I used to work for Apple tech support and we usually would go through at least 5 different reset scenarios that most of the time will work but if not then we would either set you up with an appointment at the local Apple store or transfer you to the next tier of support where they would then repeat those same scenarios and maybe a few others but if they dont work they send you to a local Apple store too.

At the local store they would repeat the reset scenarios and then do some hardware diagnostics and then usually determine it was a LOGIC BOARD error and would send your laptop to an Apple warehouse for a replacement of the logic board which could cost you upwards of $600 if you didnt have Apple Care+ 9extened warranty) r were OUT of the standard warranty period.

Hopefully the below 5 software scenarios worked for you otherwise I hope you all have Apple Care+ coverage that extends your warranty. If not, I suggest you just get a new Apple MacBook Pro and hopefully all your "DATA" was backed up on iCloud or on an external hard drive via Time machine.

Here are some troubleshooting steps most people can take on their own to try and fix the critical software update issue.

1. Connect to another Wi-Fi network and try again

2. Connect to the internet directly via ethernet in Other Network Options and try again

3. Boot into "Safe Mode" and check for updates:
Procedure – reboot and hold Shift key until the display shows the reset begin, or after the chime/beep.

4. Reset NVRAM – on your Mac (only for INTEL chips or non M1/M2 chip Macs – if you have this newer M1/M2 chip, just shut down, wait 10-15 seconds, then turn back on and the system will automatically check the NVRAM for you and rest if needed)
To reset your NVRAM, you use exactly the same procedure you once used to reset PRAM.

a. Shut down your Mac.

b. Press the power button, and as soon as you power up the laptop, hold down Command(⌘)-Option-P-R.

c. Keep holding down those keys for about 20 seconds. Then let go and allow your Mac to continue starting normally. If you have an older Mac that chimes at boot, hold down the keys until you hear a second startup chime.

d. Note: Clearing the NVRAM resets some settings back to a default state, so check the Startup Disk, Display, and Date & Time panes of "System Preferences" to make sure they’re set the way you want them.

5. Reset the SMC – becuase this is much longer to explain and depends on a few criteria I will leave the link to the Apple support site for the procedures to follow. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

6. Reinstall macOS via Recovery Mode:
Procedure – reboot and hold Command (⌘)+ R (for INTEL ONLY, for Apple silicon see below #8 under Disk Utility)

7. Reinstall macOS via Internet Recover Mode: Procedure – reboot and hold Command(⌘) + Option + R

8. Last resort: wipe disk with Disk Utility and reinstall macOS:
Procedure – open Disk Utility from macOS Recovery
How to gain access to the Disk Utility from macOS Recovery:

Determine whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon, then follow the appropriate steps:

a. Apple silicon: Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window. Click the gear icon labeled Options, then click Continue.

b. Intel processor: Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these two keys until you see an Apple logo or other image: Command (⌘) and R.

c. You may be asked to select a user you know the password for. Select the user, then click Next and enter their administrator password.

From the utilities window in macOS Recovery, select Disk Utility and click Continue

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