Fix macOS Monterey Update Stuck Error with Multiple Plans

Dany updated on Jan 11, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

The macOS Monterey update may be stuck on the Apple logo and may be stuck while downloading or installing. Find and skip to the written tutorial in the following chart to fix the problem:

macOS Monterey Stuck Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Problem 1. macOS Monterey Stuck on the Apple Logo Save your work, and restart the Mac. Press and hold the power button (Apple Silicon)...Full steps
Problem 2. macOS Monterey Stuck While Downloading Check the Status of the Apple System on Your Mac. Check the Internet Connection ...Full steps
Problem 3. macOS Monterey Stuck During the Installation Restart Mac to Refresh the macOS Monterey Update. Disable FileVault on Mac to...Full steps

About macOS Monterey Update

One of the most popular macOS base systems is the macOS Monterey. It is the 12th version of the macOS and is succeeded by macOS Ventura. However, compatibility is a significant factor in updating macOS Monterey on the system.

The systems that can upgrade to macOS Monterey include:

  • MacBook Pro - Early 2015 and later
  • ‌iMac‌ - Late 2015 and later
  • MacBook Air‌ - Early 2015 and later
  • ‌iMac‌ Pro - 2017 and later
  • MacBook - Early 2016 and later
  • Mac mini - Late 2014 and later
  • Mac Pro - Late 2013 and later

Various reasons can lead to the macOS Monterey update stuck error or the macOS Ventura upgrade failed error. These include poor internet connection, slow Wi-Fi speed, antivirus causing interference, an issue on Apple's server, using a VPN, etc.

Luckily, there are multiple solutions you can try to resolve this issue. This post provides a complete guide on how to fix the macOS Monterey update stuck on the Apple logo. We will also discuss resolving the macOS Monterey Update stuck on downloading or installing. Before the written tutorial, we have a video about macOS Monterey stuck to help you understand easily:

  • 00:18 macOS Monterey update stuck errors
  • 00:52 Try to update macOS Monterey again
  • 01:24 Enter the password to unlock

Fix macOS Monterey Update Stuck on Apple Logo with 2 Methods

Usually, you can update macOS Monterey with Mac's built-in macOS update option easily, but sometimes macOS Monterey update will get stuck on the Apple logo. We got two solutions to solve this problem, and you can keep reading to learn the detailed tutorials.

Before starting the process, back up all your data on your Mac. You shouldn't second-guess doing it now because it will stop data loss. You can use the practical program Easeus Dara Recovery Wizard for Mac Pro to create a backup of your Mac. Simply click the green button below to obtain the free software download:

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Fix 1. Try Safe Mode to Fix macOS Monterey Update Stuck on the Apple logo

One of the simplest ways to resolve the macOS Monterey Update Stuck on the Apple Logo is booting Mac to Safe Mode. The Safe boot was specifically designed to resolve various software issues.

Let's take a look at the steps:

Step 1. Save your work, and restart the Mac.

boot Mac into Safe Mode to fix macOS Monterey update stuck

Step 2. Press and hold the power button (Apple Silicon) or Shift key (Intel) on your Mac until "Loading startup options" appear. Then click "Continue" in Safe Mode.

Step 3. Mac will restart, and when you log in, it will be in Safe Mode. Try updating now, and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 2. Try Recovery Mode to Fix macOS Monterey Update Stuck on the Apple logo

Another option you can use to resolve the Monterey Update Stuck on Apple Logo is Recovery Mode. Disk Utility is an excellent idea to fix any issues on the startup disk.

Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1. To force shut down the system, press and hold the Power button for some time.

Step 2. Now, press the Power and Command-R buttons and hold them to boot Mac into Disk Utility.

Step 3. Release the keys when you come across the Apple logo. You will see the Recovery mode screen.

Step 4. Under macOS Utility, press the Disk Utility on Mac.

press disk utility to continue

Step 5. Select the Startup Drive that has the main system.

open Disk Utility to solve the problem

Step 6. Press the First Aid option present on the top. (The tool will locate and fix errors within the disk, which will take some time.)

run first aid to repair the disk

Step 7. Restart the system after the process ends.

wait the process finish and click done

Step 8. Ensure the system is in recovery mode when you click on Reinstall macOS.

Step 9. Follow the instructions on-screen to go ahead with the update.

How to Fix macOS Monterey Update Stuck While Downloading

It is also possible that the macOS Monterey update got stuck while downloading. This problem may appear because of Apple server failure, poor internet environment, and lack of disk space.

Fix 1. Check the Status of the Apple System on Your Mac

Is the macOS Monterey update stuck while downloading it? In that case, you need to be patient and wait for some time. But you need to check the Apple server's status even after hours have passed and the issue remains. An Apple update witnesses a rush of users opting for the update right away, causing pressure on the server.

For that, go to the System Status page of Apple. Visit the Apple official website and look out for macOS Software Updates. The green icon suggests everything is good on Apple's end. But, if you find a red or yellow icon, it means there are problems with Apple's servers.

Check the status of Update server on Apple's site

In that case, you need to wait for the update and try waiting at least 24 hours before you try again. But, before downloading the update, visit the System Status page and check out the icon's color.

Fix 2. Check the Internet Connection When macOS Monterey Downloading Stuck

Another reason for the macOS Monterey update being stuck while downloading is a bad internet connection. After checking out the System Status page of Apple and ensuring everything is right, you need to check the internet speed, and slow speed may lead to halting the downloading process.

However, there are various ways to resolve the internet problem. For starters, you can reboot the router. Another fix is to make sure the Mac and the router are nearby. Try downloading it and see if it works now.

You can also try disconnecting the Wi-Fi. Now, wait for some time and reconnect it again. Sometimes, a glitch in the Wi-Fi network can slow down the internet speed. If nothing else works, you must consider opting for another Wi-Fi connection.

Fix 3. Check the Disk Space on Mac When macOS Monterey Downloading Stuck

Did you know that insufficient storage space on the Mac can lead to downloading issues? Yes, that's right! Without proper space, the macOS Monterey update may get stuck while downloading.

It is vital to understand that a minor upgrade of macOS software might take megabytes or some gigabytes of space. But, for a major one, you need to have a minimum of 12 gigabytes of free space on the system.

Here are the steps you need to follow to check out the storage space:

Step 1. Click on the Apple menu present at the top-left part of the screen.

Step 2. Now, select the "About this Mac" option.

Open the About This Mac option in the Apple menu

Step 3. Click on the Storage tab.

Step 4. Give the system some time to provide the desired results.

Step 5. A bar at the top shows how much space is in use and how much is left.

Check System Storage on Mac

macOS Monterey Update Stuck While Installing

After successfully downloading macOS Monterey, problems may arise when the installation of the macOS Monterey update takes place. In that case, the best solution is to wait for some time. Keep in mind that the installation takes a significant amount of time. Instead of panicking, simply have some patience. However, if there is still no progress, it's time to take action.

Fix 1. Restart Mac to Refresh the macOS Monterey Update

The simplest solution is to restart the Mac. Doing this manually will lead to the cancellation of the installation of the update, and you will need to restart the software update again.

Remember that the software update will resume from where it stopped previously. In case that doesn't happen, don't worry! The macOS update will start from the beginning once more. That way, you can eliminate the update being stuck during installation.

Fix 2. Disable FileVault on Mac to Solve Installation Stuck

FileVault is one of the best security features integrated into Mac to detect and combat unauthorized data access. But, sometimes, this incredible feature can interfere with the update process, and you need to turn it off and see if the installation update problem is resolved.

Take a look at the steps you must follow to disable FileVault on Mac –

Step 1. Go to the Apple menu and click on it.

Step 2. Now, select System Preferences.

Open System Preferences in macOS

Step 3. Click on the Security & Privacy option.

Open Security and Privacy Settings

Step 4. After that, click on the FileVault tab. On the bottom-left part of the screen, you will see a lock. Click on it.

Step 5. You need to type in the administrator name and password. Then, click on the Turn Off FileVault option.

Turn off FileVault

Step 6. Update the system and see if the same issue remains.

Fix 3. Update macOS Monterey in Safe Mode

If the above methods don't work, you must move on to the technical fixes. Use the Mac Safe mode to fix the macOS Monterey update stuck while installing. The Safe Mode was designed to help users use the system with the bare necessities, which means no third-party applications will run in the Safe mode.

If you have an Intel-based Mac, these are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1. Shut down the system. Wait for a few seconds.

Step 2. Now, restart the system. Press the Shift key and hold it immediately after restarting. Release the key only when you see the Apple logo on the screen.

In case you have Apple Silicon, there is no need to worry. For that, you can adopt these steps:

Step 1. Firstly, shut down the Mac. Now, wait for some time.

Step 2. Press the Power button and hold it till you come across the startup options window.

Step 3. Now, click on Macintosh HD. Press the Shift key and hold it.

Step 4. Click on Continue and release the key.

Step 5. On the top-right part of the screen, you will see Safe boot in red. Click on it.

Safe Mode on Mac

Now that the system has entered Safe mode, you can move ahead with the macOS update.

Fix 4. Re-Download and Install macOS 12 Monterey

Sometimes, canceling the installation and downloading the macOS again is a better idea. Here are the steps. Take a look:

Step 1. Go to the App Store. Type macOS 12 Monterey.

Step 2. To download, click on the View option and Get option later.

download macOS Monterey

Step 3. You will come across the following – Are you sure you want to download macOS 12?

Step 4. Click on the Download button.

Wait for the downloading and installation process to finish.

When macOS Monterey Update Stuck, Can I Recover Lost Data

Have you resolved the Monterey update issue? Sometimes, data loss can lead to anxiety during or after the upgrade. Losing precious data is bound to cause panic. However, there is no need to worry!

For that, you can opt for professional recovery software and choose EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

Why do so many users choose EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to retrieve lost data?

  • Recover deleted files Mac for various reasons, including accidental deletion, malware attacks, downgrade issues, system crashes, etc. And also support Mac Trash recovery.
  • Recover different types of data, including documents, images, and videos. And Mac deleted email recovery is supported, too.
  • Restore lost data to the cloud, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

The software is easy to use and offers excellent results. Moreover, you can use the filter to locate lost data and recover them immediately. Are you eager to use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac? In that case, take a look at these simple steps and follow them:

Note: You can create a backup by clicking the "Disk Backup" on the left first. When the disk is damaged or the data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost, you can get the data back from the backup image.

Step 1. Select the location

Select the disk where you lost data after updating to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur. Then, click "Search for lost files".

select a location and scan for lost data after macOS update

Step 2. Find lost data after the scan

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results on the left pane. Use the file type and file path to find wanted data on Mac.

Find lost data after the scan

Step 3. Recover data after macOS update

Select the target files that were unknowingly lost during or after the update and click the "Recover" button to get them all back.

Recover data after macOS update

Summary

Various issues can lead to the macOS Monterey update being stuck. It can occur during installation, downloading, or even at the Apple logo stage. Luckily, there are multiple solutions one can try! Adopt these fixes and see if the issue is resolved.

Experiencing data loss due to the update problem is a severe issue. In that case, choosing the best professional data recovery software is a great idea. You can try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. It is an easy-to-use, reliable and efficient tool offering many features.

macOS Monterey Update Stuck FAQs

One can adopt various solutions to fix macOS Monterey updates stuck while installing, downloading, etc. Now that you know about them, let's move ahead. Gather some more knowledge by taking a look at these questions and answers –

How to upgrade macOS Monterey to Ventura?

You can download and install macOS Ventura to update macOS Monterey to Ventura.

  1. 1. Download macOS Ventura and install it in the App store.
  2. 2. Clean install macOS Ventura with the bootable installer.
  3. 3. Upgrade from macOS Monterey to Ventura directly in Software Update.

Why is my macOS Monterey update taking so long?

Various reasons lead to the Mac update taking so long in Monterey. For starters, if the internet connection is slower or you are downloading the macOS at peak hours, it might take more time. If upgrading from a much older version, expect a longer time to download the software.

Why is my macOS Monterey update stuck at less than a minute remaining?

To resolve the Mac update stuck at less than a minute remaining Monterey issue, cancel the macOS download. Now, check and make sure that are no remains left in the Applications folder. After that, boot into Safe Mode and download the operating system. Try installing it now!

Can you cancel a Mac Monterey update in progress?

Yes, it is possible to cancel a Mac Monterey update in progress. You can go to System Preferences and uncheck the various options which keep Mac updated. Alternatively, you can use the Terminal app and write the command - sudo /usr/sbin/softwareupdate --ignore "macOS [name of update]" Press Enter to cancel the update.

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Updated by Jaden

Jaden is one of the editors of EaseUS who lives and works in Chengdu, China. She focuses on topics concerning PCs and Mac data recovery. Jaden is committed to enhancing professional IT knowledge and writing abilities. She is always keen on new and intelligent products.

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Written by Dany

Dany is an editor of EaseUS who lives and works in Chengdu, China. She focuses on writing articles about data recovery on Mac devices and PCs. She is devoted to improving her writing skills and enriching her professional knowledge. Dany also enjoys reading detective novels in her spare time.

Read full bio

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