Update to macOS Big Sur 11.1 from 11.0.1 fails

Another possible solution is to disable your security software if you have any. I got the error three times and then disabled my Kaspersky security on the fourth go. It then successfully downloaded and I'm about to reboot to install.

This may avoid the hassle of having to restart in safe mode.

I'm having a similar issue. I've downloaded the update at least ten times. After the download appears to finish, I get an error saying the download failed. Then the download starts over from the beginning.

I have the same issue. Cannot update in normal mode using software update or App Store download. File downloads to computer, then while “preparing macOS bugsir 11.1 update” it fails saying a problem with the internet connection. Same exact behavior in Safe Mode.

Called into Apple support and they suggested doing a format/reinstall as the only option.

Same issue with 2018 Mac Mini. But am unable to boot into Safe Mode. I have had problems with every Big Sur installation. First time round I had to download from the Apps Store before I could successfully install. I had major issues 11.01 and at the time couldn’t even get into recovery mode. Ended up taking it to Apple for a clean install. If I get things up and running again I think I’ll steer clear of future updates until Apple can get their act together.

Safe mode worked for me on my 2018 Mac mini and so far I've had no major issues with 11.1. I had to update a couple of programs but so far (knock wood) things are running well. If you have any USB drives connected, be sure to eject those before trying the install, even in safe mode. I think they may somehow interfere though not sure why. Once the install completed and rebooted, everything reconnected.

That worked thanks. Disconnected all the USB-A and USB-C cables. Ran disc utility first aid in Recovery Mode. Restarted in Safe Mode and it completed installation and booted up. Shutdown, reconnected all the USB cables, restarted without a hitch. Still loosing too many hours on this stuff and will sit out the next couple of updates.

Yes, i had the same problem as others. Starting with SafeMode solved my problem.

After 5-6 attempts, my last attempt was to start my 2019 Mac Air (Big Sur 11.0.1) in safe mode and finally I was able to install 11.1 successfully.

Apologies if this gets posted twice.

I followed the safe mode advice and it worked for me. (Late 2015 build desktop 27")

I did not remove my external drive and yes it did seem to stick at the 10 mins mark but worked in the end.

Seems "Apple Minutes" are 'Approximately Equal' to "IBM Minutes"

OK this worked for me:

1) back everything up (CYA (cover your ***))

2) download full Big sur 11.1 (12gb)

3) disconnect wifi/ethernet once downloaded*

4) restart in safe mode

5) instal

6) job done

Apple support didn't even try this method with me. * if wifi or ethernet is on update will fail. The problem is not 3rd party software as previously claimed by apple. the issue is within the script when update calls home to apple)

hello

i contacted Mac Apple Support 5 days ago, but the tech support was not aware of such problem (not able to update from 11.0.1 to 11.1). I told them that such problem is prevalent on the net. Perhaps the tech support didnt want to admit there was problem.

No, regular user, but figured out it was the script in the update dialing home so to speak during update. the Update worked no issue on 2019 MacBook Air, but went tits up on Late 2015 iMAC 27" 32gb. So tried support who were just Blaming 3rd party software (exact same software on MacBook Air) so listened to their utter waffle followed their instructions and was like its not working. So sat back thought about it, and then came up with the fix I posted as it worked.

I also am a regular user and not a system admin but finally after many tries solved the problem via safe boot.

Apple customer service in JP was not aware of this problem (most likely they knew but did not want to admit it).

In my case, the upgrade would stall at the 10 minutes remaining mark. Switching to Safe Mode worked. Thanks for the suggestion.

The download file from the app store was the full installer (12.8 g or so)