How to fix “Unable to check for updates. Can’t connect to the Software Update server” on Mac?

What causes How to fix “Unable to check for updates. Can’t connect to the Software Update server” on Mac?

Modified OS file to disable update notifications
Corrupted system files
Network connectivity issues
Server-side problems
Incorrect date and time settings

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Hello. I tried to update macOS but I received a message "Unable to check for updates. Can't connect to the Software Update server." What should I do?

MacOS is a Unix[ref en-1] operating system developed by Apple Inc. in 2001. It is the primary operating system for Apple's Mac computers. It is the second most widely used desktop OS, after Microsoft Windows. Just like any other operating system, macOS should be regularly updated to keep it stable, and secure.[ref en-2]

People can use Software Update to install updates and upgrades for macOS and its built-in apps, including Safari. However, sometimes people run into issues when trying to do so. People report trying to update their macOS but failing to connect to the update server. Additionally, they see "Unable to check for updates. Can't connect to the Software Update server" error message.

It is unknown what exactly could cause this. There is a possibility that some users modified an OS file to disable OS update notifications. However, such a modification also disables users' abilities to manually update the operating system. Such a problem could also arise because of corrupted system files.[ref en-3]

In this guide, you will find 3 steps that should help you fix "Unable to check for updates. Can't connect to the Software Update server" on Mac. Proceed with the step-by-step instructions below carefully.

How to fix unable to check for updates cant connect to the software update server on mac

Method 1. Install Updates through the Terminal

Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock, type Terminal in the search field, then click Terminal

Enter the following command:

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 11.7

Instead of full-installer-version 11.7 enter the version you want to update

Method 2. Run Terminal Commands

Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock, type Terminal in the search field, then click Terminal
Enter the command below:

softwareupdate --list-full-installers

Choose the version you want to install from the list and run the following command:

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 11.6.2

Instead of full-installer-version 11.6.2 enter the version you want to install
Launch the new application in the Applications folder
Run the following command:

Title: macOS Big Sur, Version: 11.7, Size: 12118755KiB, Build: 20G817

Method 3. Reinstall macOS

If the previous steps did not help you fix the issue, try to reinstall macOS. The following steps will help you do that through Recovery which should keep your files and apps. However, we always recommend backing up your data before proceeding with the reinstallation.

Boot your Mac into macOS Recovery. On Intel-based Macs, that means holding down the Cmd + R keys during startup until you see the Apple logo. If you use an Apple silicon Mac, hold down the Power button while turning it on and select Options, then Continue on the Startup Options screen

Select an administrator account (if your Mac prompts you to) and enter its password to load the macOS Recovery menu
Select Reinstall macOS [Version Name] and Continue
Agree to Apple’s software license terms
Select your Mac’s startup drive, for example, Macintosh HD, and select Continue
Wait for your Mac to finish reinstalling macOS
The process could take an hour or more. Your Mac will reboot multiple times in the meantime.

Bottom line

To fix the 'Unable to check for updates. Can't connect to the Software Update server' error on Mac, you can try installing updates through the Terminal or running specific terminal commands to fetch full installers. If these methods do not resolve the issue, consider checking your network connection or consulting Apple support for further assistance.

Frequently asked questions

How can I resolve the 'Unable to check for updates' error on Windows 10?

You can try resetting the Windows Update services by running the Command Prompt as an administrator and executing commands like 'net stop wuauserv' and 'net start wuauserv'. Additionally, ensure your internet connection is stable and check your Windows Update settings.

What should I do if I receive 'Can't connect to the Software Update server' while using Windows 11?

Make sure your Windows 11 is connected to the internet and check for any firewall settings that might be blocking the update services. You can also run the Windows Update Troubleshooter for automated fixes.

Is there a way to manually check for updates on Windows 10 if I encounter the update connection issue?

Yes, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on 'Check for updates' to manually trigger the update process. If this fails, consider restarting your PC or resetting the Windows Update components.

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Written & verified by

Chris Lawson

Registry & System Configuration Expert

Registry editing Group Policy configuration Advanced system settings Boot repair Windows configuration

Chris Lawson is a Windows registry and advanced configuration expert who tackles the deep-level fixes that most troubleshooting guides avoid. His work covers safe registry editing, Group Policy configuration, advanced system settings, boot repair, and low-level Windows configuration that requires precision to get right. Chris provides step-by-step registry edits and configuration changes backed by thorough testing, with clear explanations of what each change does and how to undo it if needed. His guides are trusted by power users and IT professionals who need reliable instructions for advanced Windows management.

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