Install in Progress Mac Stuck

Updating macOS is an essential procedure to keep it running smoothly. However, although this process seems straightforward, sometimes it can drive you up the wall, especially when you are hit by macOS “install in progress” stuck issues. The same can happen during app installations. This issue means that your Mac could have incomplete downloads or frozen updates; in this scenario, it’s recommended to avoid shutting down your laptop and focus on finding a solution.

Before we start:

When exploring the “install in progress” Mac stuck issue, consider that it happens due to a number of reasons. I guess you know how to force quit on Mac, but identifying the root of the problem and overcoming it is a more efficient solution. I suggest you use MacKeeper’s Premium Services as an excellent tool to check your Mac’s basic functionality. It helps to discover the core problems that prevent your laptop from working productively and cause these stuck issues.

Get professional assistance from MacKeeper’s experts:

1. Download and launch the MacKeeper app.
2. Choose the Premium Services option.
3. Click Chat Now and our expert will join the conversation.
4. Tell the expert about your Mac-related problem, and they will give you the solution.
5. Use the expert’s tips.

What does "Install in progress" mean on Mac

“Install in progress” on your Mac indicates that the system is currently installing software, updates, or apps. This process involves copying files and setting up different components. Don’t restart your device or interrupt the operation, as doing so can lead to installation errors and system issues.

Why does "Install in progress" occur on Mac

“Install in progress” on Mac is a system message that means your Apple device is installing software, updates, or configurations at the moment. When you see this, you should avoid shutting down or interrupting the process. Doing so can lead to significant issues with your device.

The “Install in progress” message appears in several cases:

• System updates: Apple often produces macOS updates to fix bugs and improve its performance. Software updates are followed by the installation of large but essential files that provoke an “Install in progress” message, as the process can’t be interrupted.
• App installations or updates: New apps or updates from the App Store or any other source always copy their components, verifying them in the new environment, and setting up this app for usage. Obviously, in case of interruption, the program won’t run smoothly.
• Firmware or driver updates: Edge devices, like printers, or graphic cards, often need updates to comply with the surroundings. Similarly to the above, firmware or driver updates also prompt an “Install in progress” warning.

How to fix “Install in progress” stuck on Mac

If your Mac gets stuck on its “Install in progress”, this indicates some system issues or incomplete updates. Do the following to fix the “Install in progress” stuck issue on your Mac:

1. Use Force Quit.
2. Restart your Mac.
3. Check your internet connection.
4. Boot your Mac into safe mode.
5. Free up space on your MacBook.
6. Reinstall macOS.

1. Use Force Quit on Mac

Facing “Install in progress” stuck on Mac, one of the methods we offer is the Force Quit. Using this method, remember that it closes all unresponsive processes, but it can also break the installation process, so be cautious not to lose any essential downloads.

Here are our instructions on how to use Force Quit on your Mac:

1. Go to Finder ➙ Applications.
2. Select Activity Monitor.
3. Find the app, you need to quit ➙click the “X” sign in the toolbar.

2. Restart your Mac

I assure you that restarting your Apple laptop is the easiest solution when your Mac keeps freezing, including when looking to fix the “Install in progress” stuck issue.

Do the following to restart your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Choose Restart ➙ confirm the action.

Try an alternative way to restart your Mac: Press and hold down the Power button until your Mac shuts down ➙wait a few seconds ➙ press the Power button to turn it on again.

3. Check internet connection

A stable internet connection is essential for any installations or updates. By checking your internet connection, reconnecting to the network, or restarting your router, you can usually resolve the “Install in progress” issue on your Mac.

4. Boot Mac into Safe mode

Safe Mode is an option that kills processes on Mac that are unnecessary, running your laptop with only its core functions. In case of a stalled installation, I suggest you boot your Mac into safe mode and try to install it again. If it works, restart your Apple device normally.

Let's show how to boot your Mac into safe mode:

1. Shut down your MacBook by holding the Power button until it turns off completely.
2. Boot Safe mode by holding the power button until it turns on.
3. Log in to your account.

5. Free up space on your MacBook

Lack of storage also causes “Install in progress” Mac stuck, as well as MacBook stuck on Apple logo. In the first case, it stops the installation process, thus requiring an instant solution to prevent possible file conflicts. I highly recommend you get rid of any outdated or  unnecessary materials on your device to avoid cluttering.

Don’t forget about the malware, and cache files, which do nothing other than take up space and negatively impact your Mac's performance.

Here are the instructions on how to clean up your Mac’s storage space:

1. Open Finder ➙ type ~/Library/Caches combination the search line ➙ click Go.
2. Choose unnecessary cache files you want to eliminate ➙ move them to the Trash.

A note from our experts: 

Except for cache, your Mac’s storage suffers from junk files and old temporary files, which you don’t need. You can waste time and effort by manually eliminating them or instead use a professional tool—MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup is very handy when you want to delete any malicious files that get in the way of your Mac’s performance.

I have a guide for you on how to eliminate unnecessary files with MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup:

1. Run the MacKeeper app on your Mac.
2. Choose the Safe Cleanup option.
3. Click Start Scan to find redundant files.
4. Choose them ➙ click Clean Junk Files.
5. Click the Empty Trash.

6. Reinstall macOS

One more lifesaver with Mac issues is reinstalling macOS.

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn your Mac on by holding the power button ➙ click Options when it appears on the screen.
3. Choose your account ➙ choose the option Reinstall macOS.

Conclusion

“Install in progress” Mac stuck is an irritating process, but it can be resolved easily by the right steps, depicted above. I suggest you choose MacKeeper’s Premium Services to overcome this obstacle.

Ask MacKeeper’s team for an instant assistance:

1. Launch MacKeeper app.
2. Choose Premium Services.
3. Click Chat Now and tell us about your problem.
4. Follow the recommendations to solve this.