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tartangear Author

Level 1

41 points

An error occurred preparing the software update - Big Sur

I tried to do the Big Sur update and near the end of the installation i get the message

"An error occurred preparing the software update "

and then i'm asked to select a startup disk.

I've tried rebooted a few times and it always happens.

I assume i'll need to do a recovery of some sort.

I tried to reboot with CMD+r and then i was asked to enter the user password, which wasn't accepted (even through it's definitely the correct password).

Can anyone suggest what i should do next?

MacBook Air

Posted on Nov 14, 2020 4:15 AM

Top-ranking reply

AshleyDee91

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Nov 19, 2020 10:19 AM

I contacted Apple and got it to work. It’s because the computer doesn’t have enough space. So back up your laptop to an external hard drive and free up space.

to bypass the update and go back to regular log-in:

turn the computer off by holding down the power button

press and hold the option button BEFORE turning back on the computer

keep pressing option and turn the computer on

once the computer is on, you should be at the screen that says 2 options for Mac

select Mac HD

log into your wifi

now it should start up again and log back to Home Screen.

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An error occurred preparing the software update - Big Sur

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