Mac Studio M1 Ultra stuck in Recovery Mode after OS updates

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Level 1

131 points

Mac Studio M1 Ultra stuck in Recovery Mode after OS updates

From the day I received my Studio M1 Ultra every single MacOS update (versions that require automatic restarts) eventually end up in the Recovery Mode screen.

If I let it go through the recovery process it ends up right back there again after all the installations. Every time.

However, if I ignore the recovery screen and just "restart", the Mac boots just fine WITH the new OS installed.

I have been doing this since 2022.

I keep hoping the next major update will fix the problem, but after installing Tahoe (this way) I've given up waiting for that.

I have tried disconnecting ALL devices - even the monitor - in an attempt to troubleshoot. And I've booted in safe mode. Same result. The only work around is restarting the Mac after the update stops at recovery mode.

I'm always a bit worried this work around won't work again.

Am I alone? Did I just get a dud machine?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: EVERY OS update on Mac Studio M1 Ultra ends at Recovery Mode screen, must restart manually

Mac Studio (2022)

Posted on Oct 6, 2025 1:02 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 6, 2025 7:09 AM in response to Joel Pro

you may need to use Disk Utility to FirstAid/RepairDisk your disk drive.

Or restart in safe mode, which will perform this as part of its startup.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

89,548 points

Oct 11, 2025 7:50 PM in response to Joel Pro

Sounds like something (a user or keyboard input) is disrupting the normal update/upgrade and installation process.

FWIW macOS updates/upgrades can require as many as 5 blackouts and load bar cycles to fully complete the process.

If that process is interrupted and not allowed to complete, then that could explain the reason for going into Recovery Mode.

With that in mind.

1) How are you shutting down the Mac Studio...?

Shut Down should be initiated using Shut Down from the Apple drop down menu and not the power button.

2) How are you sleeping if you sleep the Mac Studio...?

Sleep should come from the Apple drop down menu or the auto timer and not the power button.

3) How are you cold starting the Mac Studio...?

when Off a startup should be done with a single push on the power button.

4) How are restarting the Mac Studio...?

Restart should be done using Restart from the Apple drop down menu.

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Answer 3

Joel Pro Author

Level 1

131 points

Oct 12, 2025 1:19 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the thoughts. In my case I do not believe a user or keyboard input could cause this consistently for 3 years while also exporing the solutions I have tried. Indeed, a number of times my fix tactics included disconnecting all external devices from the machine. This included not only cabled devices but wireless ones as well like keyboard and mouse such that the Mac Studio was a disconnected box with only an ethernet cable. (And I tried Wifi)

Additionally please consider, this has happened in 100% of the updates (which include auto restarts) from the first day I received my Mac Studio, to today.

Also for clarity, this happens whether I initiate an update, or whether the machine auto updates at night (untouched).

I never touch the machine in any way until it stablizes (and that, unfortunately is always the Recovery Mode screen).

To answer your questions,

1) yes, dropdowns/apple interface are normally used for all shut downs, other than the exceedingly rare kernal panic.

2) Sleep is usually timer, but occasionally timers are off and then I would use a drop down. But I have also tried leaving the Mac on without any sleep timers. None of these changes affect the problem.

3) Cold starting is always a single push to the power button in back.

4) Restart is always drop down - or other Apple interface (such as the RESTART button on the Recovery Mode screen).

Perhaps I should specify - when the normal update process ends at the Recovery Mode screen there is a RESTART button on the left side, and a button to start the recovery process on the right. I have tried the Recovery process, as that seems the most logical one, but that just goes through the whole process again and loops right back there.

Clicking the Restart button on that screen is the only way I can "finish" an OS update. And then it's fine and all updated.

Any other ideas?

Why would the update process ever hit a point when it goes into recovery mode AFTER it technically finishes updating the system?

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Answer 4

Joel Pro Author

Level 1

131 points

Oct 11, 2025 9:40 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I have done both of these a number of times to try to correct this problem. But unfortunately it did not help.

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