How to troubleshoot errors encountered while installing selected updates

Are you one of those Mac users who encounter an error while trying to install or download software updates? The error message reads, "Installation failed. An error occurred while installing the selected updates." This warning pops up within the Software Update system preferences pane, and it has affected users on macOS Monterey, Ventura, Catalina, Big Sur, Mojave, and older versions.

After examining multiple user reports and attempting to reproduce the issue on various systems, several root causes for this error message have been identified. However, solutions such as checking your network connection, repairing your MacBook in Safe Mode, or resetting your router configuration are among the best approaches to resolve the "Install Failed: An error occurred while installing the selected updates" issue.

But, before we proceed with the troubleshooting steps, let's first discuss the reasons behind this error. Let's get started!

Why am I getting an error when trying to install selected updates?

There can be numerous reasons behind the "error occurred while installing the selected updates" issue on a MacBook. Here are some potential causes that might lead to this error code:

⚔️1. Conflicts caused by third-party kernel extensions

Some affected users speculate that a multitude of third-party tools that communicate with the kernel could be causing the error. To fix it, you need to uninstall kernel extension apps like CPU Gadget, Parallels, or Little Snitch before attempting to redownload the remaining updates.

Problem 2: Apple's Server Issue

You might see this error when Apple is dealing with errors related to its software update distribution framework. If that's the case, all you can do is identify any server issues and wait for Apple to fix the problem.

⏱️ 3. Issues with NVRAM or PRAM

Another thing that might be preventing MacBook downloads of pending system updates is corrupted PRAM or NVRAM. Some users have reported that the error vanished immediately after they reset these caches.

4. Network instability

Network issues can also hinder your MacBook from downloading the latest system updates. If the problem pertains to inconsistencies with IP or TCP data, resetting or restarting your router might resolve the issue.

Keyboard 5: Corrupted operating-system temporary files

Damaged or corrupted files left over from an earlier attempt to download the system software can prevent you from reinstalling Big Sur or later. If that happens, you need to delete the cache folder before trying the update again.

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How to fix issues when installing selected updates on your Mac

In this part of the “error occurred while installing selected updates” troubleshooting, we'll provide you with 7 tricks to get rid of this error.

Before we fix the issue where you can't install certain updates on your Mac, watch this video for more detailed information.

• 00:16 - Force quitting an app
• 00:35 - Updating through the App Store
• 01:09 - Storage settings
• 01:41 - Software Update settings
• 02:05 - Testing network connection
• 02:34 - Restarting your Mac

Regardless of whether you're using macOS Big Sur, Ventura, or an earlier version, try the following solutions to fix this error. Make sure to back up your data and proceed with caution for any repairs.

1. Solution 1: Check Your Network Connection
2. Solution 2: Install on Mac in Safe Mode
3. Solution 3: Use First Aid to Repair Your Mac
4. Solution 4: Create a macOS Bootable Installer
5. Solution 5: Remove Kernel Extensions
6. Solution 6: Reset Router Configuration
7. Solution 7: Check for Server Issues

Fix 1: Check your internet connection

DNS issues, poor network connectivity, and other network-related errors can hinder software update downloads. It's crucial to do some troubleshooting to ensure your network connection is as fast as expected. Follow these steps to check your internet connection:

First, do a quick search on Google to make sure that your Mac is online.

Step 2: Restart your router, then restart your MacBook.

The third is to change the network.

If your Wi-Fi is slow to load content, switch to an Ethernet connection.

If you're using custom DNS, try Google's DNS address: “8.8.8.8”.

Fix 2: Install in Safe Mode on Mac

Installing macOS in Safe Mode is another excellent strategy for resolving the “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” message. Here's how to run the installer and boot into Safe Mode on a Mac:

Step 1: Boot your Mac in Safe Mode. Restart your computer and hold down the Shift key before you see the login screen.

Step 2: To look for and fix problems, go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility, and run First Aid.

Run First Aid from Disk Utility

Step 3. While still in Safe Boot, launch the “Install macOS Catalina” installer from the Applications folder.

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Fix 3: Use First Aid to Repair Your Mac

You can check for and repair issues with external and internal disks using the Disk Utility's First Aid feature. Since these issues can cause errors during an update installation, you can run First Aid on your startup disk from macOS Recovery to scan for problems. If any are found, you must repair them before proceeding with the upgrade.

Mac Safe Mode vs Recovery Mode: Usage & Differences [MacBook Air/Pro]

This article explains the definitions of two Mac modes – Mac Safe Mode and Recovery Mode, how to use them, and their differences.

Fix 4: Create a macOS Bootable Installer

You can install macOS using a bootable installer on a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or storage device with about 14GB of available space. However, this won't wipe your drive, so you'll need to back up your MacBook with Time Machine first if you want to go this route.

Before you begin, make sure your MacBook is connected to the internet since this will need to download firmware and other details specific to your macOS version. Then, you can create a bootable macOS installer using the installed version following our guide on how to create a macOS Sonoma bootable USB. After that, you can proceed with booting from an external installer on your Intel Mac by following these steps:

Step 1: Connect the Bootable Installer to your Mac.

Step 2: With your Mac turned on, press the “Option” key as soon as you see the screen go black.

< b > Step 3: < /b > Release the key while viewing the boot volume.

Step 4: Select “Bootable ISO,” and press the “Up Arrow” key.

Step 5: Choose your favorite language.

Step 6: Click “Install macOS (version),” then click “Continue.”

Step 7: Complete the installation process on the screen.

Fix 5: Remove kernel extensions

Did you see an error that said “Some updates couldn't be installed” while trying to install macOS updates? If so, the issue might be with third-party software that uses kernel extensions to run. Try removing kernel extensions like this:

Step 1: Click the Launchpad icon at the bottom of the screen, and then open the Finder app.

Open the Finder app from the Launchpad

Step 2: In the Finder app, go to the “Applications” tab and find the “Kernel Extension” app.

Access Applications from Finder preferences

Step Three: Once you've found the culprit, right-click on it and select “Move to Trash” from the pop-up menu.

Select the "Move to Trash" app.

Step 4. Enter your login credentials to grant the necessary permissions to uninstall the app.

Step 5. After you've finished uninstalling apps, restart your macOS. Now, wait for the subsequent boot to finish, and only then proceed with installing the Big Sur update.

Fix 6: Reset the Router Configuration

To ensure that no network-related settings or stored information are preventing your macOS from automatically restarting, the next logical step is to perform a thorough network device reset.

Step 1: After locating the “Reset” button, hold it down for 10 seconds, until the indicator lights on the front panel flash simultaneously.

Step 2: If the router was completely reset, you will need to re-enter your "PPPoE" credentials to reconnect, and check if the issue is resolved.

If you're looking for a solution on how to factory reset Mac without password, visit the linked page.

Fix 7: Check for server issues

Fortunately, there's an easy way to see if Apple is currently having problems with macOS software updates: visit Apple's System Status page and look for any issues or outages related to the macOS Software Update function.

How to Use Software to Recover Lost Data After Updating Your Mac

The best way to recover lost files after a Mac update is by using data recovery software. This scans your hard drive for missing data, and you can choose what to restore. A useful data recovery tool is the Mac Data Recovery Wizard Pro, which offers a range of features to help retrieve information, including:

• Recover data from various macOS storage media, such as HDD, SSD, USB, and more.
• Restore files for macOS updates including Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, and High Sierra.
• Leverage powerful scanning technologies to locate your deleted information across different operating systems and storage systems.

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Conclusions

As mentioned earlier, if you frequently encounter the “An error occurred while installing the selected updates” message while upgrading your Mac, the guide will be of great help. It explains how to resolve this issue and update your Mac effortlessly.

"Frequently Asked Questions about 'Encountered an error while updating installation'"

Read the following FAQ for more information about this error:

How do I fix errors that occur when installing selected updates on my Mac?

Above were 7 simple solutions to fix the error installing selected updates on Mac. Go through each solution carefully, and if one doesn't work, try two or more.

2. Why do I keep getting errors when installing on my Mac?

If the installer for macOS that you're using to update or install the system is damaged, you might see the “Preparing Mac for installation” error. You'll need to download the installer again from Apple's website and try reinstalling the operating system to see if that resolves the issue.

How do I fix error 102 when downloading an update?

If you see error 102 with a message that says something like “There was a problem downloading the update,” then you're definitely having some sort of network issue. To check if your current network connection is working, visit a website in a web browser to restart your internet, then try updating the app again.

How do I fix the issue of Mac updates not installing on this computer?

If an update for your Mac didn't install correctly, try restarting to fix any weird issues. After the restart, open System Preferences, click Software Update, and download the updates. You can also download updates directly from Apple's support page.