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HomeComputingAppleCommon macOS 10.15 Catalina problems and ways to fix them

Common macOS 10.15 Catalina problems and ways to fix them

macOS 10.15 Catalina
Photo by Mohamed Kerroudj on Unsplash

We’re all excited about Apple’s new operating system for Macs. Beta testers got to try it before the macOS Catalina release date, and they reported some common problems, mostly related to the inability to use 32-bit apps. Now that we all have access to macOS 10.15 Catalina, it’s time to get it on our computers.

Many new features make the use of Macs easier and more effective than it ever was. However, the operating system is not immune to some issues. The good news is that you can fix macOS Catalina problems in most cases.

Let’s go through the most common macOS Catalina problems and fixes!

List of Common macOS Catalina Problems and Easy Fixes 

1. Quick Progress of Storage Filling Up

Do you notice unusually quick progress in storage filling up? This has been a commonly reported issue after the macOS Catalina release date. It usually occurs as a result of computers keeping too much redundant data during the installation process. Time Machine backups are great for keeping your data safe, but they also bulk up the computer with junk.

You can easily fix macOS Catalina problems of this type. It’s better to use Get Backup Pro during the upgrade process. It’s an app with similar functionality to Time Machine. However, it doesn’t leave any unnecessary leftovers.

You’ll go through this backup before you download and install macOS 10.15 Catalina. After that, you can feel free to start a clean install. With this method, you’ll have a completely clean computer with boosted performance. You’ll recover only the necessary files that you backed up, and you’ll have tons of storage left.  

2. 32-Bit Apps Not Working on Catalina

If you rely on 32-bit apps, they won’t work with the new operating system. There’s no way around this issue; all outdated apps face it. Apple decided to move away from that technology, so it only supports 64-bit apps now.

This is a step towards progress. It would be better if app developers were prepared for Catalina before it came. But some weren’t so now you see this when trying to access 32-bit apps.

There’s no particular fix for this issue. You can’t use those apps, so you’ll need to search for alternatives. If you don’t have an alternative for a very important app, then stick with Mohave for a while. Catalina will still be available when the developers of that app make it compatible.

3. Failing Safari Extensions

Some .safariextz files may not work on the new operating system. This was announced before the macOS Catalina release date. It’s a similar issue to 32-bit apps not working. The system gradually gives up supporting formats that haven’t been updated to more robust versions.

Unfortunately, there’s no other fix to macOS Catalina problems of this type: you’ll have to search for similar extensions that work. If that doesn’t solve your problem, you should consider switching to Chrome as an alternative browser.

4. Problems with the Internet Connection

This is one of the macOS Catalina problems for users who install the new operating system over the current system. With a clean install, that issue does not come up. It’s a better option for relatively old Macs, which have accumulated quite a bit of junk over the years.

But if you already installed Catalina over the current system and you’re not willing to go through another installation process, you can try to reboot your computer. 

5. Slow and Overheated Computer after Installing macOS 10.15 Catalina

Mac users hope to get faster computers when they install Catalina. With Mojave, 32-bit architecture slowed their systems down. Now that they got rid of slow apps, they don’t expect the Mac to run slow and overheat. Unfortunately, it still does in some cases.

The easiest way to fix overheating and slow performance issues is to reset SMC. You won’t lose any data during this process. Shut down the computer with the charger plugged in. Hold Shift + Crtl + Option + Power for around ten seconds. Hit the power button and the computer will start up.

If that doesn’t work, you should check if your computer has too many login items. Access Login Items (you’ll find it under System Preferences > Users & Groups). You’ll see how many apps run at startup. These are slowing you down, and you don’t need all of them.

6. The Mailbox Becomes a Mess

Many users complain about macOS Catalina problems related to a messy mailbox. Somehow, the upgrade affects this part of the system in a bad way. You lose search functionality and if you need a really important message, you face an unresponsive mailbox that only gives you the number of results.

The most probable reason for this is the Spotlight integration.

There’s an easy fix: remove your email account by accessing Internet Accounts under System Preferences. Restart your Mac and add the email account again. The problem should be solved after this simple procedure.

7. The Brand New Music App Freezes

You’re done with iTunes. The app became too messy in its final days. We were all ready for something new, and the announcements before the official macOS Catalina release date got us excited. 

Now that you have a clean Music app, you should be happy with it. You would be if it didn’t freeze on you. You try to access your music and you see nothing but the “library updating” status in the app.

The fix is a bit complicated for this problem, but it’s possible. First, you should backup the music library. Move the files out of the music folder. Then, remove every file related to iTunes and Music from the library. Remove all music caches from the library, and restart your computer. The app should be working properly at this point.

8. Problems Downloading iCloud Folders

Downloading entire folders from iCloud can be problematic for Catalina. The most obvious way to solve this issue is not something most people opt for. It involves downloading the files one by one. If you have many of them, you may end up doing this for days.

There’s a simple solution: use an app! A forklift is a nice one. It allows you to connect local drives to iCloud, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services. With it, you can easily download the folders you need.

How Do You Like Catalina?

Despite the common macOS Catalina problems, the new operating system is pretty cool. It gives us many things that we didn’t have with Mojave. For photographers and graphic designers, the Sidecar functionality is awesome. Also, Apple Arcade brings gaming to our Macs. We can finally stop complaining about Windows being better in that aspect.

Catalina is great when you go through a proper installation process. If problems occur after that, you can rely on easy fixes.

This infographic shows a few problems and fixes. You’ll love the visual representation.

Author Bio:
James Dorian is a technical copywriter. He is a tech geek who knows a lot about modern apps that will make your work more productive. James reads tons of online blogs on technology, business, and ways to become a real pro in our modern world of innovations.

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