How to Install MacOS 12.1 on Mac M1 When the Update Doesn’t Appear
Apple’s macOS 12.1 is a fun update. Finally, it offers iOS and iPadOS SharePlay on macOS FaceTime, allowing you to share your screen and other media with friends during video calls, in addition to Hide My Email and Apple Music Voice Plan , and other great features. However, if you are using a Mac M1, you may not see this update on your computer at all. What gives?
Why macOS 12.1 won’t show up on Mac M1 computers – a mystery
At this time, we still don’t know what the deal is about. For some reason, M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max users are having trouble downloading the 12.1 update or even displaying it in system preferences. 9to5Mac writer Bradley Chambers was unable to get the update to work , even after downloading the full macOS Monterey installer from the Mac App Store.
Fortunately, one of the commenters on 9to5Mac suggested a solution. Commentator Jonlon has both the M1 Mac mini and the M1 Max MacBook Pro, neither showing the 12.1 update in system preferences. Fortunately, Jonlon has come up with a six-step solution for the update to appear and download, much to the delight of many frustrated Mac users:
1.) Open System Preferences> Software Update. Make sure no update is available and leave the window open.
2.) Go to Applications> Utilities> Activity Monitor.
3.) Go to View> All Processes
4.) Find com.apple.MobileSoftwareUpdate.UpdateBrainService. Select it and click Force Quit. [If that doesn’t work, try “com.apple.NRD.UpdateBrainService” instead.]
5.) Update 12.1 should appear in System Preferences. Click Update Now.
6.) Update may not download – Force exit com.apple.MobileSoftwareUpdate.UpdateBrainService again using Activity Monitor to start downloading. [Again, you may need to force close com.apple.NRD.UpdateBrainService instead.]
Jonlon isn’t sure why this method triggers the update, and neither do we, but we’re glad it did. If your Mac M1, M1 Pro, or M1 Max is having trouble finding an update, this process is probably the best solution – at least until Apple officially resolves the issue.
[ 9to5Mac ]