I cant stop the software update wheel from spinning on my iMac M1 Desktop ?
will1959
User level: Level 1 (4 points)
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Spinning update software wheel
Posted on Sep 18, 2026 5:51 AM
3 replies
John Galt
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)Sep 18, 2026 9:54 AM in response to will1959
I understand Software Update is "Checking for updates..." with no end in sight.
Restart the Mac and try again. If you are unable to restart your Mac, restart your Mac in "Safe Mode" and check for updates while in that mode. The following explains Safe Mode as well as how to force the Mac to shut down (if necessary).
will1959
User level: Level 1 (4 points)
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 18, 2026 1:02 PM in response to John Galt
Hi John,
I tried your suggestions about using safe mode, but unfortunately I will probably have to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery, as I could not rectify the spinning icon problem in Software Update.
Many thanks
Will 59
John Galt
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)Sep 18, 2026 1:46 PM in response to will1959
That will work also. At your option you can choose to upgrade macOS through Recovery.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256359696