What can I do when Big Sur update does not download?

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What can I do when Big Sur update does not download?

What can I do when Big Sur update does not download? (This is my 4th try, and yes my MacBook is on the compatible list.)

MacBook Air 13″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jan 4, 2021 1:35 PM

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Answer 1

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dialabrain

Level 10

125,381 points

Jan 4, 2021 1:50 PM in response to Sylvia1152

Well, that's not it if you have 162+ GBs available. lol

Any error messages?

You could try while in Safe Mode.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Which MacBook do you have and what version of macOS is running?

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Answer 2

Sylvia1152 Author

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Jan 4, 2021 3:03 PM in response to dialabrain

No error messages. Either it counts down to 2 minutes and then stops, or it never gets beyond "Calculating . . ."

Haven't tried in Safe Mode but I will do that now

MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) running El Capitan 10.11.6

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

125,381 points

Jan 4, 2021 1:45 PM in response to Sylvia1152

One reason may be, Big Sur requires 35.5GBs of free space on the drive, 44.5GBs of free space if you are on Sierra or earlier.

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Answer 4

Sylvia1152 Author

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Jan 4, 2021 1:47 PM in response to Sylvia1152

That could be it except supposedly there's 162+ GB available. But thanks.

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Answer 5

dialabrain

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Jan 4, 2021 3:08 PM in response to Sylvia1152

FWIW, you might have to upgrade to High Sierra first.

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Answer 6

Sylvia1152 Author

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Jan 4, 2021 3:17 PM in response to dialabrain

I wouldn't be surprised. But for now, it's "downloading" in safe mode so I will wait it out again . . . Thanks

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Answer 7

dialabrain

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Jan 4, 2021 3:24 PM in response to Sylvia1152

You're welcome.

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Answer 8

Sylvia1152 Author

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Jan 4, 2021 5:15 PM in response to dialabrain

Took several hours but it worked - downloaded AND installed. Thank you so much and Happy 2021.

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Answer 9

dialabrain

Level 10

125,381 points

Jan 4, 2021 5:53 PM in response to Sylvia1152

Glad to hear it. You're most welcome and same to you.

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What can I do when Big Sur update does not download?

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