# macOS: The installer encountered an error that caused the installation to fail. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance.

**Code:** `The installer encountered an error that caused the installation to fail` · **Category:** macOS · **Seen on:** macOS

A `.pkg` installation script failed; the Installer UI hides the real reason.

## Meaning

Open the log: Installer → Window → Installer Log (⌘L) or `log show --predicate 'process == "installd"' --last 10m`, or run `sudo installer -pkg x.pkg -target / -verbose`. Typical causes: not enough space, outdated installer on newer macOS/Apple Silicon, Gatekeeper/quarantine, or a failing postinstall script.

## Common causes

- Postinstall script error
- Insufficient disk space
- Package built for older macOS/Intel only
- Corrupt download
- SIP/permissions blocking target path

## Quick fix

1. Read Installer Log (⌘L)
2. `sudo installer -pkg app.pkg -target / -verbose` to see script errors
3. Re-download and verify checksum; check disk space

## Detailed fix by platform

### macOS

1. `log show --predicate 'process == "installd"' --last 15m | tail -50`

## How to diagnose

1. **Log** — Failing step?
2. **Space** — Free GB?
3. **Source** — Re-downloaded?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/macos/pkg-installer-failed)