Apple’s new macOS Catalina introduces many new features such as the re-designed Reminders App, the new Music and Podcasts app along with the new Apple TV app. Apple has also provided enhancements to existing popular apps such as Mail via the new Block sender and Mute thread functionalities. Here is a detailed troubleshooting guide to help you with fixing common macOS Catalina install / update errors.
macOS Catalina is available on 2012 and later models on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini.MacBook models that are 2015 or later will also be able to update to macOS Catalina. Here are the Mac models on which you can install macOS Catalina.
Source: Apple
Checklist of 10 items before you install macOS Catalina
Before you install macOS Catalina on your Apple Mac, it may be worth spending some time to browse through the checklist of items shown below. Items 1, 6, 7 and 10 are essential for troubleshooting install related problems.
Backup your MacBook and make sure your iTunes media library is backed up
Check for 32 bit apps (You will not be able to use them on macOS Catalina)
Remove any old ‘Install macOS..’ type files from Applications folder
Remove external drives and other accessories from MacBook when trying to install
Plug your MacBook into charging
De-activate VPN before downloading the update
Run Disk Utility / First Aid to prevent issues later. Make sure you have adequate free space.
Make sure you had strong Wi-Fi network
Create a macOS Install USB drive just in case
Remove Third party ‘kext’ files. Some of these are known to cause issues
Now that we have covered the basics, lets look through the common installation errors and how to fix them.
Error downloading macOS Catalina
Downloading macOS Catalina is the first step of the process. Depending upon your Mac’s settings, this may already have been downloaded and available (if you use Automatic updates).
Starting with macOS Mojave, Apple has made changes to how you access macOS on your machine. Instead of downloading it from the app store, you can click on > System Preferences > Software Update in order to download the update.
> System Preferences
If your macOS Catalina download is taking time or stuck, you may want to do the following:
Sometimes it can take a few attempts especially during the early days when the software is released in order to download the operating system.
Error occurred preparing the installation of macOS Catalina
Once macOS Catalina is downloaded, the system prepares it for installation. In a few rare instances, some users may see the error message ‘Error occurred preparing the installation. Try running the application again”.
You may also run into messages such as :
“This copy of the Install application can’t be verified. It may have been corrupted or tampered with during downloading” error, or a “This copy of the Install application can’t be verified. It may have been corrupted or tampered with during downloading” message, or a very general error such as “An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running again” error message.
If you happen to encounter these error messages during the install process, the easiest thing is to reboot your Mac and try installing again. Few retries usually takes care of this problem.
If the error messages are persistent and you have attempted to reboot several times. here are a couple of tricks that have worked for us in the past and we suggest you try them till the issue is resolved.
Change System Date and Time on your Mac
Click on > System Preferences > Date & Time
Set ‘Set Date and Time Automatically’ to ON.
If its already checked, Uncheck it and then restart your MacBook
Go back to Date& Time Settings and check it
Now try installing macOS Catalina
The steps above require that you are connected to internet.
Delete old copy of macOS Catalina and re-install
If the system date/time trick above did not solve your problem, you may have to delete the downloaded macOS Catalina software from your Applications folder.
Delete old install app from Applications folder using Finder
Locate the install software in your applications folder and move it to trash. After moving the file to trash, empty trash and restart your MacBook.
Once your MacBook restarts, go into > System Preferences > Software Update and try downloading and running the install process again.
You will have to follow this same process if you see errors such as ‘An error occurred validating the installer’. Delete the macOS install software from Applications folder and re-download and install.
Remove installinfo.plist and try again to fix stubborn install problems
We have seen this issue on macOS Mojave and High Sierra where attempting to install shows the error ‘Copy of install macOS application is damaged and cant be used to install macOS’. The workaround for this issue is to delete the installinfo.plist from inside the installer app and then try re-installing.
Go to your application folder
Find the installer for macOS Catalina
Right click on the installer and click ‘Show Package Contents’
Click on folder named ‘Contents’
Click on the folder named ‘SharedSupport’
Delete the file named ‘Installlnfo.plist
Enter your administer password to confirm
Now open the installer and run it
macOS Catalina Could not be installed, How to fix
macOS Catalina Update Stuck at Setting up screen?
Some users find that the update process gets stuck. Is it stuck with ‘Setting up your Mac Screen’? The other place the update can appear to be stuck is in the ‘Find My’ app.
If for some reason the update is stuck and you are encountering a spinning wheel, the best option is to restart your MacBook. Press the Power button on your Mac to switch off and then restart your machine.
This tip should work for any user whose MacBook is stuck on the setting up screen for hours while trying to update to macOS Catalina.
Storage Space Related Errors installing macOS Catalina
There are times when the macOS installation does not proceed as smoothly as one would like. Sometimes users encounter error messages such as ‘macOS Could not be installed, the target disk is too small’.
Sometimes, the install process will explicitly show you the message “ There is not enough free space on the selected volume..’
Errors such as this usually happen when there is not enough storage space on your MacBook. if you have not optimized your storage before updating to macOS Catalina, this might be the time to free up some storage. Its best to have at least 18.5 – 20GB free space when attempting to install macOS Catalina.
Apple has published a detail white paper that shows you how you can free storage space on your Mac. Use this Apple’s guide and free up storage on your Mac and then retry.
Network Access error while installing macOS Catalina
Another error that shows up when trying to install macOS Catalina is associated with network/internet access. This error shows up with the error message ‘Code = 551’. Please check your network settings on your Mac.
This is an error that primarily affects users who are behind a firewall or third party security software etc. You may want to disable such software and try and re-install macOS Catalina.
Perform SMC Reset for generic error occurred message and retry
If you see a generic error message such as ‘an error occurred installing macOS’ follow the steps below:
Try re-installing macOS Catalina after SMC is complete
The SMC reset before updating actually helps fix many macOS install related issues.
macOS Catalina Install doesn’t complete
Is your macOS Catalina installation stuck with ‘ X minutes remaining’ message for ever? It doesn’t proceed further on that screen.
If your macOS Catalina install fails at the last step every time ( Shows x minutes remaining and then displays the error message). Clicking on the ‘OK’ on the error message takes you out of the install process, you may want to check your console logs. (var/log directory).
There is a chance that your user account is corrupted and it is preventing the install from completing.
One way to work around this would be to create a new admin account on your MacBook, install macOS Catalina using the new admin account and once installation is complete, you can log out of the new admin account. Log in via your old admin account later and delete the newly created admin account.
Mac doesn’t start after macOS Catalina installation
Some users report no issues with downloading and installing the macOS Catalina but their Mac hangs with the spinning icon when trying to startup following the update.
Other issue that is often reported is that the boot sequence starts correctly and then shows a progress bar. The progress bar gets stuck at 90% or so and it doesn’t move beyond that.
Other users report getting stuck with a black screen and Apple Logo for hours.
Typically this means that there is a third party kext file that is causing issues.
One quick way to confirm and address this is to move all third party kext files out of your /Library/Extensions folder and then try booting up your Mac.
In order to do this, Reboot your Mac into Safe Mode ( Press and hold down the ‘Shift’ key when restarting your Mac until you see the Apple Logo. Release the Shift key when you see the login screen).
Once you are in Safe mode, open up Terminal from your Utilities and type in the following command:
Once you have moved the Kext files using the above command, Restart your Mac and check if goes through.
Stuck on iCloud Sign-in loop after Catalina Update?
Several users have been stuck with the iCloud authentication loop after updating their Mac with macOS Catalina.
Here is a tip from Tony Citrano (@acitrano) that has helped several users fix the issue.
Still Having Issues? You may need a fresh Install
If you are still having no luck and you want to start a fresh install, follow the steps below. You can get a more detailed sequence of steps and additional information from Apple’s white paper on macOS Recovery procedure.
Shutdown the Macbook
Press Power then PRESS COMMAND and R keys. Hold the keys down till you see the spinning globe screen appear.
Between removing third party kext files and re-installing macOS, we are hoping that you were able to fix macOS Catalina install / update issues. If you still continue to experience issues, you may want to reach out to Apple Support and have them help you out.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments. Feel free to share any tips or workarounds that helped you deal with install errors for macOS Catalina. We will keep the post updated as we learn more and get your comments.
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the original editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
Issue: iMac 27 late 2013, failing to boot from external ssd after security update
Additional hardware that seems to fail: Crucial X8 2 TB SSD (a couple of weeks old, no probs till now)
A couple of weeks ago I freshly installed Catalina on an external SSD Drive. Everything went smooth and without any problems, up to now… Today I installed the security update 2020.XX (can’t remember and for now it won’t show again). Since then my iMac ist starting from the internal HD again. Tried following
1. Startup Volume: I can select the SSD, but theres no system information below the Disc Icon. Result: Starting up from internal
2. Tried -alt R-, -cmd R- and -cmd P R- on startup, without success. Seems noi keys are recognized during startup (having the “small” iMac Keyboard, of course wireless…)
3. Deleted System partition on external SSD, installed Catalina (downloaded) again. Result: Installation is not finished, seems in the moment the Mac tries ti restart to finish the instllation with the usual setup, this is refused, and boots again from internal. So I remain with the folder “macOS Install Data” on the disk, but no system.
4. Of course I ran disk utility, no errors were found on the SSD.
I’m running totally out of ideas, and although I’m working with Mac sind 95, I never experienced something like this, so need urgent help… Any ideas around…?
I installed Catalina and now an error message pops up:
“msboqgturnvf” is damaged and can’t be opened.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Gives me 2 choices: “Show in finder” or “OK”, neither does anything it pops up again and again. Tried searching for “msboqgturnvf” but computer can not find anything??
I downloaded Catalina to update my Macbook Pro’s OS. Upon completion, I opened the installer via Launchpad.
However, in the prompt screen, I clicked “Continue” and it simply greyed out or froze without any further prompt. After closing and reopening the installer several times, the installer was able to proceed to the next prompt screen where I agreed to the terms of the software licensing agreement.
However, in the third prompt screen, the same problem occurred when I clicked “Install” and the said button also greyed out. I wasn’t able to proceed any further even after restarting my computer.
My Macbook Pro’s specs are as follows : OS X Version 10.9.5, Retina, 13-inch, mid 2014.
Though your system is on the list for macOS Catalina–it’s near the last models that it supports. We think the errors you see might be related to RAM and/or that macOS Catalina uses APFS (Apple File System) instead of HFS (like your current system)
So, rather than jumping all the way from OS X Mavericks directly to Catalina, we suggest you try to install macOS High Sierra first, which will install the firmware for APFS. Find High Sierra’s installers in this Apple support document.
And please back up your system before starting this process, if you haven’t already done so!
Once you install High Sierra, runs some tests to ensure everything is working. Then, try updating to Catalina.
I’m receiving Error 3. after an attempt to reinstallation (After a factory reset), it’s stuck at Downloading installer information to the target volume failed. How doi go about fixing it?
Were you upgrading from a macOS version–Mojave, High Sierra, or Sierra?
Let’s try using your recovery partition to reinstall: Start up your Mac while holding down Option-Command-R keys or Shift-Option-Command-R. This process should upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.
This process starts up from macOS Recovery over the Internet. You see a spinning globe instead of an Apple logo during startup from the internet.
Does your Mac have at least 4GB of RAM and 20 GB of available space? Are you getting any specific errors or messages?
One thing you might want to try is updating using recovery mode instead. This works as long as your Mac currently runs macOS Sierra or higher.
When starting up your Mac, press these keys simultaneously Option+⌘+R
This combination upgrades your Mac to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Make sure you backup your Mac before proceeding
Another possible issue is if you are updating via WiFi. If possible, try connecting via Ethernet or if that’s not possible, try a different WiFi network.
Check your version of Adobe Reader–the current free version is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. According to Adobe, Acrobat DC, Acrobat 2017, and Acrobat 2015 are all compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina. So make sure your app is one of those supported versions.
If not, download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from Adobe’s website.
If you see a warning prompt and Apple blocks the installation, right-click the installer and choose Open. This warning shows up for all software installer packages NOT downloaded from the Mac App Store.
my problem is when i finished the update of Catalina (10.15.1), after restarted it’s appear text: “that not enough space”.
so i tried safe mode, because i wanted to delete large file/data in MacHD. But, i can’t start safe mode when i press & hold Shift key after restart.
i tried over and over again, but it’s still stuck in login screen. if i entered my login password, it’s always tobe shutdown my mac.
please Sir, can you help me? because i cant’t do my work in my office with my mac after i did update to Catalina 10.15.1
so sad, my boss may be angry to me because i cant’t use my mac to open my whole data in my mac :'(
thanks so much if you can help me & give me solutions.
After attempting install of macOS Catalina it get to restart whit gray screen, black Apple logo and progress bar that goes half way and just sits there with Message – 26 minutes remaining.
Suggestions ?
Keep waiting. If you wait for more than 24 hours AND you back up your Mac, disconnect any external devices that you do not need (like backup drives) and try restarting in Recovery Mode (Press Command + R keys at start-up). Then, reinstall macOS via recovery mode.
If no backup is available, shut down the Mac, disconnect any external devices that you do not need (like backup drives) and reboot into Safe Mode (Press SHIFT at startup.) You may need to repeat this process a couple of times for it to work.
Help!
I am unable to find Catalina!! I am running the latest version of Mojave without any issue. But when I try to get Catalina from the App store, I get the message:
“The requested version of MacOSX is not available”
It’s likely on Apple’s end. Though, with all the problems in macOS Catalina, you might consider it a blessing in disguise.
Anyway, if you want to update to macOS Catalina, close all your open apps, restart, and then go to System Preferences > Software Update and see if you can update it without any other programs running in the background. Make sure to check that you are not downloading/uploading anything else to allow macOS Catalina your full bandwidth.
I am receiving the same error message. One of my colleagues was prompted to downloaded Catalina this morning and it installed with no problems. Maybe it pushes out/becomes available to everyone at different times?
I installed Catalina on my MacBookPro which took ages. When I went to login it wouldn’t accept my AppleID password which I have always used. Spent hours trying to get in and eventually got in using my iCloud password. Still can’t use my original password. Very very confusing. No idea what is going on or why it wouldn’t accept my original password.
Are you signed in with an Apple ID on any services like Music, iMessage, FaceTime, Podcasts, App Store, or so forth? If so, sign out of all Apple services first and then try and sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
If that still doesn’t work, contact Apple Support–there might be an issue with your Apple ID on their end.
My apple ID works on every other device, except my primary computer (iMac). I will certainly try what you suggest. I have been struggling with this since the upgrade.
Now we have to use full screen and use images to select one. Really? Why remove the option of a list in the sidebar? I used to be able to scroll down quickly and determine content without having to open the show. This latest update has me thinking, for the first time, of dumping my Phone, for starters.
Oh I have just received my umpteenth messages that Mail cannot be downloaded.
Phil says
Issue: iMac 27 late 2013, failing to boot from external ssd after security update
Additional hardware that seems to fail: Crucial X8 2 TB SSD (a couple of weeks old, no probs till now)
A couple of weeks ago I freshly installed Catalina on an external SSD Drive. Everything went smooth and without any problems, up to now… Today I installed the security update 2020.XX (can’t remember and for now it won’t show again). Since then my iMac ist starting from the internal HD again. Tried following
1. Startup Volume: I can select the SSD, but theres no system information below the Disc Icon. Result: Starting up from internal
2. Tried -alt R-, -cmd R- and -cmd P R- on startup, without success. Seems noi keys are recognized during startup (having the “small” iMac Keyboard, of course wireless…)
3. Deleted System partition on external SSD, installed Catalina (downloaded) again. Result: Installation is not finished, seems in the moment the Mac tries ti restart to finish the instllation with the usual setup, this is refused, and boots again from internal. So I remain with the folder “macOS Install Data” on the disk, but no system.
4. Of course I ran disk utility, no errors were found on the SSD.
I’m running totally out of ideas, and although I’m working with Mac sind 95, I never experienced something like this, so need urgent help… Any ideas around…?
Ann says
I made the mistake of setting auto updates to my new iMac but do not wa t it. How do I clear the screen that tells me to continue the update?
Bjorn Buyst says
I installed Catalina and now an error message pops up:
“msboqgturnvf” is damaged and can’t be opened.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Gives me 2 choices: “Show in finder” or “OK”, neither does anything it pops up again and again. Tried searching for “msboqgturnvf” but computer can not find anything??
Anyone such an issue?
Ife says
Thank you for this article. I had an issue installing catalina for weeks, removing Installlnfo.plist did the magic. Thank you so much.
Red says
Hello,
I downloaded Catalina to update my Macbook Pro’s OS. Upon completion, I opened the installer via Launchpad.
However, in the prompt screen, I clicked “Continue” and it simply greyed out or froze without any further prompt. After closing and reopening the installer several times, the installer was able to proceed to the next prompt screen where I agreed to the terms of the software licensing agreement.
However, in the third prompt screen, the same problem occurred when I clicked “Install” and the said button also greyed out. I wasn’t able to proceed any further even after restarting my computer.
My Macbook Pro’s specs are as follows : OS X Version 10.9.5, Retina, 13-inch, mid 2014.
Hoping to hear from you guys. Thank you.
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Red,
Though your system is on the list for macOS Catalina–it’s near the last models that it supports. We think the errors you see might be related to RAM and/or that macOS Catalina uses APFS (Apple File System) instead of HFS (like your current system)
So, rather than jumping all the way from OS X Mavericks directly to Catalina, we suggest you try to install macOS High Sierra first, which will install the firmware for APFS. Find High Sierra’s installers in this Apple support document.
And please back up your system before starting this process, if you haven’t already done so!
Once you install High Sierra, runs some tests to ensure everything is working. Then, try updating to Catalina.
Hope this approach yields results!
Liz
Nathan says
I’m receiving Error 3. after an attempt to reinstallation (After a factory reset), it’s stuck at Downloading installer information to the target volume failed. How doi go about fixing it?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Nathan,
Were you upgrading from a macOS version–Mojave, High Sierra, or Sierra?
Let’s try using your recovery partition to reinstall: Start up your Mac while holding down Option-Command-R keys or Shift-Option-Command-R. This process should upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.
This process starts up from macOS Recovery over the Internet. You see a spinning globe instead of an Apple logo during startup from the internet.
Leeann says
Hi I keep getting the error
macOS could not be installed on your computer
I have tried all sorts
Also I cannot use my mouse
Bill says
The “Delete old copy of macOS Catalina and re-install” maneuver did the trick.
Thank you!!!!
Ronald du Toit says
I have tried twice to upload Catalina unsuccessfully. My PowerMac is early 2015 which should work.
What can I do to fix the problem?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Ronald,
Does your Mac have at least 4GB of RAM and 20 GB of available space? Are you getting any specific errors or messages?
One thing you might want to try is updating using recovery mode instead. This works as long as your Mac currently runs macOS Sierra or higher.
When starting up your Mac, press these keys simultaneously Option+⌘+R
This combination upgrades your Mac to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Make sure you backup your Mac before proceeding
Another possible issue is if you are updating via WiFi. If possible, try connecting via Ethernet or if that’s not possible, try a different WiFi network.
James E. McNamara says
I’ve installed Catalina successfully and have lost my access to Adobe Reader and cannot figure out how to upgrade the reader to the Catalina platform.
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi James,
Check your version of Adobe Reader–the current free version is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. According to Adobe, Acrobat DC, Acrobat 2017, and Acrobat 2015 are all compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina. So make sure your app is one of those supported versions.
If not, download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from Adobe’s website.
If you see a warning prompt and Apple blocks the installation, right-click the installer and choose Open. This warning shows up for all software installer packages NOT downloaded from the Mac App Store.
Hope that helps,
Liz
imunk says
my problem is when i finished the update of Catalina (10.15.1), after restarted it’s appear text: “that not enough space”.
so i tried safe mode, because i wanted to delete large file/data in MacHD. But, i can’t start safe mode when i press & hold Shift key after restart.
i tried over and over again, but it’s still stuck in login screen. if i entered my login password, it’s always tobe shutdown my mac.
please Sir, can you help me? because i cant’t do my work in my office with my mac after i did update to Catalina 10.15.1
so sad, my boss may be angry to me because i cant’t use my mac to open my whole data in my mac :'(
thanks so much if you can help me & give me solutions.
my regards,
imunk
*ps: sorry of my bad english
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi iMunk,
Sorry that your Mac is causing such problems at work with your boss after trying to update to macOS Catalina.
What we suggest is to try the tips outlined in this article: Stuck in a macOS update loop because there is not enough free space
Candice Saxon says
Can not get into Delta on my Mac or iPhone after installing the new Catalina update
Roger says
After attempting install of macOS Catalina it get to restart whit gray screen, black Apple logo and progress bar that goes half way and just sits there with Message – 26 minutes remaining.
Suggestions ?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Roger,
Keep waiting. If you wait for more than 24 hours AND you back up your Mac, disconnect any external devices that you do not need (like backup drives) and try restarting in Recovery Mode (Press Command + R keys at start-up). Then, reinstall macOS via recovery mode.
If no backup is available, shut down the Mac, disconnect any external devices that you do not need (like backup drives) and reboot into Safe Mode (Press SHIFT at startup.) You may need to repeat this process a couple of times for it to work.
If nothing helps, let us know.
Liz
Matt says
Catalina: Update not available – try the following:
In this order:
sudo softwareupdate –clear-catalog
sudo defaults rm /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate.plist
then reboot and try again
Rodrigue MIGABO says
While starting catalina install from a bootable usb, the computer shuts off, and the no other process
bernard henin says
Help!
I am unable to find Catalina!! I am running the latest version of Mojave without any issue. But when I try to get Catalina from the App store, I get the message:
“The requested version of MacOSX is not available”
Apple so far has been unable to help. What to do?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Bernard,
It’s likely on Apple’s end. Though, with all the problems in macOS Catalina, you might consider it a blessing in disguise.
Anyway, if you want to update to macOS Catalina, close all your open apps, restart, and then go to System Preferences > Software Update and see if you can update it without any other programs running in the background. Make sure to check that you are not downloading/uploading anything else to allow macOS Catalina your full bandwidth.
Sarah says
I am receiving the same error message. One of my colleagues was prompted to downloaded Catalina this morning and it installed with no problems. Maybe it pushes out/becomes available to everyone at different times?
Margaret Smith says
After installation completed, my iMac was hung up with not recognizing the iCloud password we have always used.
It took three Apple support people and four hours with online chat and finally on the phone with an Apple advisor before the problem was corrected.
Apparently, Apple is aware of a problem but thought it was isolated enough that it could be ignored.
Their support team is now documenting the cases they are handling to show the extent of the problem
Pat Marsden says
I installed Catalina on my MacBookPro which took ages. When I went to login it wouldn’t accept my AppleID password which I have always used. Spent hours trying to get in and eventually got in using my iCloud password. Still can’t use my original password. Very very confusing. No idea what is going on or why it wouldn’t accept my original password.
John Johnston says
Still cant get signed to icloud with catalina. I have tried several things but still nothing.
Any other suggestions?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi John,
Are you signed in with an Apple ID on any services like Music, iMessage, FaceTime, Podcasts, App Store, or so forth? If so, sign out of all Apple services first and then try and sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
If that still doesn’t work, contact Apple Support–there might be an issue with your Apple ID on their end.
John Johnston says
Elizabeth,
My apple ID works on every other device, except my primary computer (iMac). I will certainly try what you suggest. I have been struggling with this since the upgrade.
christina says
Now we have to use full screen and use images to select one. Really? Why remove the option of a list in the sidebar? I used to be able to scroll down quickly and determine content without having to open the show. This latest update has me thinking, for the first time, of dumping my Phone, for starters.
Oh I have just received my umpteenth messages that Mail cannot be downloaded.
No I have not.