Canceling a software update on your Mac can be a frustrating task, especially when you have been eagerly waiting for the latest features and improvements. However, there may be situations where you need to cancel the update for various reasons. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges of canceling a software update on Mac and provide you with several methods to achieve that. Whether you want to free up storage space, avoid potential compatibility issues, or simply change your mind about the update, this guide will help you cancel the software update effectively.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Canceling Software Update on Mac
Canceling a software update on Mac is not as straightforward as it may seem. Once you initiate an update, the system starts downloading and preparing the update files in the background. This means that simply stopping the update process won’t prevent the files from being stored on your Mac. Additionally, Apple does not provide a built-in option to cancel an ongoing software update. Therefore, to effectively cancel the update, we need to explore alternative methods and workarounds.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods, there are a few things you should prepare to cancel a software update on your Mac:
1. A stable and reliable internet connection: Canceling a software update requires you to interrupt the download process, so it’s important to ensure a stable internet connection before attempting any of the methods.
2. Enough storage space: Software updates can be large in size, so make sure your Mac has enough free storage space to accommodate the update files. If your Mac is already running low on storage, canceling the update can help in reducing the burden on storage.
Method 1: Terminal Command
This method involves using the Terminal app on your Mac to cancel the software update. Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Terminal app. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, or you can use Spotlight search to quickly locate it.
2. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
"`
sudo killall softwareupdated
"`
This command will stop the software update process.
3. Enter your administrative password when prompted. Note that the password characters will not be visible as you type.
Once you’ve followed these steps, the software update process should be canceled. However, keep in mind that the update files that have already been downloaded will still be stored on your Mac, consuming storage space.
Pros:
– Quick and straightforward method.
– No need for additional software or third-party tools.
Cons:
– The update files are not automatically deleted, requiring manual cleanup.
Method 2: Network Disconnection
Another method to cancel the software update on your Mac is by disconnecting from the network. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Click on the Wi-Fi or Ethernet icon in the menu bar at the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Select "Turn Wi-Fi Off" or "Disconnect Ethernet" to disable internet connectivity.
By disconnecting from the network, the ongoing software update process will be interrupted, and your Mac won’t be able to download any further update files. However, as with the previous method, the already downloaded files will still occupy storage space on your Mac.
Pros:
– No need for complex commands or third-party tools.
– Immediate interruption of the update process.
Cons:
– Update files already downloaded will need to be manually deleted.
Method 3: Removing Update Files
This method involves manually deleting the update files that have already been downloaded on your Mac. Follow the steps below:
1. Open Finder and navigate to the following location:
"`
/Library/Updates
"`
2. Locate the folder corresponding to the software update you want to cancel. The folder name should include the update version number.
3. Move the folder to the Trash. You may need to enter your administrative password if prompted.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the update files will be deleted, effectively canceling the software update. This method allows you to reclaim the storage space taken up by the downloaded files.
Pros:
– Complete removal of the downloaded update files.
– Immediate cancellation of the software update.
Cons:
– Requires manual deletion of files.
– Identifying the correct folder for the update can be challenging for some users.
Method 4: Using CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is a comprehensive utility app that offers various features to optimize and clean up your Mac. One of its functionalities includes canceling or removing software updates. Follow the steps below to use CleanMyMac X to cancel a software update:
1. Download and install CleanMyMac X from the official website (https://macpaw.com/cleanmymac).
2. Launch CleanMyMac X and click on the "Updater" tab in the left sidebar.
3. Click on the "Update" tab in the main window.
4. Select the software update you want to cancel and click on the "Stop" button.
CleanMyMac X will cancel the ongoing software update and remove any downloaded update files, freeing up storage space on your Mac.
Pros:
– User-friendly interface and easy-to-use.
– Ability to remove update files in addition to canceling the update.
Cons:
– Requires installation of third-party software.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to consider when canceling a software update on your Mac:
1. Restart your Mac: Sometimes, restarting your Mac can help in interrupting the software update and halting the download process.
2. Clear temporary files: Use a tool like CleanMyMac X to clear temporary files and cached data, which can also help in reclaiming storage space.
3. Disable automatic updates: To avoid future software updates being automatically downloaded, you can disable the automatic update feature in System Preferences under "Software Update."
5 FAQs about Canceling Software Update on Mac
Q1: Can canceling a software update cause any issues with my Mac?
A: Canceling a software update should not cause any issues with your Mac. However, it’s important to keep your system up-to-date to ensure the best performance, security, and compatibility.
Q2: Will canceling a software update affect my installed applications and data?
A: Canceling a software update will not affect your installed applications and data. It only cancels the update installation process and does not uninstall any existing software.
Q3: Why can’t I simply click on the "Cancel" button during a software update?
A: Apple does not provide a built-in option to cancel an ongoing software update. This is because canceling a software update mid-process can lead to potential inconsistencies and compatibility issues.
Q4: Can I resume the canceled software update at a later time?
A: Once you cancel a software update, you will need to initiate the update process again to install the update. It is not possible to resume a canceled software update.
Q5: Will canceling a software update prevent future update notifications?
A: Canceling a software update will only prevent the specific update from being installed. You may still receive notifications for future updates depending on your system settings.
In Conclusion
Canceling a software update on your Mac can be tricky, but with the right methods and precautions, it is possible to interrupt the update process effectively. Whether you choose to use Terminal commands, disconnect from the network, delete the downloaded files manually, or rely on third-party software like CleanMyMac X, make sure to take into account the pros and cons of each method. Additionally, remember to free up storage space and keep your Mac updated to ensure optimal performance and security.