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Preparing macOS Big Sur 11.3.1... About 10 minutes remaining (forever)

I seem unable to upgrade my MacBook Pro 13 2020 machine from 11.3 to 11.3.1:


The upgrade dialog is stuck saying:


Preparing macOS Big Sur 11.3.1... About 10 minutes remaining (forever)


Please provide directions for how to fix this issue?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.3

Posted on May 13, 2021 1:36 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 13, 2021 1:40 PM

Try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the App Store, search for and download the full Big Sur installer.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.

I've had better luck going thru the App store than thru the System/Software Update preference pane.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 13, 2021 1:40 PM in response to lars298

Try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the App Store, search for and download the full Big Sur installer.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.

I've had better luck going thru the App store than thru the System/Software Update preference pane.


Preparing macOS Big Sur 11.3.1... About 10 minutes remaining (forever)

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