“macOS Install Data” couldn’t be removed because you don’t have permission to access it.

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Level 1

9 points

“macOS Install Data” couldn’t be removed because you don’t have permission to access it.

When trying to install Big Sur on Macbook Pro 2014 the installer returns an error:

The operation couldn't be completed. permission denied

and in the install logs that's what I see:

Could not remove old mutable product from /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data (“macOS Install Data” couldn’t be removed because you don’t have permission to access it.)

I have Catalina 10.15.3 (fresh install) but can't update to newer Catalina version as well. (Error: An error occured while updating firmware.)

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 26, 2020 10:35 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 28, 2020 11:32 AM in response to toddor

Hey there toddor,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We understand you’re having issues updating macOS. We’ll be happy to help with this.

It’s possible this is an issue with the installer. Open the Applications folder and look for the Big Sur Installer. Put that in the trash and then boot your Mac into safe mode:

Start up your Mac in safe mode

Try upgrading to macOS Big Sur from there and see if the issue is resolved:

How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur

We hope this helps.

Take care.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

141,162 points

Dec 28, 2020 12:56 PM in response to toddor

You can remove it by temporarily disabling SIP. Be sure to re-enable it when you're finished.

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Answer 3

toddor Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 28, 2020 12:27 PM in response to barberlives123

Hey,

I already tried that, but just to be sure tried it again now. Same error.. :(

But the problem is not only with BigSur. I wasn't able to install previous Catalina updates as well.

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Answer 4

toddor Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 28, 2020 2:09 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks, this helped! The installer still did not have permissions, but I was able to manually delete the "macOS Install Data" folder and the update went smoothly.

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“macOS Install Data” couldn’t be removed because you don’t have permission to access it.

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