The package %@ is missing or invalid? (Solved!)

When Apple released macOS Monterey I wanted to upgrade.

But I couldn’t!

I did a few Google searches and found a solution that worked for me and I was then able to successfully update my MacBook Air M1 to the latest macOS Monterey.

Here’s me installing the macOS Monterey on my MBA.

“The package %@ is missing or invalid” successfully fixed!

How to Fix The package %@ is missing or invalid?

I have come across two methods of fixing this error when trying to update your macOS.

One method I discovered myself along with the help of this Apple Community Specialist’s answer.

And the second method is the one he has laid out in his response to the query.

Solution to The package %@ is missing or invalid error

Method #1 – Fixing “The package %@ is missing or invalid” Error

This is the method that worked for me.

I followed what he said in his response to the query in the above reply.

Then after I had enabled safe mode instead of upgrading to the macOS Monterey directly I installed all the other updates I had pending at the moment.

macOS Big Sur updates.

Once I was done with those I then tried and no error appeared this time I downloaded and installed the macOS Monterey installation file.

Method #2 for Fixing “The package %@ is missing or invalid” Error

This would be that you go to Safe Mode and don’t update your current macOS version like I did with my Big Sur version.

Instead you just log into Safe Mode following the instructions below and then simply upgrade to the macOS Monterey or any macOS version you’re currently trying to upgrade to and facing this error.

Here’s how to use Safe Mode on macOS: