Two questions: I have a 2017 21.5 inch iMac running macOS Big Sur 11.7.1. For the last few weeks whenever I check for updates, Software Update does not work. "Checking for updates..." keeps spinning and nothing ever happens. What should I do? Surely there has to be a way to check for security updates and upgrade to the latest macOS if I need to. As for the latter, will Ventura work well with my iMac and how can I upgrade to it if Software Update is not working?
Thank you so much for the recommendation to use "Safe Mode" to get past whatever was causing the problem related to checking for updates. It worked! I was able to install the updates and today Software Updates is working again.
Thank you so much for the recommendation to use "Safe Mode" to get past whatever was causing the problem related to checking for updates. It worked! I was able to install the updates and today Software Updates is working again.
I understand Software Update is perpetually indicating "Checking for updates..." with no apparent resolution.
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
As for the latter, will Ventura work well with my iMac ...
It should. First please determine if the above suggestions resolve the endless spinning.
Terrific. If you should decide to upgrade macOS to Ventura, be sure to read Apple's upgrade instructions regarding the creation of a backup first.
"Before installing new software, it's a good idea to back up your Mac."
FWIW, macOS Big Sur Version 11.7.2 was released today.
I did a backup yesterday before restarting in Safe Mode. Will do another before upgrading to Ventura but thanks for reminding me and for the link to updating macOS.
Software Update not working
