Fix the macOS Could Not Be Installed on Your Computer Problem

Summary: The easiest way to fix the macOS could not be installed on your computer problem is to boot the mac in safe mode. This should fix things. If, however, you do end up using some of the other methods on this list, you could lose data, which is where professional Mac data recovery software comes into play, like Stellar Data Recovery Professional For Mac.

Just like on a Windows-based computer, updating a macOS device is essential to keeping the computer running smoothly.

However, if anything untoward happens to the machine during the update, it can pose a lot of problems down the line.

By “anything untoward”, we mean things like power supply interruption, internet connectivity failure, hard drive issues, and the like.

On macOS devices, you might find yourself staring at this screen:

As you can imagine, coming across the macOS could not be installed on your computer problem might make some people worry.

This doesn’t have to be the case, since the macOS could not be installed on your computer problem is very much fixable at home.

Table of Content:

• Potential Causes For The macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem
• Fixes For The macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem
• How to recover Data After The macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem
• Why Stellar? Here are more reasons.

Potential Causes For The macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem

With each trigger is listed an “easy fix”.

Go through all of the “easy fixes” first, before attempting any of the more advanced repair tactics listed below.

You might just find yourself saving a whole chunk of time.

Here are the most common triggers for the macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem:

Trigger	Easy Fix
Your device does not have enough space to install macOS.	Move your files to iCloud, or to an external storage device. To state the obvious, delete the things you don't need.
The installation files have been corrupted.	Restart your device and immediately press command + R. Hold until the restart process is complete.
Your startup disk is posing a problem.	Use a time machine backup, if you have one available.
The installation path is incorrect and/ or damaged (this is the case in the example picture above).	Check the “Date and Time” settings on your device. In this case, chances are they are off by a small margin.

Fixes For The macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem

These fixes to the macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem are listed in the order we recommend you try them.

1. Check Version Compatibility

There is no point attempting to install a version of macOS if your computer doesn’t even support it to begin with.

Here is how you can check whether your macOS device supports the version of macOS you want to install or not.

• Navigate to the Apple Menu (Top Left).

• Click on “About this Mac”.

• The pop up menu will outline what version of MacOS you are currently running.

• Click on the “software update” button, and install the update if available.

Here is an alternate method to checking version compatibility.

You see, Apple releases full lists of every single device that supports their specific versions of macOS.

The best part? They do this for each version of macOS that comes out.

Here is a list we have compiled of the official apple links to their “supported devices” section for the most recent macOS versions.

macOS Version	Free Storage Space Needed	Official Apple Supported Devices Page Link
macOS Ventura	No Information Available	Link
macOS Monterney	40.5 GB Maximum	Link
macOS Big Sur	35.5 GB Maximum	Link
macOS Catalina	18.5 GB Maximum	Link

2. Boot Up Your macOS Device In “Safe Mode”

Often, a running program, or a background task can end up with you facing the macOS “could not be installed on your computer” problem.

We can eliminate this probability by booting the Mac in safe mode.

The reason? Safe mode prevents non-essential programs and background tasks from executing.

This results in no untoward or unintentional exposure of the update process.

For Intel Based Mac Devices	For Apple Silicon Based Mac Devices
Click the Apple Logo > Restart	Click the Apple Logo > Shut Down.
Instantly Press the Shift Key	Press The Power Button And Hold It Till You See A Screen With Startup Disks
As Soon As You See The Apple Logo, Release Shift	Select A Boot Drive And Hold Shift
You Will Now See The “Safe Boot” Screen.	Click On The “Continue In Safe Mode” Option
Attempt To Reinstall macOS	Attempt To Reinstall macOS

We should mention that booting in safe mode usually gets rid of the macOS “could not be installed on your computer” problem.

Correct The Date And Time Options

If for some reason, you still face the macOS “could not be installed on your computer” problem, then your date and time may be incorrect.

Even if they aren’t, resetting them manually has been shown to fix the issue, so it is worth a shot.

• Click on the Apple logo > System Preferences.

• Click on “Date And Time”.

• Click the lock and enter your credentials.
• Toggle the “Select Time And Date Automatically” Button on and off.
• Attempt To Reinstall macOS.

3. Re-Download The macOS Installer

Like we said, the installation files being corrupted may also lead to the macOS “could not be installed on your computer” problem.

You can re-obtain a fresh, tamper-free version of whatever macOS version you are looking for on the App Store, for free.

Here is the link to the latest macOS version, macOS Ventura.

4. Reset Your NVRAM

Resetting your NVRAM (And PRAM) is a process that will not affect any of your data, as it is a memory-blind reset.

• Navigate to the Apple Logo > Restart

• During the restart, press Option + Command + P + R.
• Once you see the apple logo or hear the chime, you can release the keys.

How to recover Data After The macOS Could Not Be Installed On Your Computer Problem

There is always the distinct possibility of you losing data during most of the fixes listed above.

While regrettable, it is a tradeoff risk that you take if you want to fix the macOS “could not be installed on your computer” problem.

Luckily, however, we have just the tool for the occasion: Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac.

Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac is a comprehensive, purpose-built data recovery tool for Mac-based devices.

It is among the best on the market, and here’s why:

1. It supports all major macOS File Systems, including NTFS, ExFAT, APFS, HFS, and HFS+.
2. It will help you recover data from crashed devices.
3. The Stellar Mac data recovery software can also recover data from devices that refuse to boot at all.
4. It is compatible with all versions of macOS devices, ranging from Intel-powered devices to M1, M2, and T2-powered computers.
5. Lastly, Stellar Mac data recovery software can recover a whole array of files, ranging from documents and videos to audio and whole lost drive volumes.

Also Read: Stellar Data Recovery for Mac -V 6 Sets a New Standard with Support for FAT, ExFAT, and NTFS

The best part? You can download Stellar Data Recovery Mac, free at this link.

It allows you to fully scan as well as preview what files you can recover before ever committing to a license.

Also Read: How to Get Activation Key of Stellar Data Recovery for Mac

Why Stellar? Here are more reasons.

Stellar is not just a data recovery tool provider, but a brand synonymous with trust, expertise, and excellence.

With over 30 years of experience, a wide range of services, global recognition, including the prestigious 2017 and 2019 CIO Choice awards, and unwavering commitment to data security, Stellar is a brand worth trusting.

As a proud Indian brand with technology developed in India, Stellar takes immense pride in serving Fortune 500 companies and millions of satisfied customers worldwide.

Also Read: Comprehensive Guide on How to use Stellar Data Recovery for Mac?

Last Thoughts

If you are having trouble installing a current-generation version of macOS on your computer, then there is still another option.

“macOS could not be installed on your computer” problem, then it may be a version compatibility barrier.

This well thought-out article, on Apple’s official website, will guide you on how to backdate and install an older version of macOS.

You also always have the fail-safe option of wiping the hard disk and installing a pristine copy of macOS.

Back up your data beforehand, but any malware that is in the files will likely get backed up as well.

Needless to say, this is an undesirable last resort but is still a viable option.

That’s all for now, we hope you found this article helpful.

Also Read: Mac Documents Folder Emptied Suddenly – How to Recover Data?