Changing startup disk for MacOS update

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Level 1

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Changing startup disk for MacOS update

I'm currently running MacOS Big Sur (11.6), and I'm trying to update it to the current version of MacOS Ventura. When I open the installer and get to the point where it asks me to select the disk where I want to install MacOS Ventura, it gives me a little pop-up message for Macintosh HD saying "you must provide authorization for this column by setting it as your startup disk" (see below).

The problem is that when I go into System Preferences, set this disk as my startup disk, and restart... I keep getting the same message in the installer. I've tried quitting out and relaunching the installer, but that doesn't change anything. Does anybody have any advice on what to try next?

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 4:49 AM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Jun 27, 2023 2:34 PM in response to ictkach

First backup your data.

Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Startup Disk. Look for the padlock in the bottom left, and click on it. Provide your login and password for the administrator of your computer, and then select the startup disk to be used to install Ventura on. When you close System Preferences, rerun the installer.

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Answer 2

ictkach Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 27, 2023 2:43 PM in response to a brody

As mentioned in my original post, I have already done all of these steps. The “this disk needs to be authorized as your startup disk” message in the installer is still there when I come back.

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Jun 27, 2023 3:01 PM in response to ictkach

The other thing you can do, is click once on the installer and then select Get Info from the Finder's File menu. On the bottom of that window is Ownership and permissions. Be sure your logged user has full control.

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Answer 4

ictkach Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 27, 2023 3:33 PM in response to a brody

OK, I'm logged into the user/account matching the email on the App Store, and have gone into the Ownership/Permissions for the installer to ensure that all users on the computer have read and write access. Still running into the same issue, even after double-checking that I have the hard drive picked as the startup disk.

If I try installing the update while logged in as an admin (emphasis on "try", no idea whether that will work any better), will that extend the installation to all other users on the computer as well?

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Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Jun 27, 2023 2:45 PM in response to ictkach

Did you download the installer while logged in as a different user on the App Store? You may need to be logged in the user matching the email on the App Store.

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Answer 6

ictkach Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 27, 2023 2:48 PM in response to a brody

…didn’t think about that. I’ll double check when I have Internet access, but I’m 99% sure that all matches up.

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Answer 7

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Jun 27, 2023 3:36 PM in response to ictkach

You need to be logged in as admin to apply any update or upgrades. This for one is an upgrade. And yes, upgrades apply to all users and so do updates.

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Changing startup disk for MacOS update

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