macOS Ventura: 10 Problems and their solutions

Apple announced its new software release macOS Ventura in WWDC in June of this year. It was not until October 24 that the software reached its users. Whenever a new product or software is launched, it leads to errors, bugs, and issues. According to tech experts, macOS Ventura’s beta version is better than its predecessors but the first adopters reported several related troubles.

In this article, you will get a glimpse of ten common problems that people reported and their way out. So, if you are facing or might face any of them, you can solve the issue all on your own by following this blog.

Problem 1: macOS Ventura Update Unavailable

Getting stuck at the initial stage of not being able to find the macOS Ventura update can be very frustrating. Normally, one can update their mac to the latest version using the software update feature in system preferences. However, if you receive the message ‘The requested version of macOS is not available’ it means, you have run into a problem.

The solution to get the update

Tech experts suggest that such a problem can crop up when there is a lack of compatibility between your Mac model and the latest version of macOS. Older macs do not have the capability to run the latest software and it’s a sign that you need to replace your mac with a newer model.

First, you need to check your mac’s model which you can do by going to the Apple menu and selecting About this mac. Check if your model is included in the list below:

• MacBook 2017
• Mac mini 2018 or later
• Mac Studio 2022
• Mac Pro 2019 or later
• MacBook Pro 2017 or later
• MacBook Air 2018 or later
• iMac Pro 2017 or later
• iMac 2017 or later

Try syncing data and time

Your Mac’s operating system checks Apple’s server for any possible updates. However, it is unable to do it if the time and date are either ahead of or behind the Apple server’s time. Thus, you can sync it by following these steps:

1. Launch the Apple menu and select System preferences.
2. Further, click on the date and time and unlock the Yellow color lock to allow changes.
3. Enable the box that says Set date and time automatically.

You can also try to find the Ventura update by following this method:

1. Boot your Mac into macOS recovery mode.
2. Further, use the reinstall macOS feature.
3. Now you can request macOS Ventura update through the terminal.
4. Moreover, you can now install macOS Ventura on your mac using a USB bootable installer.

Problem 2: macOS Ventura gets stuck checking for updates

As you know that after the release of macOS Big Sur, the tech company decided to pause on delta and combo updates as standalone downloads. Thus, users now need to download and install the complete updated package of macOS Ventura. This can result in delays in the system checking for updates. At times it may take hours to do the same with no hint of finishing the process.

Some common messages that people get during this time are “unable to check for updates”, an internet connection was lost, and macOS Ventura update is no longer available. A few may also get stuck in the checking for updates window.

You can fix this problem by checking your internet connection. Mac needs high-speed internet to check for updates. And if yours is a laggy one good luck. You can use another Wi-Fi connection, reboot your router or simply stop other uses of the internet for a while.

Problem 3: macOS Ventura is stuck at Download

If do not face problems until the moment you have started downloading the new software, then here it comes. You are waiting anxiously to enjoy Apple’s latest creation yet you are stopped midway as the download bar does not progress any further. Some possible causes behind this are internet throttling, outages in Apple servers, and your computer running out of storage.

To fix this, you can go to the company’s system status page and look for macOS software updates from the list. Check if there is a Green color indicator which means the software is available for a smooth download. If the color is some other like Orange or Red, it isn’t available. The reason for this is when Apple releases new software, there is an influx of people who are trying to update in the first week. And during this phase, Apple’s server runs out of its capability of taking high-volume requests.

Make more space

Another reason, your update is stuck could be due to storage issues. Why? Apple’s high compatibility with Intel and Apple Silicon chips leads to increased security. Moreover, the installation package for macOS has increased since the release of Big Sur and the latest one requires 12 GB of free space.

Tech experts claim that users need a minimum of 24 GB of free space to download the latest software. This space will give them some breathing space for future updates to the software. Furthermore, you can use a mac cleaner to delete redundant files and duplicate folders to clear up some space.

Problem 4: Installation failed for macOS Ventura

It can really be annoying when the download process is smooth but the installation process gets stuck. It fails and displays messages like ‘failed to personalize the software update’ or an error occurred while installing the selected update. This means that your computer does not support macOS Ventura. Furthermore, it could also mean third-party software, driver or malware prevents macOS from installing Ventura.

Boot Mac to safe mode

Since we don’t know the factors that lead to installation failure in your macOS, the best option is to boot it in safe mode. For those who don’t know, safe mode is a startup mode that loads only essential items required for the startup. Furthermore, it does not allow unnecessary drivers and programs to start. Once that is done, you can start updating your mac to macOS Ventura.

To boot an Intel mac in safe mode, follow these steps:

1. Switch off your computer and give it ten seconds before doing anything.
2. Long press the power button and simultaneously press down the Shift key to restart your mac.
3. You can release the Shift key until you see the login window.

To boot an Apple Silicon Mac in Safe Mode:

1. First off, shut down your mac and give it 10 seconds to rest.
2. Long press the power button until you see the startup option appear on the screen.
3. Click on your startup disk.
4. Hold down the Shift key and tap on continue in safe mode.
5. Furthermore, release the Shift key until the login window shows up.

Problem 5: Unable to Bypass the setup page in macOS Ventura

You may know that after you reinstall or upgrade your Mac, your system launches the setup assistant. This setup is designed to help you personalize your computer in setting such as region, language, Siri, and Apple ID sign-in. But as per this issue, your Mac displays a message “Setting up your Mac” window and the process does not finish.

To fix this, you can:

1. Try to force restart your Mac and make the new operating system reload once again.
2. Further, tap on Setup later and skip the prompt to sign in with your Apple ID.
3. After that, you can boot your Mac into Safe mode and then restart it again in safe mode.

Problem 6: Mac is unable to reboot after the macOS Ventura update

You have updated to the macOS Ventura but for some reason, your mac is not able to reboot after the process. It can be scary especially if you are new to Apple products. The various reasons could be device bricking, minor display issues, and so on. You don’t need to worry as in this blog, you can find troubleshooting techniques that will help to start your Mac.

The solution to this is to disconnect all external peripherals and accessories which can end up consuming an unusual amount of power. And as a result, your Mac may not start up properly and messages like USB devices disconnect on your Mac. To disconnect unplug the keyboard, mouse, speaker, headphones, external display, and USB drive from your Mac and restart it again.

Problem 7: Less or limited NTFS support in macOS Ventura

After the release of macOS Ventura, NTFS announced that Apple has changed its mount process from its previous kernel-based architecture towards the one that runs in user space. Furthermore, the ability to mount NTFS file systems in read/write mode did not gain enough support as an end-user function and was only implemented in NTFS kext to support the boot camp process of installation. Therefore, the NTFS function will not support macOS Ventura.

However, if you do want to use an NTFS-formatted hard drive on your Mac, here’s what you can do. Download NTFS for Mac application and purchase a subscription. An example of such an NTFS file is the iBoysoft NTFS which gives you full permission to read and write access to NTFS drives in macOS Ventura. Further, it also provides basic disk management tools to mount, repair and format NTFS on Mac.

Problem 8: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth stopped working after the Ventura update

In your previous setup, you may have certain services which automatically connected whenever you switched them on. However, a common issue that comes up every time you upgrade your software is losing these setups and as a result, the functions stop working. As a user, you will find this issue primarily with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple ID, Airdrop, Airplay, and screen mirroring.

To re-set Wi-Fi connection:

1. Switch off Wi-Fi in the menu bar and after 10 seconds, switch it back on.
2. Further, uninstall VPNs and other third-party apps that may interfere with the network services.
3. Click on forget Wi-Fi network and reconnect it with the correct password.
4. Then create a new network location and then join this new connection.

To fix Bluetooth not working, you can follow these steps:

1. From the control center, switch off Bluetooth and then turn it back on after 10 seconds.
2. Now disconnect all your Bluetooth devices and reconnect them back.
3. Further, restart your computer and go to /Library/Preferences folder using the go-to folder in Finder.
4. Look for the file com.apple.bluetooth.plist. Take it to another location and restart your mac.

Problem 9: Battery getting drained in macOS Ventura

As you know by now that macOS Ventura will be needing a lot of free space which tech experts claim will go beyond 24GB. Space is not the only requirement this software has, while downloading, it will also consume a large amount of battery. Moreover, macOS Ventura will consume a colossal amount of battery in the first week and maybe the second. With time and integration, consumption should go down.

Apple Silicon MacBook Pro users report the issue of battery drainage the most so if you are one of them, stop the highest power consumption applications. To stop them from running in the background, do the following:

1. Launch spotlight on Mac with command + space keys. Then look for activity monitor.
2. Click on the energy tab and look for applications that have the most energy impact.
3. Now select the app with your cursor and click on the quit button which is an X icon located at the top.
4. Furthermore, tap on quit or force quit stopping the app from consuming the battery heavily.

Secondly, disable high power mode

Users with the 16-inch MacBook Pro models with an M1 Max chip have the high power mode enabled on their devices. This feature is exclusively for this model of mac and it aims to improve performance in the graphics-intensive workflow. Thus, you can anticipate its battery drainage capacity.

To stop it, you can:

1. Go to the Apple menu and choose system preferences.
2. Further, select battery and choose power adapter.
3. Click low power from the energy mode pop-up menu.
4. In addition, you can also reset the energy saver and lessen the time before the display falls asleep.
5. Further, disable the keyboard backlit on your laptop for additional savings on the battery.
6. You can also unplug any idle external devices.

Problem 10: Poor performance after the macOS Ventura update

It can be a painful affair when you spend a ton of time and energy on downloading and installing the new Ventura only to be led down with low performance. Isn’t it supposed to give you an incredible experience on your mac? I understand but don’t worry. If you are facing issues such as apps crashing, your computer running extremely slow, or overheating, then it’s expected. It’s especially common if your computer is one of the older models of mac trying hard to support the new operating system.

Here’s what you can try:

Update all your apps: When you see applications crashing, then it’s a sign that you apply the required updates. Outdated apps will not be supported in Ventura so if you downloaded your apps from the App store, then you have to update them there. Furthermore, if you downloaded them from their official websites, then you need to reinstall them directly from there.

Secondly, some of the applications require about 100% of CPU capacity but barely do anything. And as a result, your computer becomes slow and sluggish leading to an unannounced breakdown. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Go to the finder, and click on applications.
2. Then tap on utilities and then activity monitor.
3. Click on the CPU tab and analyze its usage.
4. Select any process that consumes a high percentage of CPU and close that.

Conclusion

If you have been facing the issues listed above in your macOS Ventura, then I hope one of the solutions was helpful. Let me know if the comments if you some other method worked better for you or if any method does not seem effective.