PKDownloadError error 8

What is PKDownloadError error 8?

The error message the operation could not be completed pkdownloaderror error 8 sometimes appears on Apple Mac computers, when you’re trying to install or reinstall the operating system. PKDownloadError error 8 can happen whether you’re doing an update or a clean macOS installation.

pkdownloaderror error 8 can happen with Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia. This error is not to be confused with error code 36 on Mac, which is related to interrupted file transfers.

A note from our experts: 

 

Dealing with the PKDownloadError error 8 issue can quickly get frustrating, but you can save yourself time and effort with MacKeeper’s Premium Services. Available 24/7, Premium Services put you in direct contact with our technical experts.

 

Using Premium Services is easy:

1. Download, install and run MacKeeper.
2. Select Premium Services from the left-hand side.
3. Click Chat Now.
4. Tell the online agent what’s going on, and they’ll help you find a solution.

How to fix PKDownloadError error 8

So how do you fix the PKDownloadError error 8 issue? As annoying as this error message can be, it’s usually not difficult to sort out. We’ve covered some of the most common scenarios and how to deal with them.

1. Use Terminal to re-download the installer

You might have more luck updating your Mac if you use Terminal. These are the commands we suggest:

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
2. Type in softwareupdate -l and press Return to see if there are updates available.
3. Type softwareupdate -i -a and press Return to install all available updates.

2. Modify network and DNS settings

In our experience, one of the best ways to fix PKDownloadError error 8 issues is to change your network and DNS settings.

First, try using a different internet connection, if you have one available:

1. Open System Settings, and select Wi-Fi from the side menu.
2. Choose a different network, such as your mobile phone hotspot.
3. Try updating your Mac, and see if the PKDownloadError error 8 issue has gone.

Alternatively, you may be able to fix this error by changing your Mac’s DNS settings:

1. Open System Settings, and go to Network.
2. Select the network type you use to connect to the internet.
3. Click Details.
4. Select DNS from the side menu, then click the + button under DNS Servers.
5. Add these Google DNS servers, one by one:
   • 8.8.8.8  
   • 8.8.4.4  
   • 2001:4860:4860::8888  
   • 2001:4860:4860::8844
6. Click OK, then try updating your Mac as normal.

3. Use a different macOS version or installer

You might have more luck if you try installing a different version of macOS.

We suggest using a bootable USB installer like this:

1. Download a macOS installer file.
2. Format your USB drive with Disk Utility.
3. Use Terminal to put the installer on your USB drive.
4. Boot from your USB drive and follow the installation process.

Also, you might be interested in creating a bootable USB drive in this situation. If so, follow our attached guide for more information.

4. Adjust NVRAM settings

If you have an Intel Mac, you can reset its NVRAM, and this might help with pkdownloaderror error 8.

This is what you need to do:

1. Power down your Mac.
2. Turn your Mac back on.
3. Immediately press and hold Opt + Cmd + P + R.
4. Listen out for the restarting sounds, if your Mac has them. On the second sound, let go of the keys.
5. If your Mac has an Apple T2 security chip, wait until the Apple logo goes away for the second time.

5. Use a supported Mac for download

Although we don’t recommend or endorse the practice, it’s possible to install macOS on Intel PCs. These ‘Hackintosh’ machines are obviously not supported by Apple, and problems with them are common.

If you experience the pkdownloaderror error 8 issue on a Hackintosh, you could try downloading the latest updates on a real Mac, before applying them to your Hackintosh.

6. Use Safe mode

Whatever problems you’re having with your Mac, we think it’s always worth trying Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, your Mac boots without third-party drivers, which can be exactly what you need if you find downloads not working on your Mac.

To start an Apple Silicon Mac in Safe Mode:

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Press and hold Power until you see Loading Startup Options.
3. Select your system disk.
4. Hold down Shift, and select Continue in Safe Mode.

To start an Intel Mac in Safe Mode:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac, then press and hold down Shift.
3. When you see the login screen, stop holding down Shift.

Can you prevent pkdownloaderror error 8 in future?

Trying to fix pkdownloaderror error 8 can be a real pain. Follow our tips, and might be able to stop it happening in the first place:

• Only install macOS updates from official sources.
• Use a real Mac, rather than a ‘Hackintosh’.
• Keep macOS and third-party apps fully up to date.
• Protect your Mac from malware with an antivirus app.
• Make sure your Mac’s time and date are set correctly.
• Uninstall apps you’re no longer using.
• Configure any firewalls on your network to allow Apple updates.
• Reboot your router occasionally.

These steps may also prevent you seeing an error occurred while preparing the installation when you’re trying to update your Mac.

Don’t struggle with Mac errors!

When you see the operation could not be completed pkdownloaderror error 8 on your Mac, don’t panic. As we’ve shown you here, this error is often caused by something simple, like a misconfigured DNS setting or an issue with a third-party app. Follow the advice we’ve given you here, and hopefully, you’ll be able to get rid of this annoying error and fully update your Mac.

The problem is that pkdownloaderror error 8 can happen at the worst of times, like when a critical software update is required for your Mac. In those kinds of situations, we recommend seeking out expert support, like MacKeeper’s Premium Services team. Get in touch with them via the MacKeeper app, and they’ll quickly find you the solution to your Mac problem.