macOS Tahoe 26 boasts a wide range of exciting features that make it a great prospect for folks who love digging into the pre-released software. Unfortunately, the macOS 26 installation has got stuck at “Preparing for Update” for many users. This can be particularly frustrating when you’re excited to explore the new beta. Fortunately, there are some effective solutions to resolve the issue and bring the macOS software update back on track.
So, what causes the software update to fail or get stuck midway? Well, it typically stems from culprits like limited disk space, software glitches, or network disruptions. In this guide, we will take each one of these usual suspects for a task to sort out the macOS 26 beta update issue.
1. Give It More Time
It’s worth pointing out that the beta updates, especially early releases, can take longer than regular updates as they include debug components and additional system checks.
- Note that if the update appears stuck but your Mac’s fans are running or the disk light is active, the system may still be preparing in the background.
- In such a situation, I’d recommend you wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before assuming the process is frozen.
2. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection
It’s also important to mention that macOS must verify the beta update with Apple’s servers, especially during the preparation stage.
- A poor or unstable connection can entirely disrupt the verification, causing the update to stall.
- Hence, make sure you’re connected to a high-speed, stable Wi-Fi network or use Ethernet for better reliability.
- After that, restart your router if needed and disable any active VPN.
3. Free Up Sufficient Disk Space
macOS beta installations typically require more free space than regular updates due to extra diagnostic files.
- If your Mac has less than 25GB of free space, the preparation might fail silently.
- Clear cache files, delete unused apps, or move large files to iCloud or an external drive to make room.
4. Force Restart and Retry the Update
If the installation is stuck with no progress for over an hour, a force restart can reset the process.
- Press and hold the power button until your Mac shuts down, then turn it back on.
- Once restarted, head over to the System Settings app on your Mac > General > Software Update, and initiate the beta installation again.
5. Reset NVRAM and SMC Settings
Occasionally, system-level settings stored in NVRAM or managed by the SMC can interfere with update processes.
- To reset NVRAM: Shut down your Mac, then turn it on while holding Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
- To reset SMC on Intel Macs: Shut down your Mac, press and hold Shift + Control + Option along with the power button for 10 seconds, then release and power it back on.
- This can help clear underlying issues causing the beta update to stall.
6. Install the Beta via Recovery Mode
If the update fails repeatedly, using macOS Recovery Mode can bypass problematic software-level conflicts.
- Shut down your Mac and press Command + R while powering it on to enter Recovery Mode.
- Choose Reinstall macOS to reinstall the beta version you downloaded without erasing your data.
- Make sure your data is backed up before proceeding, just in case.
Wrapping up…
And that’s about it! Being stuck on “Preparing for Update” during the macOS Tahoe 26 Beta installation is a common issue, but it’s far from unfixable. By following these six practical solutions—from checking your internet connection to reinstalling via Recovery Mode—you can resolve the problem and complete the update.
Remember, beta versions can be unpredictable, so patience and preparation go a long way. Once installed, you’ll be ready to test and explore everything macOS Tahoe 26 Beta has to offer.
