Installing apps on a Mac is usually quick, especially if you’re downloading software from the App Store. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. You might see a message saying “Install in progress” that just won’t go away, even after several minutes or hours. In some cases, it even prevents you from shutting down your Mac.
So what is this process, why does it get stuck, and how do you stop it safely? This guide explains everything you should know.
What is “Install in progress” on Mac?
“Install in progress” isn’t a single app; it’s a generic macOS notification shown when software is being installed or updated.
It can be triggered by:
- macOS system updates
- App Store downloads
- Third-party installers (e.g., Adobe, Google Chrome)
- Background updaters like Microsoft AutoUpdate
Is it safe, or could it be malware?
In most cases, it’s completely safe and part of your system. However, if you don’t recognize the program being installed, it’s worth checking:
- Open Activity Monitor and look for suspicious process names
- Check if the app came from a trusted source
- Run a malware scan if something seems strange
How do I know if an install in progress is stuck?
Installations should only take a few minutes, and the progress bar should move pretty rapidly. If it doesn’t, there is a chance it’s stuck. If, after several minutes, you try to shut down your Mac and see a dialog box that says something like the message below, there’s a good chance the install in progress is stuck.
“Your computer can’t be shut down now, because software is being installed. [APP NAME] is being installed. Interrupting the install may damage your computer. You can shut down when the install is complete.”
To avoid problems with your Mac and keep it running as smoothly and as quickly as possible, it’s a good idea to clear out junk files, run maintenance tasks, and check your Mac for malware. One very easy way to do all that at the same time is to use CleanMyMac’s Smart Care feature. With one click, it scans your Mac, looking for junk files, opportunities to optimize it, and malware. When it’s done, it only takes a few more clicks to clear out the junk, remove any malware, and speed up your Mac.
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- On average, users remove 34 GB of junk on their first day with the app
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How to quit install in progress on your Mac
1. Use Force Quit
If the regular Command-Q doesn’t quit the installer, the next option is to try to force quit. To do that, either click the Apple menu and choose Force Quit or press Command-Option-Escape. Then, select the app that’s being installed in the Force Quit dialog box and click Force Quit.
2. Use Activity Monitor
If you can’t see the application in the Force Quit dialog box or if force quitting doesn’t work, go to Applications > Utilities and choose Activity Monitor. Look for the app’s name in the list of processes or search for it. When you find it, select it and click the ‘x’ in the toolbar.
3. Boot into safe mode
If quitting the process in Activity Monitor doesn’t work, or if the same thing happens the next time you try to install the app, boot your Mac into safe mode. It loads only those extensions that are necessary for your Mac to start up. It also performs checks on your Mac’s startup disk and fixes any problems it finds. The process for booting your Mac into safe mode is different for Apple silicon and Intel-based Macs. You can find the instructions for both of them on Apple’s website. Once you’ve booted into safe mode, try to install the app. If it installs successfully, restart your Mac normally.
4. Clear out junk files
Once you’ve successfully installed the app and are back up and running, clear out the junk. Junk files include temporary files that were never deleted, old cache files, settings files for apps no longer on your Mac, and language files for languages you don’t use.
CleanMyMac’s Cleanup tool makes it very easy to get rid of them and free up gigabytes of space on your Mac as well as reduce the chances of future file conflicts. Once it has scanned your Mac, you can choose to delete everything it has found in one go or review the results and choose for yourself what to delete and what to keep. Here’s how to use it:
- Open CleanMyMac (get your free 7-day trial here)
- Choose Cleanup from the sidebar.
- Click Scan > Clean.
5. Check for updates to macOS
One reason the app installation may have run into trouble is that the app needs the latest update to macOS to run. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and check if there is an update available. If so, follow the instructions on the screen to install it.
What does “Waiting for other installations to complete” mean?
This message appears when macOS queues installations, because only one can run at a time.
How to fix it:
- Quit any other installers that may be running
- Restart your Mac
- Check Activity Monitor for stuck install processes and quit them
Frequently asked questions
How long should an install take?
Usually 1–5 minutes. Longer installs (like macOS updates) can take 30+ minutes.
When should I use Terminal?
Only if Force Quit and Activity Monitor don’t work.
When should I contact Apple Support?
- The issue persists after Safe Mode
- macOS update fails repeatedly
- Your Mac won’t boot properly
Quick recap: what to do if an install is stuck
If “Install in progress” won’t go away, try this in order:
- Force Quit the installer
- End the process in Activity Monitor
- Restart your Mac or use Safe Mode
- Clean up junk files and update macOS
- Contact Apple Support if nothing works
Safe to interrupt?
Yes, for most apps, but be cautious with macOS updates.
Apps should install quickly and smoothly, but if they don’t, you may see a message when you try to shut down your Mac that says you can’t shut down because software is being installed. If that’s the case, follow the steps above, and you’ll no longer ask yourself, “how do I stop a Mac install in progress?”
