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

You may notice the error message: A software update is required to use this startup disk on Mac when installing macOS from a bootable installer or updating macOS. It is perplexing, but specific procedures can fix it. EaseUS data recovery software will share a few techniques with you in this article.

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

Are you encountering the "a software update is required to use this startup disk" error? Though Apple constantly innovates its operating system, some undesirable issues are prevalent. One such error that users recently faced is this update error while clean 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 to reinstall the macOS again.

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 can lead to this particular software update error. 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 Mac can lead to losing precious data. In that case, panic and anxiety are expected. However, you can opt for reliable, professional data recovery software. One such product that has gained immense popularity is the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

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 skilled data recovery service if you need help!

• Support for a wide range of file types: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can recover files of various types, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and more.
• 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.

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.

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.

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 the Apple Menu and click on the Restart option.
• The system will shut down and turn on after a few seconds.

If you can't restart your Mac or MacBook, you can check the linked page to see the methods of how to hard 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/PRAM and SMC on Mac is also an excellent solution for the software update error. Check out the steps you need to follow.

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.

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.

Method 3. Run Disk Utility First Aid

Repairing the startup disk might resolve the software update error. Follow these steps and run Disk Utility First Aid.

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

Step 2. Select the utility folder.

Step 3. Click on Disk Utility.

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.

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 the Recovery Mode. For this, these are the steps –

For Intel-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 install the latest macOS version compatible 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.