Mar 05, 2018  macOS High Sierra (10.13) MacRumors attracts a broad audience of both consumers and professionals interested in the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.

macOS High Sierra has recently gone public. It’s natural for it to have unforeseen bugs and rough edges. And right now you yourself are helping Apple to solve them by seeking fixes to common macOS High Sierra issues. We’ve pieced together the most reported ones so far (as of December 2017), from macOS High Sierra not downloading to Wi-Fi issues and a few others.

macOS High Sierra issues: what can go wrong?

  1. macOS High Sierra download has failed
  2. macOS High Sierra installation is frozen
  3. Not enough disk space to install macOS High Sierra
  4. Time Machine is stuck on “Preparing the Backup”
  5. macOS High Sierra is slow or freezes at random
  6. Mac won’t start after macOS High Sierra installation
  7. Wi-Fi is slow on macOS High Sierra
  8. App crashes or doesn't open on macOS High Sierra
  9. Battery life reduced on macOS High Sierra
  10. Password issues on macOS High Sierra
  11. Mail problems on macOS High Sierra

1. “macOS High Sierra download has failed.”

As soon as you started downloading macOS 10.13 the download would end abruptly and you will get messages like the one above. You may be shown “Installation of macOS could not continue” message on your screen.

Aside from poor internet connection, it’s possible that too many users are downloading the macOS at the same time. Try rebooting the Mac App Store or repeat the download in a few minutes.

1. Go to Apple menu (upper left corner)
2. Choose Force Quit
3. Find App Store app in the list and quit it

Can you improve your internet connection? Hop on a better Wi-Fi network or connect via cable. Before you resume the installation, remove all partially downloaded files (that are named macOS 10.13 High Sierra) from your Mac. Try again.

2. macOS High Sierra installation is frozen

You downloaded macOS High Sierra and clicked the installation file, but for some reason, nothing happens. You clicked Continue, but the now button appears to be greyed out. Control + click the installation icon —> Choose Quit. Go to Applications to find macOS High Sierra Installation file. Repeat the installation. Be patient, it does take some to begin.

You downloaded macOS High Sierra and clicked the installation file, but for some reason, nothing happens. You clicked Continue, but now the button appears to be grayed out.
1. Control + click the installation icon in the Dock
2. Choose Quit
3. Go to Applications to find macOS High Sierra Installation file
4. Repeat the installation

3. Not enough disk space to install macOS High Sierra

macOS High Sierra takes about 8 GB on a drive. Though it doesn’t seem terribly much, it is still recommended to have at least 15-20 GB of storage for macOS High Sierra to run smoothly. But first of all, figure out what's taking up your valuable space.

Go to Apple menu —> About this Mac
Click on the Storage tab

To get some storage space back, my favorite is CleanMyMac app. It has a feature that specifically searches for large and unused files on your drive. Deleting system junk alone would save you around 2 GB. You can always prefer to do the job manually, but it could be too much of a hassle.

Anyway, it’s a safe practice to install the new macOS on a clean Mac. So download CleanMyMac for free and clean up your drive. By then your Mac should be ready to install and download macOS High Sierra.

4. Time Machine is stuck on Backup

This issue has been reported since El Capitan and unfortunately is still the case in macOS High Sierra. The Time Machine hangs while showing “Preparing backup message” and may stay unresponsive for hours.

1. Stop the current backup procedure

Go to Time Machine settings menu and click the red [X] to end the backup process.

2. Delete the temporary .inProgress backup file

1. Go to Time Machine drive (in the Finder)
2. Open “Backups.backupd” folder
3. While inside, locate the folder that has name of your Mac on it
4. Type .inProgress in the search bar above
5. Locate the file with .inProgress file extension and delete it

Well done. Now you have removed the unsuccessful backup file.

3. Restart your Mac and repeat the backup using Time Machine.

5. macOS High Sierra is slow or freezes at random

Try giving the system some time to configure itself. If it doesn’t help, reboot your Mac. Some users reported their Mac was running slower after macOS High Sierra update. Check out this guide on how to speed up your Mac and try these tips on your machine. First, figure out what’s causing the slowdown. Go to Applications —> Activity Monitor and see what apps are weighing on your Mac’s memory. Force quit the apps that are excessively eating up CPU resources.

Another effective method is to delete your system caches. These temporary files pile up in system libraries and are known to cause various software conflicts. To clear your user cache manually, follow these steps:

  1. Open Finder and click “Go to Folder” in the Go menu
  2. Type in ~/Library/Caches and hit enter
  3. Go into each of the folders and clean out the files inside.

Note: Do not delete the files themselves, just their insides.

Now, repeat the same steps from above, but replace...

~/Library/Caches with… /Library/Caches
Please note that this method isn’t safe as you may accidentally delete the wrong folder.

To safely clean out your system caches, there is an easy workaround. It is secure and takes no more than a minute. Download CleanMyMac X (it’s free to download) and click System Junk. This way you’ll remove all system junk without a risk to your Mac.

6. Mac won’t start after upgrading to macOS High Sierra

Reset NVRAM

So you have successfully installed macOS High Sierra, but for some reason, your Mac won’t boot up. You may try to reset NVRAM in this case. NVRAM stands for non-volatile RAM and stores various system settings like time-zone, startup disk selection, kernel panic preferences or display resolution. Resetting NVRAM helps to perform a fresh boot from scratch.

1. Turn on your Mac holding Option, Command, P, and R keys
2. Keep the keys pressed for about 20 seconds
3. Let off the keys when you hear a second startup sound

Now your NVRAM has been reset. Additionally, you can launch Disk Utility to fix boot up problems with macOS High Sierra.

Enter Internet Recovery mode

Internet Recovery starts your Mac from Apple’s external servers. This is a helpful utility to use in case your boot sector is damaged or there are some hardware issues with macOS High Sierra. The utility will perform memory tests and configure your Mac for successful bootup.

To start Internet Recovery:
1. Restart your Mac
2. Wait for startup chime and the hold Command + Option + R
3. Release the keys after the animated globe pops up

Then your system will download a recovery image from the Internet. To proceed from then, just follow the prompts on the screen.

7. Wi-Fi is slow on macOS High Sierra

X11 For Mac High Sierra

Some people reported their Wi-Fi dropping off after installation of macOS High Sierra. You may also notice your connection got slower. To tackle this, update your Wi-Fi preferences. First, you will need to remove the current settings which is quite easy to do.

1. Click on the Finder
2. Press Command + Shift + G
3. Type in the following line:

/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/

4. Within that directory, you need to select the files with .plist file extension. These are your current preferences (probably bugged or corrupted).

com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
com.apple.network.identification.plist
com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
NetworkInterfaces.plist
preferences.plist

5. Move the selected files to the Trash.
6. Restart your Mac and router for changes to take place. Don’t worry, the new preferences will be created automatically to replace the old ones.

8. Your apps crash on macOS High Sierra

This is a common issue as Apple has moved to the 64-bit architecture with the release of macOS High Sierra. The implication is that a whole scope of 32-bit applications will not be supported on the new macOS update. Not all developers have yet converted their apps to 64-bit, but it's a question of time, really.

If the app repeatedly crashes on macOS High Sierra, update it to the latest version.You may visit developer’s website and read about High Sierra compatibility.

Another option is to reset the app. In 90% of cases, this method will prevent an app from crashing again.

From my experience, I found that an automatic solution works better. I personally use CleanMyMac to uninstall and reset the problematic apps and it works magic.

  1. Download CleanMyMac X (free download).
  2. Go to Uninstaller tab.
  3. Choose an application from the list.
  4. Click a small arrow next to the application logo
  5. Click Application reset.

Launch the app and see if it helped.

9. Battery drains too fast on macOS High Sierra

Has your battery life reduced after upgrade to macOS High Sierra? This issue has also been reported since June 2017 High Sierra Beta release.
To look deeper into the issue, go to Activity Monitor to check what processes are most energy-demanding. Just go to Applications -> Utilities -> Activity Monitor. Click Energy tab for details. If a particular app is a burden on your battery, reinstall or reset it (as described in the chapter above). Additionally, consider replacing the app with a lighter alternative.

What else to do to save battery life:

  • Turn off location services
  • Disable animations & graphical effects
  • Dim your screen
  • Also, check this guide to prolong Mac battery life

10. Password problems on macOS High Sierra

Advertised as the 'most secure Apple’s macOS', High Sierra looks a total opposite, just months after its release. Three 3 major password scandals have already broken out and how many bugs are there to come? In September 2017 a technology expert, Patrick Wardle has proved that it is possible to retrieve the Keychain’s passwords without first providing your master password. This vulnerability can be accessed by an unsigned app and concerns not only High Sierra but previous macOS releases as well.

Then, a major root password bug, allowing full access to your Mac without any password at all. If you haven't set your root password (it's like a ground-level admin password), it's time to do it now. The quickest is to do it via Terminal.

Apparently, this is not the only password issue with High Sierra. There has been detected a problem where macOS High Sierra would show you your original password instead of a password hint. To solve it, Apple recommends installing a Supplemental Update to macOS High Sierra. Meanwhile, you can protect your important data with a trusted encryption solution. Hider 2 app is a nice one and is quite flexible for most users' needs.

11. Mail problems in macOS High Sierra

Mail app in macOS High Sierra has proved vulnerable to errors as well. A few folks have reported that email notification stopped working right after the update. In other words, email banners were missing. Good news, it can be quickly fixed via System Preferences.

1. Go to System Preferences -> Notifications
2. Choose Mail
3. Reset the alert style from “Banner” to “None”
4. Then switch it back to “Banner”
This should reactivate the Mail notification service.

What else may go wrong? You may notice your Mail app now works slower after you’ve upgraded to macOS High Sierra. The explanation is that it’s probably overloaded with messages and still carries the leftovers from the previous macOS. As a result, it takes forever to search for the things you need. Some apps offer an easy fix for this and will reindex (or reorganize) the Mail database on the new macOS for you.

For instance, the latest version of CleanMyMac app has a special tool that speeds up your Mail. You can download the app (it’s free to download) and open the Maintenance module.

When within the Maintenance module, launch Mail Speed up tool. That’s it, your Mail should now get speedier. See the screenshot above.

Despite the aforementioned problems macOS High Sierra still packs an impressive punch of simplicity and power. Get to know it more, explore the newly added features as each one has a tremendous amount of clever engineering behind it. Meanwhile, thanks for reading this article. Stay tuned for more.

These might also interest you:

When you upgrade to macOS Catalina, you get more of everything you love about Mac. Experience dedicated apps for music, TV, and podcasts. Smart new features in the apps you use every day. And Sidecar, which lets you use iPad as a second Mac display. Best of all, upgrading is free and easy.

Chances are, your Mac can run macOS Catalina.

Mac computers with Metal-capable graphics processors (GPUs) can upgrade to macOS Catalina.

High

Make sure you’re ready to upgrade.

Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. Then, if your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Catalina.

Upgrading is free. And easier than you think.

Upgrading from macOS Mojave?

Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find the macOS Catalina upgrade. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions to begin your upgrade. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.

Upgrading from an older version of macOS?

If you’re running High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), or El Capitan (10.11), upgrade to macOS Catalina from the App Store. If you’re running Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), you will need to upgrade to El Capitan (10.11) first. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.

  • OS X 10.9 or later
  • 4GB of memory
  • 12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

Siri

Requires a broadband internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).

Hey Siri

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
  • iMac Pro

Dictation, Voice Control, and Voice Memos

Requires a microphone (built-in or external).

Spotlight Suggestions

Requires a broadband internet connection.

Gestures

Requires a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse.

Force Touch gestures require a Force Touch trackpad.

VoiceOver gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, or Magic Trackpad.

Photo Booth

Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built-in or external), or USB video class (UVC) camera.

X11

FaceTime

Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband internet connection.

Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external), or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband internet connection.

Apple TV

High Dynamic Range (HDR) video playback is supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (2019) with Pro Display XDR
Mac

Dolby Atmos soundtrack playback is supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)

Sidecar

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook (2016 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (2016 or newer)
  • Mac mini (2018 or newer)
  • iMac (late 2015 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (2019)

Supported by all iPad models with Apple Pencil support:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
  • 11-inch iPad Pro
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad (6th generation or later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)

Continuity Camera

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 12 or later.

Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup

Requires an iPhone with iOS 13 or an iPad with iPadOS.

Handoff

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.

Instant Hotspot

Requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity, a Lightning connector, and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.

Universal Clipboard

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 10 or later.

Auto Unlock

Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or an iPhone 5 or later.

Approve with Apple Watch

Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later or an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13.

Apple Pay on the Web

Requires MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later.

Phone Calling

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated carrier plan.

SMS

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated carrier plan.

Home

Requires an iPhone with iOS 12 or later and a configured Home app.

AirDrop

AirDrop to iOS and iPadOS devices requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 7 or later.

AirPlay

AirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

Peer-to-peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.

Time Machine

Requires an external storage device (sold separately).

Power Nap

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro with Retina display (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

Boot Camp

Allows Boot Camp installations of Windows 10 on supported Mac models.

Exchange Support

Requires Microsoft Office 365, Exchange 2016, Exchange 2013, or Exchange Server 2010. Installing the latest Service Packs is recommended.

Windows Migration

Supports OS X 10.7 or later and Windows 7 or later.

X11 For Mac 10.6

App Store

Available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S. and many other countries and regions.

  • Apple Books
  • Apple News
  • App Store
  • Automator
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Chess
  • Contacts
  • Dictionary
  • DVD Player
  • FaceTime
  • Find My
  • Font Book
  • Home
  • Image Capture
  • Launchpad
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • Messages
  • Mission Control
  • Music
  • Notes
  • Photo Booth
  • Photos
  • Podcasts
  • Preview
  • QuickTime Player
  • Reminders
  • Safari
  • Siri
  • Stickies
  • Stocks
  • System Preferences
  • TextEdit
  • Time Machine
  • TV
  • Voice Memos
  • Activity Monitor
  • AirPort Utility
  • Audio MIDI Setup
  • Bluetooth File Exchange
  • Boot Camp Assistant
  • ColorSync Utility
  • Console
  • Digital Color Meter
  • Disk Utility
  • Grapher
  • Keychain Access
  • Migration Assistant
  • Screenshot
  • Screen Time
  • Script Editor
  • Sidecar
  • System Information
  • Terminal
  • VoiceOver Utility
  • Arabic
  • Catalan
  • Croatian
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Traditional Chinese
  • Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong)
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English (Australia)
  • English (UK)
  • English (U.S.)
  • Finnish
  • French
  • French (Canada)
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Malay
  • Norwegian
  • Polish
  • Brazilian Portuguese
  • Portuguese
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Slovak
  • Spanish
  • Spanish (Latin America)
  • Swedish
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese