How to Fix a Software Update Is Required to Use This Startup Disk

Dany2023年5月30日更新|Home>Computer Instruction

Here is a quick navigation of how to fix a software update required to use this startup disk:

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Restart your Mac It is the simplest yet most effective fix. There are two ways you can continue...Full steps
Fix 2. Reset NVRAM/PRAM Resetting NVRAM/PRAM and SMC on Mac is also an excellent solution for...Full steps
Fix 3. Run Disk Utility First Aid Repairing the startup disk might resolve the software update error...Full steps
Fix 4. Boot from External Drive T2 Macs often experience the A software update required to use this startup disk...Full steps
Fix 5. Reinstall macOS Finally, if nothing works, try reinstalling macOS in the Recovery Mode...Full steps

Are you encountering the "a software update is required to use this startup disk“错误?虽然苹果公司不断创新其开放rating system, some undesirable issues are prevalent. One such error that users recently faced is this update error whileclean installing the macOS Ventura.

The "fix a software update error" mainly occurs with the Monterey and Ventura beta versions. Clean operating system installation means installing the new one while erasing the existing version. Some users proceed further and get another error message - "An error occurred installing the update. Try again or select another startup disk."

However, there are 5 solutions to fix a software update required to use this startup disk error. In this post, we deep-dive into the problem and find potential solutions.

Why A Software Update Is Required to Use This Startup Disk

Are you tired of getting the "a software update is required to use this startup disk" error? Well, various reasons can lead to the occurrence of this problem, and knowing more about the causes will help you seek the right solutions.

Here are some of the reasons –

Reason 1. macOS updates or the update process issue

Sometimes, the problem lies within the update process itself. In that case, you will get the software update error. The only solution is toreinstall the macOSagain.

Reinstall macOS

Reason 2. Cable failure or the power outage

Another reason that can lead to the occurrence of this error is a power cut. If there is a cable failure in the middle of an update, that is a recipe for disaster. If you don't have backup generators or other power supplies, you can do nothing but wait for the power to come back.

Reason 3. Malware problem on the disk

Malware issues often cause software update errors. Some of the worst ones even can disable the hard drive. That is why removing the malware must be on the priority list.

Reason 4. Virus attack on the disk

In some cases, virus attacks are responsible for this software update error. The worst thing that can happen is the loss of data, which is why creating backups is crucial.

Reason 5. Bad sectors on the hard drive

Often,bad sectors会导致这个特殊的软件更新错误。Bad sectors on the hard drive are storage spaces that occur in tiny clusters, and the sector is defective and doesn't respond to write or read requests.

[First Aid] How to Recover Data from Mac with Startup Issues

Sometimes,startup issues with Maccan lead to losing precious data. In that case, panic and anxiety are expected. However, you can opt for reliable, professionaldata recovery software. One such product that has gained immense popularity is theob欧宝电竞官网入口 .

With this tool, you can retrieve unlimited lost data seamlessly. Select the drive, scan the deleted files, preview, and restore the data. You can get it back regardless of the reason behind the data loss. These situations include deleting, formatting, virus attack, partition loss, system crash, operation errors, damage to the hard drive, etc.

With more than 18 years of experience, EaseUS offers incredible services. Moreover, you can always seek assistance from the skilleddata recovery serviceif you need help!

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  • Multiple recovery options: The tool offers various recovery options, such as recovery from a Mac-formatted disk, a Time Machine backup, and recovery from an external drive.
  • Deep scan: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can perform a deep scan of your storage device to find lost or deleted files that may not be recoverable using other methods.
  • Preview before recovery: The tool allows you to preview the files it has found before deciding which ones to recover. This can help ensure that the files you retrieve are needed.
  • Easy to use: The tool has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy for inexperienced users to recover lost or deleted files.

Do you want to know how to use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac? That's easy! Follow the steps mentioned below –

Step 1. Select the drive to be scanned

In the main EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard window, there will be a list of the drives connected to your Mac. Select the drive you need to recover lost/deleted files from, and click the "Search for lost files" button.

select a location and scan for lost Mac data

Step 2. Select your lost data/files

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results on the left pane. You can sort the results to find the wanted files if you are looking for certain files.

Select your lost data/files

Step 3. Recover lost/deleted data

Once you have found the desired files, preview the files and then click "Recover" to begin the recovery of your deleted/lost Mac files.

recover lost Mac data

How to Fix A Software Update Is Required to Use This Startup Disk

Fortunately, there are multiple solutions to fix the error "a software update is required to use this startup disk". Let's take a look at some of these solutions –

Method 1. Restart your Mac

One of the best solutions to fix the "a software update is required to use this startup disk" error is to restart the system. It is the simplest yet most effective fix. There are two ways you can continue your Mac.

  • First, go to theApple Menuand click on the Restart option.
  • The system will shut down and turn on after a few seconds.

Restart Mac using Apple Menu

If you can't restart your Mac or MacBook, you can check the linked page to see the methods of how tohard restart your MacBook.

  • Another alternative is to restart the system manually. You need to:
  • Press the power button and hold it for some time.
  • Wait till the system shuts off.
  • After a few seconds, press the power button again, and the system will turn on.

Method 2. Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC on Mac

Resetting NVRAM/PRAMand SMC on Mac is also an excellent solution for the software update error. Check out the steps you need to follow.

Resetting NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM follows the same steps. Let's take a look –

Step 1.Shut down the system. You need to click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner. A drop-down menu will open; click on the Shut Down option.

Step 2.Press the power button.

Step 3.Turn on Mac, press Command-Option-P-R, and hold the keys.

Step 4.Wait for at least 20 seconds, then let them go.

Notice:
Note. In older Macs, a chime occurs during booting. It would help if you held the keys till you heard the second chime.

To reset SMC on Mac, here are the steps you must adopt –

Step 1.Shut down the system.

Step 2.Press the power button and hold it for 10 seconds.

Step 3.Release the button.

Step 4.After some time, press the button again to turn on the system.

Notice:
The steps are different for various Macs, and these steps apply to Macs with T2 chips.

Method 3. Run Disk Utility First Aid

Repairing the startup disk might resolve the software update error. Follow these steps and runDisk UtilityFirst Aid.

Step 1.Click anywhere on the desktop, and it will launch Finder. Click on Go and Applications from the drop-down menu.

Open Applications Folder

Step 2.Select the utility folder.

Open Utilities Folder

Step 3.Click on Disk Utility.

Open the Disk Utility Folder

Step 4.On the left-hand sidebar, select the disk. It will give you a list of disks. Choose the disk you want. Click on First Aid.

Step 5.Now, select the Run button when the pop-up occurs.

Open First Aid Disk

Notice:
It is advisable to refrain from running other operations when the First Aid is doing its job. After the repair is done, check if the error is fixed.

Method 4. Allow your Mac to Boot from an External Drive

T2 Macs often experience the "A software update is required to use this startup disk." error. Issues with the security settings may lead to this problem.

Take a look at these steps and follow them –

Step 1.Start the Mac in the macOS Recovery Mode.

Step 2.Select the user and enter the administrator password.

Step 3.Select Utilities.

Step 4.Now, go to Startup Security Utility.

Step 5.Click on "Enter macOS Password"

Step 6.Choose the administrator account and type the password.

Step 7.Scroll down to Medium Security and click on the circle.

Step 8.Click "Allow booting from external media" under "Allowed Boot Media."

Method 5. Reinstall macOS in Recovery Mode

Finally, if nothing works, try reinstalling macOS in theRecovery Mode. For this, these are the steps –

ForIntel-based Mac:

Step 1.Select the Apple menu.

Step 2.Choose Restart.

Step 3.Press Option-Command-R or Option-Shift-Command-R keys.

Step 4.The Recovery app window will open.

Step 5.Select Reinstall for your macOS.

Step 6.Press the Continue button.

Step 7.Follow the instructions given on the screen.

Note:Option-Command-R will installthe latest macOS versioncompatible with the system. Option-Shift-Command-R will reinstall the original macOS version of the computer.

For Silicon-based Mac:

Step 1.Select the Apple menu.

Step 2.Choose Shut Down.

Step 3.Press the button and hold it down until you see "Loading startup options"

Step 4.Select Options.

Step 5.Press Continue.

Step 6.Follow the instructions given on the screen.

To Wrap It Up

The "a software update is required to use this startup disk" error is a common problem while clean installing the latest OS. However, there is no need to panic or worry. Luckily, there are various solutions available that one can follow. For instance, you can reinstall the OS in recovery mode or run First Aid.

Have you lost data due to this startup issue? In that case, you need help from a trustworthy data recovery program. For that, choose EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, which is one of the best data recovery software solutions with easy-to-use features.

Haven't used EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac yet? What are you waiting for? Try out EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac today!

A Software Update Is Required to Use This Startup Disk FAQs

There are multiple solutions to fix the "a software update is required to use this startup disk" error. However, it is imperative to gain more knowledge on the matter. For that, scroll through the questions and answers listed below -

1. How do I update the startup disk on a Mac?

You can use the built-in System Preferences app to update the startup disk on a Mac. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
  • Click on "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
  • In the System Preferences window, click on "Startup Disk".
  • Click on the lock in the bottom left corner of the window and enter your administrator password when prompted.
  • Select the disk you want to use as your startup disk from the list of available disks.
  • Click the "Restart" button to restart your Mac and switch to the new startup disk.

2. What to do if there are no startup disks to choose from on Mac?

Hardware or software issues can lead to detection problems of the startup disks on Mac. That is why regular maintenance is of incredible importance. Try resetting NVRAM. You can repair the disk via Disk Utility if that doesn't work.

3. Where is the startup disk on Mac?

To locate the startup disk on Mac, select the Apple Menu. After that, press System Settings and then go to the General tab. You will find Startup Disk on the right side.

4. How do I restore data when Mac has startup issues?

Restoring them is easy if you have used Time Machine to back up the data. But, if you haven't, you need to opt for the best data recovery program. For this, you can choose EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

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Updated byDany

Dany is an editor of EaseUS who lives and works in Chengdu, China. She focuses on writing articles about data recovery on Mac devices and PCs. She is devoted to improving her writing skills and enriching her professional knowledge. Dany also enjoys reading detective novels in her spare time.

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