How to Fix "Updates for this Mac are managed by swscan.apple.com" on My Mac?

macos tips
1

Today, I’m seeing a message on my Mac Mini showing Updates for this Mac are managed by “swscan.apple.com”. Do you want to restore default update settings?. I’m certain I haven’t made any changes related to this.
What does this message mean? Are there any pros and cons to leaving it? How to fix this problem?

2

The error message “Updates for this Mac are managed by swscan.apple.com” on your Mac indicates that your system’s software update settings might be configured to use a custom or remote server for updates instead of the default Apple update servers. This is common in managed environments, such as corporate or educational institutions, but it can also happen due to changes in system settings.

3

It’s unnecessary to say the pros and cons of leaving the message “Updates for this Mac are managed…”, you only need to know that this error can’t have any bad influence on your Mac.
I encountered this issue after some updates, I just simply clicked on the Restore Defaults button when the pop-up window appear, anded then it didn’t appear again.
If you’re an individual user or if the device is no longer under corporate management, don’t worry, you can do this like me. :smiley:

4

Totally agree with Wilsey, this message might appear on your MacBook without any action on your part. It’s simply a glitch, and the server mentioned is the Apple.com Update Server, so there’s no need for concern. :hugs:
Therefore, you can either restart your computer or leave the update page and return later.
Alternatively, you can click on “more details” and choose to revert everything to the default settings.

5

When your Mac shows “Updates for this Mac are managed by swscan.apple.com”, take it easy, it’s not dangerous because it is about the software update coming not the Mac configuration problem. You can fix it:

Fix 1: Click Restore Defaults.
If you are provided this option, it will ignore this message.

Fix 2: Check and reset the software update

  1. Apple menu > Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Check the Security Response or click Update Now
    (Some users fix this after updating.)

Fix 3: Remove configuration profiles

  1. Apple menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles.
  2. Check if there are any profiles related to software updates or device management.
  3. Select and remove any suspicious or unnecessary profiles by clicking the minus (-) button.

Fix 4: Reset the software update catalog in Terminal

  1. Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  2. type sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog and press Enter.
  3. Apple menu > Restart, then check the updates in Fix 1.

Fix 5: Check network settings
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and there are no custom DNS settings or
proxy settings that might be redirecting or blocking Apple update servers. If there is a VPN on, turn it off.

After trying these fixes, I hope that you can resolve this error. Good Luck. :smiley:

6

I found nothing in the Software Update in Fix 2 you advised, it means I don’t need the updates?

7

Thanks, maybe I should try to change it to the default macOS update.

8

That’s what I want to say, just don’t panic. Restart or just clicking can fix it.

9

Maybe you can find answers here: Can’t Find Software Update on Mac, How to Fix?

10

Thanks, I thought it was a big error. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: