Big Sur is available through the Apple’s App Store. Click on the Get button on the upper right, and the Software Update system preference will open. Click the Download button. MacOS Big Sur Features: Native iPhone and iPad apps confirmed Ryan Jones Contact via Twitter | November 13, 2020 1:25 pm GMT The latest major update to Apple’s macOS is called Big Sur. I know that clover r5123 and Big Sur are both in beta, but I was hoping someone here may have some pointers as to how to fix this. Specifically, when I try to download an app or an update from the App Store, the button to download/update for the app in question turns into the circle with a square in the center, but the download never starts.
macOS Big Sur finally saw the light of day in November 2020. As the latest operating system has lots of new features and improvements, and most of us want to install it as soon as we can. Most of the time, everything works out, and we’re up and running very quickly. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t go well, and you see a message saying that the macOS installation couldn’t be completed.
macOS Big Sur can't be installed on Macintosh HD
That's the most common message that shows up. What do you do then? We’re glad you asked because we have some answers below.
Before you attempt to install any major update to macOS, you should back up your Mac. If you use Time Machine, you can run a manual backup using that. If not, run a backup using whichever backup tool you usually use. If you don’t run scheduled backups – and you really should – clone your boot drive to an external disk before you start.
Why won’t macOS Big Sur install?
There are several possible reasons:
- Your Mac doesn’t support Big Sur
- The update couldn’t be downloaded
- You don’t have enough disk space
- There’s a conflict in your system preventing the process from completing
Check if your Mac is compatible
Here’s the list of Macs that are supported by Apple for installing Big Sur. If your Mac isn’t on it, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to run Big Sur.
- Any Mac Pro or iMac Pro
- MacBook Pro and MacBook Air 2013 and later
- iMac and Mac mini 2014 and later
- MacBook 2015 and later
What to do if the macOS Big Sur download is stuck
- Check Apple’s System Status page for information about possible server issues on Apple’s end.
- Check your internet connection.
- Try to download it from the Mac App Store if your first attempt was through Software Update. If your first attempt was in the App Store, try Software Update.
If you see a message telling you that macOS cannot be installed or Big Sur is stuck on the progress bar, try the following.
Free up disk space with CleanMyMac X
You’ll need around 16GB of free space to upgrade to macOS Big Sur. However, even if you have more than that, your Mac may tell you that you can’t upgrade because it thinks you don’t have enough free space. This can happen for a number of reasons. The simplest solution is to free up more space. And the best way to do that is to use CleanMyMac X.
This app makes it very quick and easy to free up several gigabytes of space by getting rid of junk files that clog up your Mac. It can also be used to uninstall applications, identify large and old files, illustrate what’s taking up the most space, and even protect your Mac from malware. Here’s how to use it to free up space quickly.
- Download and install CleanMyMac X. It’s free to try it out.
- Press Scan.
- Press Run to remove all the junk files CleanMyMac has found, or click Review Details to find out more.
As you can see from the screengrab, I was able to save 10GB of disk space in just a few minutes.
macOS Big Sur stuck on 12.18 GB out of 12.18GB
Another common issue is when your download size reaches 12.18 GB and then the download just freezes. In this situation, don’t trust the progress bar report — it’s most likely a miscalculation. In fact, your download is still in progress — but the system is reading it differently.
So how to fix macOS Big Sur stuck on 12.18 GB
- 1. Disconnect from the internet (or turn off the Wi-Fi)
- 2. Re-connect so you’re online again.
- Check for the update and click the upgrade button.
Your download should resume — this time it may go faster as some components have been downloaded already.
If the progress bar stops again, disconnect from the internet and repeat the above steps.
So, 'reviving' the lost connection seems to be the fix.
Optimize your storage
As an alternative, you can also use Apple’s built-in storage management tool to free up some storage space.
- Click on the Apple menu and choose About this Mac.
- Choose Storage.
- Press Manage.
- Review the recommendations and follow those that are relevant.
- Go through each of the sections in turn and identify then delete files taking up lots of disk space – like old iOS backups, for example.
- When you’re done, press Command-Q to quit.
Try installing macOS Big Sur in Safe Mode
Sometimes launch agents, login items, or extensions that load when your Mac boots can cause problems when installing a new version of macOS. To check whether that’s the problem, you can restart your Mac in Safe Mode and then try updating it to Big Sur.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Wait ten seconds, then press the power button.
- As soon as your Mac starts up, press Shift.
- Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo.
The free version of CleanMyMac X can also help manage and remove launch agents and login items. Choose the Optimization module in the sidebar to get started.
There are lots of reasons why your Mac won’t update to Big Sur. Thankfully, most of them can be fixed. If you follow the steps above, and particularly if you use CleanMyMac X to help, you should have it installed and running in no time.
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
Check compatibility
macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers:
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.
Painting primer with wet brush. If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, macOS Big Sur requires 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, macOS Big Sur requires up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
Make a backup
App Store Debug Menu Big Sur
Before installing any upgrade, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Get connected
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you're using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.
Download macOS Big Sur
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
Begin installation
After downloading, the installer opens automatically.
Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Allow installation to complete
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
Big Sur Download Link
Stay up to date
After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. You can also use Software Update to check for updates: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or get macOS Big Sur automatically
App Store Not Working On Big Sur
If you're using OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 or later and your App Store preferences or Software Update preferences are set to download new updates when available, macOS Big Sur will download conveniently in the background, making it even easier to upgrade. A notification will inform you when macOS Big Sur is ready to be installed. Click Install to get started, or dismiss the notification to install later. When you're ready to install, just open the file named Install macOS Big Sur from your Applications folder.
App Store Big Sur Map
Learn more
- If the installer shows a list of apps that are not optimized for your Mac, learn about 32-bit app compatibility, then choose whether to proceed with the installation.
- For the strongest security and latest features, upgrade to macOS Big Sur. If you have hardware or software that isn't compatible with Big Sur, you might be able to install an earlier macOS.
- You can also use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.