Apple macOS Error Code softwareupdated-100: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
softwareupdated-100
Brand
Apple
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
The Apple macOS error code softwareupdated-100 means that your Mac failed to download a macOS software update, usually due to a network issue, corrupted update cache, or a problem with Apple's update servers. This error appears in Software Update (System Settings or System Preferences) and prevents you from installing the latest macOS version or security patches. The good news is that this is almost always fixable on your own with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code softwareupdated-100

  1. Check Apple's System Status Page

  2. Restart Your Mac and Try Again

    Save all open documents before restarting to avoid losing unsaved work.

  3. Check Your Internet Connection

  4. Free Up Disk Space

    Back up important files to an external drive or Time Machine before deleting anything to avoid accidental data loss.

  5. Delete the Cached Software Update Files

    Only delete cache folders related to SoftwareUpdate. Deleting other system cache folders could cause unintended issues. Make sure you have administrator privileges before running Terminal commands.

  6. Reset the Software Update Preferences

  7. Download the macOS Update Manually from Apple's Website

  8. Check for VPN or Firewall Interference

  9. Run First Aid on Your Startup Disk

    Back up your Mac with Time Machine before running First Aid, especially if your disk has been showing signs of problems such as slowness or file errors.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all the steps above and still receive error softwareupdated-100, or if Disk Utility reports disk errors it cannot repair, it is time to contact Apple Support. You can reach them at https://support.apple.com or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. This is especially important if your Mac's startup disk is failing, if your Mac is behaving erratically alongside the update error, or if you are unable to boot into macOS Recovery. A technician can run deeper diagnostics and, if needed, perform a clean macOS reinstall while preserving your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple macOS error code softwareupdated-100 mean?
Error code softwareupdated-100 means that macOS was unable to successfully download a software update. The failure can be caused by a poor internet connection, Apple's update servers being temporarily down, corrupted cached update files on your Mac, insufficient disk space, or interference from a VPN or firewall.
Will error softwareupdated-100 delete my files or damage my Mac?
No. This error only means the update download failed — it does not affect your existing files, apps, or macOS installation. Your Mac will continue to work normally. However, it is always a good practice to back up your Mac with Time Machine before attempting any software update.
How much disk space do I need to fix the softwareupdated-100 error and install a macOS update?
Apple generally recommends having at least 20 GB of free disk space before downloading and installing a major macOS update. Minor updates and security patches typically require less space, but having 20 GB free is a safe benchmark to avoid download or installation failures.
Can I fix softwareupdated-100 without using Terminal?
Yes. You can try several fixes without Terminal, including restarting your Mac, checking your internet connection, freeing up disk space, disabling your VPN, and downloading the macOS update installer manually from Apple's website or the Mac App Store. Terminal steps are only needed if those simpler fixes do not work.
How do I download a macOS update manually to avoid this error?
Visit Apple's official macOS software page at https://support.apple.com or search the Mac App Store for the macOS version you want to install. Download the full macOS installer directly. This bypasses the Software Update tool and its cache entirely, which often resolves persistent softwareupdated-100 errors caused by corrupted partial downloads.

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