Many users have reported that they are stuck in a loop while installing the latest version of macOS Sonoma on their MacBooks. Even if the installation process is performed exactly as per the instructions, the system still reports that macOS 14.6.1 update cannot be installed. If you are facing this issue, try the solutions mentioned below.
What to do if you can’t install macOS Sonoma 14.6.1?
The cause of this error may be lack of storage space, compatibility issues, or even software bugs that prevent you from downloading the update through the standard process.
However, you can try to install the update in another way:
1. Use Safe Mode
You can enter Safe Mode to install the macOS Sonoma 14.6.1 update.
Safe Mode loads only the essential system software programs, thereby avoiding potential problems that cause installation issues. It can also prevent third-party software from interfering with the installation process.
Let’s look at the following steps.
1.1 For Apple Silicon Mac
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen.
- Click on Switch off.
- Once the system is completely turned off, press and hold the power button.
- Release the button when “Loading boot options” appears.
- Select a volume.
- Now hold down the Shift key.
- Click on Continue in Safe Mode under the disk name.
Your Mac will now restart. Enter your credentials to log in to your MacBook. During login, you will see “Safe Mode” at the top.
1.2 For Intel-based Mac
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen.
- Click on Restart.
- When the system shuts down, hold the Shift key.
- Release the button when the login window appears.
- Sign in to your Mac.
You are now in Safe Mode. From here you can update the system as usual and check if the problem persists.
2. Check the system requirements
If you are unable to update your Mac in Safe Mode, it may be because your system is not compatible with macOS Sonoma 14.6.1 version. Therefore, it is necessary to check the system requirements before trying other methods mentioned in this guide.
Here is a detailed list of all MacBooks that support macOS Sonoma.
- iMac (2019 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019 and newer)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Studio (2022 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- Mac Mini (2018 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2018 and newer)
3. Free up storage space
We all know that macOS Sonoma updates are large, but many of us often ignore the fact that your Mac may not have enough storage space to download this version.
This allows you to check the current status of your storage and free up space.
- Go to the Apple menu and open System settings.
- Then click on Generally in the left sidebar.
- Choose Storage.
- See all the apps and folders that are taking up the most storage space.
- Click on the I Symbol for detailed information.
- Select the files you want to delete and click Delete below.
Repeat this until you have enough space and update to macOS Sonoma 14.6.1. If you are looking for faster ways to save storage space, you can use trusted cleaning apps. In my experience, the Intego Washing Machine app has met my needs as it has a dedicated cleaning mechanism for macOS and iOS that can deep clean your Mac and significantly optimize its storage space.
➡️ Try the Intego washing machine here
4. Download it manually from the App Store
Since the above installation methods don’t work, you can download the updated files directly from the App Store.
Sometimes you can get around problems encountered with the Software Update method by manually downloading the macOS update from the App Store. This will ensure that the update files are re-downloaded, potentially fixing any corrupted or incomplete downloads causing the installation issue.
Here’s how you can do it.
- Open the App Store from the Dock.
- Then type “macOS Sonoma” into the search bar.
- Click on view.
- Now click on Receive.
- The system opens the Software update Menu and the option to download the updated file.
- Click on Download.
The update file will be downloaded to your Applications folder and the installer will automatically open it to begin the installation. However, you can cancel the process and install later.
5. Create a bootable installer for macOS
This method does not use the software update method as we did in the solutions above.
Before you proceed, make sure you have backed up your Mac using Time Machine.
Let us carefully review each step to create a bootable installer and get macOS Sonoma 14.6.1 on your system.
5.1 Prepare the USB drive
- Insert the USB stick with at least 16 GB into your Mac.
- Then press Spacebar + command to open Spotlight search.
- Type “Disk Utility” and open it.
- In the sidebar, locate and select your USB stick.
- Click on Delete in the top menu bar.
- Enter the desired name for the USB stick and select Format as MacOSXP
- Click on Delete.
Now you also need to download the macOS Sonoma installation file from the App Store.
5.2 Creating a USB installer
- Connect the USB drive to your Mac.
- Then press Space + Command to open Spotlight search.
- type terminal and open it.
- Copy and paste the following command. Replace MyVolume Section with the name of your USB drive.
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/MyVolume
- Press Enter, and then enter your administrator password when prompted.
- type Y to confirm that you want to delete the volume and press Return.
- When prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
5.3 Use the USB installer to download macOS Sonoma 14.6.1
Your USB drive will be named “Install macOS Sonoma” once the above steps are complete. Also, make sure your system has an active internet connection and is plugged into a charger.
- Connect the USB drive to your Mac.
- Press and hold the power button until Startup options window is displayed on the screen.
- Select the USB drive named Install macOS Sonoma and click on Carry on.
- Follow the on-screen installation instructions and download macOS Sonoma.
After the installation is complete, go to the Apple menu and open About This Mac to check if the update was successful.
