Introduction
Updating your macOS is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and secure Mac experience. Apple regularly releases macOS updates to introduce new features, enhance performance, and address security vulnerabilities. However, sometimes the update process may not go as smoothly as expected, and users may encounter issues like their Mac stalling on boot after an update. This article aims to provide helpful troubleshooting steps to address this particular problem and get your Mac up and running again. We will cover each step to fixing Mac boot problems after an update.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Identify the Problem
Encountering an issue with your Mac after an update can be frustrating, but the first step is to remain calm and patient. Understand that this is a common problem experienced by some users and there are solutions available. The key is to identify the root cause of the issue.
Step 2: Check for External Devices
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, check if any external devices are connected to your Mac. Sometimes, incompatible peripherals can disrupt the boot process. Disconnect all non-essential external devices such as printers, external hard drives, or USB hubs and attempt to reboot your Mac.
Step 3: Boot in Safe Mode
When you have a Mac boot problem after an update it’s a good idea to boot in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool that can help isolate and resolve issues. To boot your Mac in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and hold down the Shift key immediately.
- Release the Shift key once the Apple logo and progress bar appear.
Booting in Safe Mode will disable third-party extensions, fonts, and some macOS features, allowing you to determine if the issue is related to software conflicts.
Step 4: Check Disk Utility 
Disk Utility is another option to fixing mac boot problems after a software update. When you Mac does not boot after a software update you may want to run Disk First Aid to check the integrity of your hard drive. It’s essential to ensure that your Mac’s hard drive is functioning correctly. Use Disk Utility to verify and repair disk errors:
- Boot your Mac in Recovery Mode by restarting and holding down Command + R until the Apple logo appears.
- In the macOS Utilities window, select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue.”
- Select your Mac’s internal hard drive on the left sidebar and click “First Aid.”
- Click “Run” to initiate the verification and repair process.
If Disk Utility finds and repairs any issues, restart your Mac and check if the update issue is resolved.
Step 5: Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC
Another option to try when fixing mac boot problems is resetting NVRAM/PRAM and SMC. NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) and SMC (System Management Controller) are responsible for storing various settings on your Mac. Resetting these can sometimes resolve boot-related problems. Here’s how to do it:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R.
- Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, and your Mac may restart.
- Release the keys and check if the issue persists.
Step 6: Check Available Disk Space
Insufficient disk space can cause various issues when, including problems during macOS updates. It’s essential to have enough free space on your Mac’s hard drive for the update to be installed correctly. Here’s how to check your disk space:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “About This Mac” from the drop-down menu.
- In the “Storage” tab, you’ll see a graphical representation of your disk usage.
If your disk space is critically low, consider removing unnecessary files or transferring them to an external drive to free up space before attempting the update again.
Step 7: Check for Software Compatibility
Always check for software compatibility when fixing mac boot problems. Sometimes, certain software installed on your Mac may not be compatible with the latest macOS update. Incompatibility issues can lead to boot problems. Before attempting another update, ensure that all your essential applications and drivers are compatible with the macOS version you want to install. Check the developer’s website or support pages for compatibility information and update your applications as needed.
Step 8: Disable Third-Party Security Software
Also disable third-party security software when fixing mac boot problems. Some third-party security software, such as antivirus programs or firewalls, may interfere with the update process. Temporarily disabling these programs can help identify if they are causing the issue. The process to disable third-party security software may vary depending on the software you are using. Typically, you can find an option within the software’s settings to disable real-time protection or temporarily turn off the software. After disabling the security software, attempt to update your macOS again.
Step 9: Reset Home Directory Permissions
You may need to reset the home directory permissions when fixing mac boot problems. Incorrect permissions on user home directories can lead to boot problems after an update. To reset the home directory permissions, follow these steps:
- Boot your Mac in Recovery Mode (Command + R at startup).
- Select “Terminal” from the macOS Utilities window.
- In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
resetpassword
- The “Reset Password” utility will appear. Select your startup disk from the drop-down menu at the top.
- Choose your user account from the list and click on “Reset Home Directory Permissions and ACLs.”
- Click “OK” to confirm and restart your Mac.
Step 10: Run Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test
Hardware issues could also be responsible for boot problems after an update. Apple Diagnostics (for Macs released before June 2013) or Apple Hardware Test (for Macs released after June 2013) can help identify potential hardware problems. Here’s how to run them:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold the “D” key until Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test starts.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to run the diagnostic tests. If any hardware issues are detected, write down the error code and description.
If the tests indicate a hardware problem, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for further assistance.
Step 11: Reinstall macOS
If the problem continues, you might need to reinstall macOS. This process won’t delete your files but will reinstall the system files to ensure they are not corrupted:
- Boot your Mac in Recovery Mode (Command + R at startup).
- Select “Reinstall macOS” from the macOS Utilities window and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you need to reinstall your macOS without an internet connection you can purchase a Mac Medic Utility bootable macOS USB flash drive that will allow you to boot from the Mac Medic Utility USB so you can:
- Perform a full install of macOS
- Perform an upgrade of macOS
- Run Disk First Aid with Disk Utility
- Reset system password
More information on Mac Medic Utility can be can be found at the MacMedicStore.com.
Step 12: Seek Professional Help
If none of the above solutions work, and your Mac is still stalling on boot after the update, it’s time to seek help from an authorized Apple service provider or Apple Support. They can offer further diagnostics and assistance. Apple support can be reached at Apple Support.
Conclusion
Encountering issues after a macOS update can be frustrating, but proper troubleshooting can get your Mac back on track. Start with simple checks like disconnecting external devices and booting in Safe Mode. If these steps fail, verify and repair your disk using Disk Utility, reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC, or consider reinstalling macOS. Always remember to back up your data before making any significant changes. For more complex issues, contact Apple Support for expert assistance. Keeping macOS up-to-date is crucial for security and performance, so don’t let a boot issue hinder you from enjoying the latest features.
When your Mac stalls on boot after a macOS update, thorough troubleshooting is essential. Check available disk space, disable third-party security software, and reset home directory permissions to address common software-related problems. Ensure your essential applications are compatible with the latest macOS version. Running Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test can help detect hardware issues if the problem persists. Approach each step carefully and back up your data before attempting significant changes. With a systematic approach, you can get your Mac back to a stable and updated state for a smooth and secure computing experience.
Article 113: MacMedicStore.com