New releases not appearing in Software Update

Several readers have reported an issue where recent releases from Apple refuse to appear in Software Update. In some cases, nothing shows up in Software Update. In others, updating fails with the error "Make sure you have permission to write to /tmp/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate, then try again."

There are a number of potential solutions to this problem, though the exact cause is unclear in many cases.

First, try removing the folder located at ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate/. Drag it to the Desktop or another folder and try running Software Update again.

Next, try the freeware utility "SoftwareUpdateFix" which can resolve the aforementioned error for some users.

Finally, remember that some releases available through Software Update require that other, prior updates are installed first. Make sure that you've applied all previous releases, or try standalone downloads of the newer releases.

If you are having a similar problem, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources