macOS updates currently install to both System and Data volumes, although Apple claims the Data volume is unmounted during updating. Can an update cause problems with your Data volume, then?
softwareupdate
Keeping your Mac up to date is essential if it’s to benefit from latest security fixes and protection against malware. How to deal with problems.
Have your Macs all installed last week’s security data updates to XProtect? If they get them through your Content Caching server, they might not have.
How to discover the version of ‘fallback’ Recovery, Bridge versions of T2 chips, and a whole lot more info about a Mac. And a bonus for Ventura.
Apple appears to have fixed recent problems installing XProtect and other security updates for some users at least. What if you’re still suffering problems?
A lot of effort has gone into improving Mac security, from firmware to new remediation software, but it’s the delivery that’s now lettings us down.
When a downloaded update fails to install, that failure isn’t reported back to either local Content Caching server or Apple’s software update servers. Reliable feedback is important.
Update failed to install.
What do you do next? Just try to download it again? What if you’re running a local Content Caching server?
The restore.log file on the Update volume contains details of all macOS updates installed since 11.0.1. Here’s a quick guide to its contents and use.
What’s normal for patterns of security data and macOS updates? How to recognise the pathological, which could reflect a security failure.
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