Skip to main content

Download down! Problems keeping you from snagging OS X Mavericks? Here’s our fix guide

how to fix a broken os x mavericks download main
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Once Apple revealed that Mavericks would both be free and available for download immediately, we almost fell over in our chairs in our haste to download it onto our systems. However, we were pragmatic enough to realize that there could be problems with the roll-out considering how many other people would be attempting to do the same.

App StoreSo, we headed over to the App Store, searched for “Mavericks,” hit the Download button and waited … and waited … and waited. It didn’t take us long to realize that something was wrong. After a while, the button’s “Downloading” status changed to “Download.” Hitting “Download” over and over again didn’t generate any results.

Recommended Videos

The App Store’s “Updates” tab was also bare, devoid of any helpful information..or any information at all. Something was definitely hampering our quest to get in on Mavericks. A big old “No Updates Available” sign.

We figured that somehow the download got interrupted. Eventually, we found a solution. If you can’t get OS X Mavericks to install on your Mac, or the download stalls out, try following these steps.

How to fix a stalled Mac OS X Mavericks download

LaunchpadIf you suspect that there’s something wrong with your Mavericks download, you can check on it’s progress by opening Launchpad. From there, locate the Mavericks icon. If you do indeed have a problem with the download, it could be that it was mysteriously paused somehow, which is what happened in our case.

From there, all we had to do to resume the download was click on it. Why simply hitting the download button in the App Store wasn’t doing the trick is beyond us, but at least we found a workaround. Weird, but whatever works.

How to delete the Mavericks Launchpad icon and restart the download

Here’s another fix we found. Some users report that if you suspect your Mavericks download has failed, you should open Launchpad, find the page containing the Mavericks icon and hold the Option button on your keyboard. Once you do, an X should appear right next to the icon. Click the X and try restarting the download in the App Store.

Editor’s Note: Though it seems like we’ve officially fixed this Mavericks download issue, we’ll be updating this post with additional problems if we come across any more, along with how to fix them.

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
When will macOS sequoia come out? Here’s what we know so far
macOS 15 features.

During Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote, we got our first look at the latest macOS version, macOS 15 -- otherwise known as Sequoia.

The update is bringing the exciting new customization features from iPadOS 18 and iOS 18, as well as iPhone mirroring, iPhone notifications, window tiling, Safari updates, and a new password app. Plus, a load of these features will be powered by the new Apple Intelligence.

Read more
This RTX 4070 Windows laptop majorly undercuts the MacBook Pro
The 14-inch MacBook Pro on a window sill.

If you're looking for a great 14-inch laptop, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 should be on your shortlist. It's fast, incredibly well-built, has a great mini-LED display, and enjoys the longest battery life around. It's also very expensive.

Enter the Acer Swift X 14. It's also fast, has a spectacular OLED display, and is one of a rare breed of non-gaming 14-inch machines with a very fast GPU. It's also a lot more affordable. Can it compete with the very best?
Specs and configurations

Read more
Some updates coming to macOS 15 aren’t just about AI
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air on a desk, with macOS Sonoma running on its display.

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is coming up soon, and everyone's expecting a huge announcement around AI. But don't worry, according to a report from AppleInsider, there are some practical tweaks coming to macOS 15 that are in the works. Notably, the System Settings app is set to receive the biggest changes, with other menus and app UIs also expecting some rearranging.

The last update to the Settings app happened with macOS Ventura, changing the name from System Preferences to System Settings and shifting to an iOS-style design, a change that ruffled the feathers of diehard Mac users. This time, the organizational system will reportedly be based on "priority and overall importance."

Read more