Error "update cannot be installed" while initiating macOS update on my Mac

Have a software update notification. I initiate the update and I get the message "update cannot be installed." checked with apple support and it said this update is with a different software. I am not sure what that means.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: update cannot be installed

MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

Posted on Jun 21, 2025 11:45 AM

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4 replies

Jun 22, 2025 12:32 AM in response to tarenj

"Error 'update cannot be installed' while initiating macOS update on my Mac: Have a software update notification. I initiate the update and I get the message 'update cannot be installed.' checked with apple support and it said this update is with a different software. I am not sure what that means."

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Mac Update Issue Messages:


A. Please Provide a Screenshot:

Please provide a screenshot of this error message. IMPORTANT: Block out personal info(i.e. names and email addresses) from it by covering it with red rectangles through use of the photos app. Go Here: Take a Screenshot on your iPhone - Apple Support


B. IMPORTANT:

Back Up your Mac First:  Be certain you Create a Time Machine Backup of your Mac, so that way you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reconfiguration.

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Error "update cannot be installed" while initiating macOS update on my Mac

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