Fix a MacBook Pro After a Power Cut During a macOS Update: Comprehensive Guide

If your MacBook Pro experiences a power cut during a macOS update, it may enter an unstable state. Don't worry; follow these steps to attempt a repair. This guide will cover the process from a basic reset to a full OS installation, ensuring your MacBook Pro is up and running smoothly.

Steps to Fix a Power Cut During a macOS Update

1. Force Restart Your MacBook

If your MacBook Pro restarts unexpectedly due to a power cut during an update, you can perform a force restart to check if the issue can be resolved quickly.

Press and hold the power button until the Mac shuts down. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

2. Boot into Recovery Mode

In some cases, your MacBook Pro might not fully start up after a force restart. To address this, boot into Recovery Mode:

Immediately after turning on your MacBook, hold down Command R. Continue to hold these keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe, indicating that it's booting into Recovery Mode.

Once in Recovery Mode, you will have access to various tools to repair your system.

3. Use Disk Utility

After booting into Recovery Mode, open the Disk Utility to check and repair any disk errors:

Select Disk Utility from the macOS Utilities window. Choose your startup disk, which is usually named "Macintosh HD." Select "First Aid" and then "Run" to check and repair any disk errors.

4. Reinstall macOS

If Disk Utility repairs don't resolve the issue, you can reinstall the operating system:

Return to the macOS Utilities window. Select "Reinstall macOS." Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the operating system. This process does not delete your files, but it's always a good idea to have backups.

5. Restore from Backup if Necessary

If you have created a Time Machine backup and the above steps don't work, you can choose "Restore from Time Machine Backup" in the macOS Utilities window:

Select "Restore from Time Machine Backup." Follow the prompts to restore your system to a previous point in time.

6. Contact Apple Support

If your MacBook Pro still doesn't start or you encounter errors, it's best to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional help:

Visit the Apple Support website to get further assistance. If physical access to an Apple Store is available, visit one for in-person support.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Update

Ensure Power Supply

Before starting a major update:

Make sure your MacBook Pro is plugged in and the power source is functioning properly.

Check for External Devices

Disconnect any external devices that might be causing issues:

Remove USB devices, external drives, or any other external peripherals that might be interfering with the update.

Other Tips from An Expert

A more experienced user might have the following advice:

Force Restart Using System Preferences

Use the built-in system preferences to force a restart:

Go to System Preferences. Click on the "Software Update" icon to check for updates. Force a restart to start the update process from the beginning.

Boot into Recovery Mode for a System Update

In a pinch, boot into Recovery Mode to perform a system update:

Reboot your Mac and hold Command R to enter Recovery Mode. Boot from the macOS Utilities window. Select "Reinstall macOS" to update to the latest version available.

This method allows you to ensure your Mac is running the latest software without deleting your personal files.

Upgrade to the Latest macOS Version

Stay up to date with the latest macOS releases:

Stay involved in beta testing programs to receive early access to new features. For example, the Big Sur update was available on the beta program. Upgrade to Monterey 12.x after testing it on a beta version.

By staying informed and prepared, you can avoid common issues that come with updates and ensure a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

Following these steps should help you recover your MacBook Pro after an interrupted update. If the issue persists, it's best to seek professional assistance from Apple Support or an Apple Store. Remember to keep your system backed up regularly to prevent data loss during unexpected events.