an error occurred applying the software update

Are you resolve this problem, I got the same problem? I tried boot smc and flash still not change

I’m having the same problem. I tried to load in recovery, selected my user profile (the only one on this machine) and it’s not recognizing my password now. This is so frustrating.

This line doesn’t go away after the new update

Chatted with Apple Support and tried all the methods mentioned. Still couldn’t resolve the issue.

Then called with their phone support and spent 1 hour with them. Still couldn’t resolve the issue.

Apple Support booked the service center. I went there in person today and spent 2 hours there.

Finally they helped to reset and re-install the MacOS Big Sur to my Macbook Air.....

Thanks a lot for your Help! I downloaded a Catalina installer and tried to use it to recover the system, but it doesn’t work and it seems that it is due to the fact that the disk is encrypted (I saw it using disk utility). I don’t remember I had never decided to encrypt the volume and I don’t have a password to unlock it..

Don't upgrade to Big Sur OS 11 till they fix it

the upgrade has affected our business and productivity.

it has affected all devices - can’t print, can’t used some apps that were from AppStore and other sources.

It has affected seamlessly transferring data between apps and devices.

There is disastrously reduced number of OS11 apps in AppStore. Even some of those were not working effortlessly like the earlier version.

You were using File Vault to encrypt your User Folder.

Need to call Apple for help as that is a whole different issue.

They clearly state if you are using File Vault then you need to turn it off before doing an update. But if you didn't knwo, hmm.

Good luck.

Two many people have auto updating turned on, and that isn't the best way to go.

And many problems weren't the result of the installer, but of some unexpected interruption like the internet droping, or stopping and restarting the download/update, or the drive too full or file Vault turned on and not turned off or some disk repair wrok needing done first.

Every app I use had an update. The only ones that wouldn't update before the OS upgrade were those requiring Big Sur to operate. Many other apps work better in Big Sur than they were in Catalina.

As for businesses, usually the IT person does the proper checks before any major updates are done.

mreed gave a link which shows all the startup to recovery command types.

And, if you get to the select the language screen the first thing I woudl do after getting to the install is to access the utilities and run Disk First Aid on your drive.

First, seeing your hard drive listed should give some peace of mind. Then you can fix any corruption that might have been caused by the failed install attempt.

Hello. I got the same error. I tried over and over. Same error kept coming up. I was panicking. Finally, I held down Command + R while rebooting and got a menu. I first had to connect to my wireless network. Then I choose the install Big Sur from the internet option. I chose continue and after about 40 minutes it rebooted perfectly and I am back up and running. Basically I downloading Big Sur from the Internet and installed it that way. So far, so good. Good luck. Hope that helps.

Are you able to get to the utility menu? Do you have an Apple store near you? If you have everything backed up to the cloud, they will install a new OS for you for free. They did mine for free and reinstalled the OS in about 30 minutes. I brought the computer with me and they cared for it well. I was super surprised how nice and easy it was.

Yes I have a TM backup, how can I use it considering that I cannot access the system in any way.

Did you loose all of your data?

Did you lose your data?