What To Do When macOS Big Sur Cannot be Installed
The Big Sur update launched back in November 2020, delivered numerous new features and improvements to Apple's macOS. However, as with any major update, issues are bound to crop up and some users may be unable to get their hands on the goodies offered by Big Sur due to a failure in the installation process. There are multiple reasons that could cause this issue but users shouldn't despair as most of them can be fixed easily.
Table of Contents
Check the Compatibility and Free Disk Space
The first step is to make sure that your Mac device is compatible with the Big Sur update. The list of supported devices includes:
all Mac Pro and iMac Pro systems
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air 2013 and later
iMac and Mac mini 2014 or later device
MacBook 2015 or later
If your device is among the listed ones, then check if you have enough free space on your Mac. Big Sur requires around 16GB but to be safe make sure that you have more than that. You can take advantage of macOS' built-in storage management tool.
- Go to the Apple menu and select 'About this Mac.'
- Go to 'Storage.'
- Click on 'Manage.'
- Check the recommendation and follow the ones that your find most relevant.
Installation is Stuck
If Big Sur's installation is stuck, try a different source - if you have started the download from the Mac App Store, this time try using Software Update, and vice versa. Another related issue is if the installation is stuck at 12.18 out of 12.18GB. Usually, this would mean that the process is almost finished. However, under certain circumstances, the progress bar may have malfunctioned and is showing incorrect readings. You can try restarting your Internet connection and initiating the download again.
Install Big Sur in Safe Mode
- Shut down your Mac.
- Wait for approximately 10 seconds and press the power button.
- As soon as the Mac starts up, press and hold Shift on the keyboard.
- You can release Shift when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Try to install Big Sur again.