I am trying to update Big Sur, but my wheel just keeps spinning on checking for updates. I currently have 11.6.7. I have tried restarting but it does it again. Any ideas?
iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, 2 ports)
Please restart the computer in Safe Mode per the directions in the How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support link.
Note: If you are using a wireless keyboard please either plug it in using the supplied Lightning cable that shipped with it. If you are using a legacy keyboard or a third-party keyboard that does not have re-charging abilities, please use any USB keyboard. Also note that a Safe Mode restart may require you to hold down the shift key for up to 5 minutes before the computer starts in Safe Mode. You will know it is in Safe Mode when you see “Safe Mode” in the upper right of the display.
After restarting in Safe Mode, then please check for updates and let any available updates install. After your updates have installed, please restart normally.
If for some reason the above does not work and you still cannot install updates please do the following:
It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate to www.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.
When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again.
For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000211
Several workarounds have been proposed, such as restarting your Mac in "Safe Mode" and checking for updates while in that mode, and / or resetting NVRAM.
How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support
Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
Related: Software Update stuck at "Checking for updates"… - Apple Community
Me too. My MAcBook says up to date on Big Sur but now Safari doesn't work just spins and have to force quit WTH?
I am trying to update on Big Sur but my wheel just keeps spinning on checking for updates.
