MAC.

If you’re indeed dealing with an issue cause by either of these caches (NVRAM or PRAM), you should be able to fix the problem by resetting both the PRAM and NVRAM caches.

If you’re looking for specific step by step instructions on doing this, here’s what you need to do:

1. Start by shutting down your MAC conventionally (regular shut down, not hibernation mode).
2. After you made sure that your Mac is turned off completely, turn it ON and immediately press and hold on the following keys:

   Option + Command + P key + R key

3. Keep all keys pressed for over 20 seconds or more.
4. When your macOS gives the impression that it’s preparing to restart, DON’T let go of the four keys yet.
5. Next, listen for the 2 startup tones. Once you hear the second beep, release all keys at once.
   Note: If you’re using a Mac with T2 Security chip implementation, you’ll need to be releasing all 4 keys after the Apple logo disappears for the second time.
6. Once the next startup is complete, attempt to install the pending update once again and see if the problem is now fixed.

If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the next potential fix below

Remove iTunes entries from the /hosts File

According to some affected users, you can expect to see this particular error code due to a bad /etc/hosts file that is interfering with the updating process.

Most likely, the problematic key that is effectively blocking the update to the Big Sur iteration is 127.0.0.1 osxapps.itunes.apple.com.

Several affected users that were previously dealing with the same kind of issue have confirmed that the problem was resolved once they accessed the /hosts file and removed the problematic entries that we’re interfering within the updating process.

If you’re looking for specific instructions on accessing and modifying the hosts file on macOS, follow the instructions below:

1. Use the Launchpad at the bottom of the screen to open the Finder app.
2. Once you’re inside the Finder, access the Applications tab, then open the Terminal app from the list of available options.
3. Once you’re inside the Terminal app, type the following command and press Return (Enter):

   sudo nano /etc/hosts.

4. When you’re asked to enter the password for your active user account, enter the required information so you’ll be granted access to the hosts file.
5. Once the /hosts file is opened, scroll through the Hosts Database and locate the following entry:

   127.0.0.1 osxapps.itunes.apple.com.

6. Once you see it, simply delete the line from the hosts file to remove it completely and press Control + O to save the changes and ovveride the hosts file with this variant.
7. Finally, exit the Nano Editor app and restart both your macOS and your router before attempting to install the pending update once again.

If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the next potential fix below.

Clean the Caches folder of macOS

As it turns out, this particular issue can occur due to a series of corrupted temp files that might reside in the Caches folder. Under certain circumstances, corrupted cache files can interfere with the installation of new pending system updates and cause the Update Failed error.

Several affected users that were also dealing with this problem have managed to fix it by accessing the Library folder and clean the contents of this folder.

Note: This procedure is perfectly safe and will not cause any issues with your macOS installation.

Keep in mind that in order to do that, you will need to start by accessing the System Preferences menu and disable the iCloud integration with Calendar in order to be able to remove the files from the Caches folder.

Important: If you want to ensure that you don’t end up doing any collateral damage, we recommend that you start by doing Time Machine Backup before starting with the steps below.

Once you are ready to get started, begin following the steps below:

1. Use the ribbon at the top to click on the apple icon, then click on System Preferences from the list of available options.
2. Inside the System preferences menu, click on the iCloud entry (left-hand section) of the screen.
3. Next, from the iCloud settings, move over to the right-hand section, then uncheck the box associated with Calendars.
4. After iCloud calendar sync has been disabled, use the action bar at the bottom to click on your Finder app.
5. Once you’re finally inside the Finder app, press and hold on to the Option key, then press the Go entry from the ribbon menu at the top and select Library from the list of available items.
6. When you manage to arrive inside the Library folder, start by finding the Caches folder. Double-click on it to select it once you finally see it.
7. Once you arrive inside the Caches folder, press CMD + A on your keyboard to select everything, then press CMD + Backspace to delete them (or right-click > Move to Bin).

   Note: Keep in mind that the Cache folder will only contain temporary files that various applications installed in your macOS ecosystem use. Deleting them might prompt you to sign in again with some applications, but it won’t break any applications.

8. Restart your macOS machine, then attempt to reinstall the pending System update once the next startup is complete to see if the problem is now resolved.

If the same kind of issue is still occurring, move down to the final potential fix below.

Clear the Software Update Catalog

If none of the fixes above have proven to be effective in your case, you should start considering a scenario in which there’s a glitch affecting the Software Update Catalog of your macOS computer.

Several macOS users facing the same kind of issue have confirmed that they were finally able to bypass the  ‘An error occurred while downloading the updates (Update Failed)’ error by opening the Terminal app and deploying a command that cleared the Software Update Catalog.

This operation will effectively re-generate the Software catalog and eliminate any type of glitch that is currently causing the error message.

If you find yourself in this particular situation, follow the instructions below to open a Terminal app and clear the software update catalog using a sudo command:

1. Start by opening the Finder app using the action bar at the bottom of the screen.
2. Once you’re inside the Finder app interface, click on the Go button (using the ribbon bar at the top), then click on Utilities from the newly appeared context menu.
3. Once you’re inside the Utilities screen, double-click on the Terminal app and insert your account password if asked for it.
4. After you’re finally inside the Terminal app, type the following command and press Enter (Return) to effectively clear the Software Update Catalog on macOS:

   sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog

5. After the command is processed successfully, reboot your Mac and attempt to install the pending system software once your computer boots back up.

«I cant upgrade from macOS Mojave to macOS Catalina. Unable to install Catalina. ‘An error occurred while installing selected updates’. The network connection was lost.»

Trying to upgrade to Catalina and it says an error occured.»

— From discussions.apple.com

macOS Catalina brings with it some of the really cool features that you can enjoy on your Mac machines. If you are running an old version of macOS, you can get your Mac upgraded from the Mac App Store easily. But this is also the point for many users where they are facing an issue with the update. They get a screen that says «The update has been deleted since being downloaded from the Apple Software Update server. An error occurred while installing selected updates» and the update just fails to install on the machine.

If you are also in the same situation and you are having trouble updating your Mac to the latest Catalina update, you might want to do something about the issue and get it fixed. There are a few fixes that has worked for some users and these are listed in the following guide. You can try and use these on your Mac to see if they also help you fix the update issue on your Mac.

• Part 1. Working Ways to Fix «An error occurred while installing selected updates» (3 Ways)
• Part 2. Other Potential Ways to Fix macOS Catalina Update Install Errors(4 Ways)
• Bonus Tips: The Best Mac Data Recovery Software 2023

You may also want to know How Do I Fix macOS Catalina Could Not be Verified?

Question

Issue: MacOs Big Sur error “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” – how to fix?

Hi, I have been impatiently waiting for the release of Big Sur for my Mac, and I am now greatly disappointed, as I cannot upgrade my OS version. When trying to launch the update, I receive the “Installation failed. An error occurred while installing the selected updates” message. Any tips to fix this issue?

Solved Answer

Today, Apple launched its seventeenth version of macOS – Big Sur (11.0), a successor to the widely popular Catalina (10.15). First announced by Apple in June 2020, the release date was set to November 12, and many users were waiting for the launch. The new version is meant to bring in many changes to the operating system, including the major update to the user interface (UI), support for Apple-designed ARM64-based processors, improvements to system security, and much more.^[1]

Considering that Catalina was still causing users issues despite being patched several times (HP printer issues, internet connection disruptions, Accountsd high CPU usage, etc.), many users were hoping that Big Sur will be a success, with a lot of improvements. However, it seems like even the launch is not working as intended – many users complained about extremely slow download speeds when it comes to the update file. The slow download speeds for thousands of users are just the begging of problems for Apple’s newest iteration.

Apple’s community forums and other IT boards were flooded with user reports about the “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” error when trying to download Big Sur. The issue seems to occur more often when users attempt to download it via the update launcher rather than the Mac App Store.

In addition to that, many of Apple’s services, such as Maps Traffic, iCloud Mail, iMessage, and others, were also down, as most users struggled to connect to these. The tech giant rushed to fix “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” errors that users have been getting, along with renewing the operation of its services and the Apple’s Developer site. Unfortunately, even after several hours of the launch, users are still struggling with the same issues.

MacOs Big Sur error «An error occurred while installing the selected updates» — how to fix?

To make matters worse, even those who decided to postpone the Big Sure installation to a later date could also be affected. Namely, systems running Catalina could also be affected by the launch. Many users on Twitter reported a slow computer and application operation.^[2]

Today we will attempt to provide ways to fix “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” error along with other issues that you might be suffering from. Before you proceed, we highly recommend scanning the system with ReimageMac Washing Machine X9, as the slow download speed could be a result of too much clutter on your Mac.

Fix 1. Download Big Sur update directly from Apple Store

Most users tend to download the newest updates via the update launcher on their Macs. Unfortunately, this way does not always work, and it seems like Big Sur download succeeded to those that downloaded it from the Apple Store instead of the launcher.

Therefore, head to the official Apple’s website, and attempt to download the update from there.

Download from App Store

Fix 2. Reboot your system

macOS Big Sur is 12GB large, which means that it could take a while to download for some users, especially those that do not have speedy internet. However, even those with fast internet seeds claimed that it took them over 12 hours to download the update fully.

Thus, if an error “Installation failed. An error occurred while installing the selected updates” shows up during that time, it can be extremely frustrating, especially after waiting for hours. Some users claimed that simply rebooting their machines helped them to avoid being interrupted by the annoying error.

Reboot your Mac

Fix 3. Repair the Drive

While this solution might not help everybody, it is worth a try.

• Restart your Mac
• Right after that, press and hold Command + R keys on your keyboard
• Once Disk Utility menu shows up, select Disk Utility and click Continue
• Pick the Macintosh HD drive from the list
• Click on First Aid, and then follow up with Done as soon as it becomes available
• Quit Disk Utility and restart your Mac.

Fix 4. Free up some space

As previously mentioned, too little space on your hard drive could result in the inability to install Big Sur, hence the “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” issue. According to some users who were eligible to try the new version of macOS in Beta, they were facing space issues when trying to install it.

Many macOS systems, especially older ones, have limited space, and many users import many files. Besides, certain invisible files could be causing low space issue – Time Machine is known to take up space that is not initially shown. While you could disable Time Machine to free up some space, it is not recommended – you should rather take up some tips we provide in the How to free up Disk space on Mac OS? article. Also, using an automatic tool such as ReimageMac Washing Machine X9 could spare a lot of time for you.

Clean your hard drive

Fix 5. Wait

Since the issue is universal and millions of people are trying to download Big Sur simultaneously, the problem highly lies within Apple servers itself. Therefore, the tech team needs to sort out the issues in order to allow all the users to update the operating system smoothly.

In the meantime, if none of the above helped you fix “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” error and you are experiencing lag on Catalina, proceed with the next solution.

If your machine can’t run 3rd party apps (or they run very slowly)

Mac and iOS developer Jeff Johnson^[3] claimed that issues regarding the slow startup of third-party applications are related to a failed connection to ocsp.apple.com. Thus, in order to stop your computer from connecting to the server, you should download and install Little Snitch and deny the TCP connection to it (using the trustd feature).

Alternatively, you could simply turn off your internet connection, this would also stop the performance issues.

Deny ocsp.apple.com connection

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