Mac App Store is not updating applications? [SOLVED]

by Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Windows & Software Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he... read more
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  • Not being able to update your apps on MacBook can cause serious problems.
  • Fixing the issue can easily be done by anyone and we're guiding you step by step.
  • For more useful and easy to follow Mac fixes, visit our dedicated Mac Fix Hub.
  • Don't hesitate to bookmark our extensive Mac section for more up-to-date information.
App Store isn't updating apps macbook

The App Store is the fastest way to download apps on macOS. Usually, when getting a fresh app, this comes with the latest updates and fixes.

Unfortunately,  many users reported that the App Store won’t update apps on their MacBook.

This can cause serious functionality problems, and in order to fix it, you just need to use one of our solutions.

What can I do if the App Store won’t update apps on Mac?

1. Reset the App Store and delete the _MASReceipt folder

  1. Go to App Store, then to View my Account.
  2. Click on Reset.
  3. Close the App Store.
  4. Navigate to Applications.
  5. Locate the application that is giving you this problem, right-click it, and choose Show Package Contents.
  6. Locate and remove _MASReceipt

Now restart the App Store and try updating your apps.

2. Log out of iCloud and log back in

  1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences.
  2. Now click on Apple ID > iCloud.
  3. Click the Sign Out button.
    sign out icloud macbook app store won't update
  4. Choose if you want to keep a copy of iCloud data.
  5. Restart your MacBook.

After restarting your MacBook, log back into the iCloud and check if the problem is still there.

3. Restart storeagent or storedownloadd process

  1. Go to Applications > Utilities and launch Activity Monitor.
  2. Locate storeagent and storedownloadd processes and end them.
    activity monitor macbook app store updates stuck

After doing that, check if the problem is still there.

4. Reinstall the problematic application

According to users, if updates get stuck in the App Store, perhaps you can fix the problem simply by removing and reinstalling the problematic application.

To make sure that the outdated/incomplete app is fully removed, you should use a dedicated tool such as MacBooster 8

This is the official Mac cleanup app developed by IObit, which also has a similar app compatible with Windows devices.

With Mac Booster you run a full device cleanup to make valuable space for a fully updated app. Additionally, you can get rid of junk files, old folders that are no longer in use, or duplicate items.

Note that in order to use the tool, you need to run on OS X 10.9 or later (including macOS Catalina).

These are some of the best solutions available that can help you if App Store updates are stuck on your MacBook.

If you found these solutions helpful, let us know in the comments below.

FAQ: Learn more about updates on the App Store

  • Why is my App Store not showing updates?

Some users have reported having this issue, and it seems to be caused by a server error.

  • Why is my App Store not working on Mac?

The most common reasons for this problem are problems with your Wi-Fi router, a VPN or antivirus software that’s blocking access, or a bad internet setting on your device.

  • How do I update my Mac when it says no updates available?

In most cases, if the Update function on your Mac is saying that there are no updates available, then that is the case. Or try to install updates manually.

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