How to stop a macOS update in progress?
Jul 13, 2025 am 12:48 AMIf the Mac is updating, you can stop it by: 1. When the update has not started, go to System Settings > General > Software Update, click "Details" and uncheck the update; 2. If the installation has started, you need to force shut down (long press the power button) and restart; 3. If the startup is abnormal, you can enter the recovery mode to repair or reinstall the system. However, stopping in the middle may cause system problems, so it is recommended to operate with caution.
If your Mac is updating and you suddenly realize you don't want it to continue — maybe because it's taking too long, you're low on battery, or you just changed your mind — stopping the macOS update mid-process isn't straightforward. macOS doesn't offer a direct "Cancel" button once an update starts installing. But depending on where you are in the process, there are a few things you can try.

What to do before the update restarts
If the update has downloaded but hasn't started installing yet (you haven't clicked "Install Now" or restarted), this is your best chance to stop it without risking system instability.

- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
- Click the Details... button next to the pending update
- Uncheck the update from the list and click Done
This won't remove already downloaded files, but it will prevent the update from starting automatically.
If installation has already begun
Once the update starts installing and your Mac has restarted into the update process, your options become more limited. At this point, the system is in a special mode and interrupting it could lead to issues.

However, if you're seeing the progress bar screen and the update is clearly stuck or you must stop it:
- You might be able to force shut down by pressing and holding the power button until the Mac turn off
- Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on
?? This should only be done as a last resort. It can potentially cause file system corruption or leave the OS in an inconsistent state.
After rebooting — recovery options
If your Mac didn't start up properly after stopping the update, try these:
- Boot into Recovery Mode by holding
Command R
during startup - From there, you can use Disk Utility to check your drive or Reinstall macOS without erasing your data
You can also try booting into Safe Mode ( Shift
key during startup) to see if the system can recover on its own.
Stopping a macOS update mid-installation is not something Apple makes easy — and for good reason. The safest bet is always to let the update finish. But if you really need to halt the process, timing matters: act before the install begins, or be prepared to deal with possible consequences. If things go sideways, Recovery Mode is your friend.
Basically that's it.
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