Network drops after Big Sur update

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Network drops after Big Sur update

My iMac (2017) periodically drops network connectivity following the update to Big Sur. Sometimes it happens within a few minutes of starting up, sometimes it takes hours. There does not seem to be a pattern.

Once network connectivity drops, the only way to restore it is to restart my Mac. No amount of quitting (or force-quitting) apps seems to make any difference. In fact, some apps seems to freeze once the network drops (for instance, if the Airport Utility isn't already running, I can't start it).

I'm using a wired connection to my AirPort Extreme. Its firmware is up to date. My internet security (Intego) is Big Sur-compatible and up-to-date.

Anyone having similar issues?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Nov 16, 2020 2:26 PM

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Answer 1

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rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Dec 6, 2020 7:27 AM in response to KatharinaC

The best antivirus, cleaning app, and overall maintenance app for Mac OS is Mac OS itself. All you need to do with Mac OS to keep it secure and running well is to keep it up-to-date and do periodic (about 1x per week) restarts. Other than that, leave it alone. Adding third party antivirus, cleaning, security and other types of maintenance apps to Mac OS adds no additional level of security. The only thing these apps do is have the opposite affect users want. They make Mac OS slow, unstable, generate odd behavior (much like you are experiencing) and make Mac OS appear buggy.

Please locate the developers uninstall instructions for any AV or cleaning apps and follow to the letter. Then restart in Safe Mode per the directions in Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac and then restart normally.

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