Archive. This is an archive of the Apple Support Community. Discussions are being restored and soon you will be able to read and post here again.
CheekyChuckler27
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

macOS 27 Golden Gate Software Update Complete Screen Not Going Away

I have a M1 iMac. Recently, I downloaded macOS 27 Golden State to my computer. It looked like the update was successful; I opened my computer, logged in, and was presented with a screen that said “Software Update Complete. Your Mac has been updated to macOS 27 Golden Gate” with a Continue button at the bottom. I pressed the Continue button, which made a wheel at the bottom left of the screen start spinning.


It spun for a full hour. I reset my computer and tried again, same thing. I booted it up on Safe Mode and tried again, same thing. I found an option within Startup Options to reinstall the update, but when I tried clicking on it, it told me that I need an additional 27.56 GB of space.


I do not have a way to access my computer, so I don’t think I have a way to access my storage to delete things. Can anyone help me with the storage issue or just the update issue in general?

Posted on Nov 3, 2026 1:56 PM

2 replies

neuroanatomist
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)

Nov 4, 2026 6:39 AM in response to CheekyChuckler27

To bypass the low-storage block and resolve the stuck update loop on your M1 iMac, you will need to boot into macOS Recovery or use an external bootable installer/drive rather than trying to continue the internal setup.


How to Fix the Low Storage & Update Loop


  • Boot into macOS Recovery (Apple Silicon):
    • Shut down your iMac completely.
    • Press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options".
    • Click Options (the gear icon) and click Continue, then type your administrator password.
  • Access Terminal in Recovery to Free Up Space (If possible):


  • Option A: Install macOS onto an External Drive (To get into a working desktop):
    • If your internal drive is completely packed and won't let the installer finish, you can plug in an external USB-C SSD or hard drive (with at least 30–50 GB free), boot into Recovery Mode, select Reinstall macOS, and choose the external drive as your target.
    • Once the Mac boots into the fresh installation on the external drive, you can mount your internal Macintosh HD, safely trash unneeded large files or downloads to free up the required 27.56 GB, and then restart or complete the migration/fix on your internal drive. 
  • Option B: Use Apple Configurator 2 (Revive or Restore via DFU):
    • Because your computer is an Apple Silicon M1 Mac, if the OS is stuck in a half-updated state and won't respond to recovery options, you can perform a Revive or Restore using a second Mac running Apple Configurator 2 via a USB-C cable. A Revive updates the firmware and recovery OS without deleting your data, whereas a Restore wipes and reinstalls clean.
    • More info from Apple: How to revive or restore Mac firmware


Owl-53
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)

Nov 4, 2026 8:19 AM in response to CheekyChuckler27

M1 iMac Stuck on "Software Update Complete" After macOS 27 Installation


It sounds like something went wrong during the final stages of the macOS installation. The insufficient storage warning could also be contributing to the problem.


The good news is that I would not give up on the installation or consider erasing your iMac just yet. There are several things worth trying first, and you may be able to get everything working again without losing your personal files.


Here is what is suggested.


1. Start your iMac in macOS Recovery


Since you have already tried restarting and Safe Mode without success, let us try Recovery.


  1. Shut down your iMac completely.
  2. Press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options."
  3. Select Options and click Continue.
  4. Enter your administrator password if prompted.


Apple's instructions: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102518


2. Run Disk Utility First Aid


Once you' are in Recovery, open Disk Utility.


  1. Select View > Show All Devices.
  2. Run First Aid on each volume, followed by the APFS container and physical drive.
  3. Let each operation finish.


This checks for filesystem problems that might be interfering with the installation.


Apple's instructions: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mchl82829c17/mac


3. Check your available storage


The installer says it needs another 27.56 GB. Ideally, I would to free up as much space as possible to give the installation some breathing room.


You can check your internal storage from Recovery by opening Utilities > Terminal and entering: diskutil apfs list


Press Return to see the available storage information.


This is just a diagnostic command. Does not try deleting anything through Terminal at this point.


Apple's storage recommendations: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102624


4. Recover your personal files using Share Disk


If you have access to another Mac, there is  useful feature called Share Disk that may help.


It lets you access files on your iMac without having to boot into macOS.


  1. Start your iMac in Recovery.
  2. Select Utilities > Share Disk.
  3. Select Macintosh HD - Data, if available.
  4. Click Start Sharing.
  5. Connect your iMac to the other Mac using a suitable USB-C data cable.
  6. On the other Mac, open Finder, select Network, locate your iMac, and connect.
  7. Copy your important files to the other Mac or an external drive.


If FileVault is enabled, you may need to authenticate with an authorized user account before accessing your files.


Once you have verified that your files are safely backed up, try removing some large personal files you no longer need, such as old downloads, videos, application installers, and device backups. 


Do not delete anything from unfamiliar system folders.


Apple's step-by-step instructions: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mchl82829c17/mac


5. Try reinstalling macOS


After freeing up enough space, return to Recovery and select Reinstall macOS.


Follow the instructions and select your existing Macintosh HD volume when asked where to install.


Do not erase or reformat the drive.


A normal macOS Recovery reinstall is designed to preserve your personal files and settings, although I would strongly recommend having a backup first.


Make sure you have a reliable internet connection throughout the installation.


Apple's instructions: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102531


6. If that still does not work


There is one more option worth knowing about. Apple provides a procedure called Revive Mac for Apple silicon computers.


Using another Mac and a suitable USB-C data cable, you may be able to repair the firmware and Recovery system without erasing your iMac.


Make sure you choose Revive, not Restore. Restore erases the computer.


Apple explains both procedures here: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108900


If you are ‘uncomfortable performing this procedure, Apple Support or an authorized service provider can help.


7. When to contact Apple Support


If none of the above works, I would contact Apple Support and explain that your iMac is stuck completing a macOS installation, that Recovery reports insufficient storage, and that you want to preserve your existing data.


Apple Support: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/mac

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256388360