2010 iMac stuck in update loop with no password access

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Level 1

4 points

2010 iMac stuck in update loop with no password access

I have an iMac from 2010 and it keeps updating it’s done it like I would say 15 times I’ve searched Apple help and nothing is working and there is no password for it so we can’t even access it and my son just wants to play his games on it but it won’t let him so please help I will put a picture below.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: “broken?” iMac from 2010?

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 8:23 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

WheelieNick

Level 8

45,839 points

Nov 9, 2025 8:25 AM in response to imacfrom10

If startup never progresses beyond an Apple logo or progress bar:

Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off. (Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold Touch ID.)
Turn your Mac back on.
If the issue persists, press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Then unplug all nonessential accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, and USB hubs. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
Turn your Mac back on.
If the issue persists, once again press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off.
Try to start up from macOS Recovery and repair your startup disk as described in this article: How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility.
If the issue persists, try to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery.

If your Mac continues to start up to an Apple logo or progress bar, it might need service. Get service.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

90,370 points

Nov 9, 2025 8:49 AM in response to imacfrom10

Is this your iMac or one that you purchased second hand...?

The 2010 iMac originally came with a 10.6.3 Gray Install Disc set.

If you have that Disc set, then you can use the Utilities on Disc 1 to Erase and Reinstall the OS X.

Then you should be able to upgrade to macOS High Sierra, as per > How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Or optionally you may be able to make a High Sierra installer, as per Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

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