Quick answer: mac pkg updating existing app error 0x87d30145 usually means the installer cannot replace the currently installed app because that app is still open, partially updated, or has a conflicting version in the same install path. Quit the app, remove the conflicting copy from Applications, and rerun the PKG as an administrator.
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Quick Fix Checklist
- Quit the target app completely, including any menu bar helper or background process.
- Delete or move the existing app from the same install location the PKG is trying to update.
- Rerun the PKG from a local folder, not from a mounted network share or cloud-synced location.
- Install with an admin account and approve any permission prompts.
- Restart the app installer only after confirming no old app instance is still running.
Causes
This error appears when the PKG cannot overwrite the current app bundle cleanly. The most common trigger is a version conflict or a locked app file during the update.
| Cause | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| App still running | The installer cannot replace files that are in use. | Force quit the app and any helper processes, then retry. |
| Conflicting existing app copy | A previous version or duplicate app bundle is blocking the update path. | Remove the old copy from Applications before reinstalling. |
| Stale installer state | The installer remembers a failed update attempt and reuses the broken state. | Rerun the PKG after closing the app and relaunching the installer. |
| Permission mismatch | The current user cannot write to the app location or replace protected files. | Install with an admin account and approve the write prompt. |
| Wrong install source | The PKG is being launched from a location that interferes with file replacement. | Copy the PKG to a local folder and run it from there. |
Step-by-Step Fix
- Quit the app you are updating, then open Activity Monitor and end any related helper or background process.
- Go to Applications and check whether an older copy of the same app is already installed. If it is, move it to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash so the installer does not detect the old bundle during the update.
- Copy the PKG file to your Desktop or Downloads folder if it is currently on a network drive, external volume, or synced folder.
- Right-click the PKG and choose Open, then run the installer with an administrator account.
- If the installer still fails, remove the app’s support files only for that app, such as its preferences or saved state, then try the PKG again.
- Restart the Mac and rerun the PKG if the app still appears locked after you have closed it.
Still Not Working
- Check whether the PKG is meant for a different app version and install the required base version first.
- Look for a duplicate app in another folder, such as a user Applications folder, that may be shadowing the main install.
- Remove the app’s launch agent or helper only if the vendor documents it as part of the update process.
- Try installing from a fresh copy of the PKG in case the file itself is damaged.
- Review the installer log for the exact file or bundle name that is failing, then remove that specific conflicting app component.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mac pkg updating existing app error 0x87d30145 mean?
The PKG update failed because macOS could not replace the existing app bundle cleanly, usually due to a running app, duplicate copy, or permission conflict.
Will deleting the old app fix 0x87d30145?
Often yes, if the installer is blocked by an older copy in the same install path.
Do I need to remove app data to fix this error?
Usually no. Start by removing the conflicting app bundle, not the user data, unless the vendor says the app’s support files are part of the conflict.
Why does the PKG fail only when updating, not on a clean install?
An update has to replace an existing app bundle, so any locked file, duplicate copy, or permission issue can stop it.
Should I run the PKG as admin?
Yes. Updating an installed app often requires administrator permissions to replace files in Applications.
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