unable to update Macos Sur 11.4

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.

macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers and verify if this computer Qualifies for Big Sur. If is Does Qualify for Big Sur How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur

If the computer Does Not Qualify for Big Sur >> With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install. Make sure to use Only Safari to commence the download as Other may not work

Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina and Big Sur Only support 64 bit and there is not workaround.

Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Defrag, VPNs etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation.

I had a similar issue… on a MacBook Air (2020, non M1). After some research here and elsewhere, there was a common thread that I tried and worked. I use Sophos Antivirus… I kept getting stuck at the 15 minute ‘preparation’ stage. I uninstalled Sophos and the move to MacOS 11.4 worked. Took a little time, but worked.

There are no known Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS. There are Malware and Adware that does affect macOS and are often times downloaded as part of an Application from Third Party UnTrusted Site and get installed along with the Application.

As for Support from Apple on such a matter - if it does not exist ( Virus on macOS ) - where is the need for support at any level other than from the Developer of this stuff.

You should have some type of anti-virus on your Mac. I choose Sophos since it is free and it does run efficiently with Macs. It does not detract from the Mac experience... I do NOT buy into the Apple 'myth' about few viruses for Mac. As a former IT person, I had to remove viruses from Macs more than once. A simple anti-virus would have stopped the issue in its tracks. There are many 'bad' sites or corrupted sites out there with potential unwanted programs (PUPs) ready to download. Also, same with email generated infections. Sophos was one of the first anti-virus programs out there for Mac and that is why I stick with them, and the fact that it is very efficient using Mac resources.

If there is an issue with updates on their OS, Apple should be letting users know about it.

Yes, developer should do it also... but the OS does belong to Apple. I've seen complaints here in the Apple Communities about similar issues, yet no responses (or even monitoring) of this issue.

With due respect and agree to disagree.

Have never been infected by a Virus originating from within macOS in the 16 years using the Apple Eco-System on a PowerBook 1.5 Ghz PPC and Tiger and every version there after and to-date Big Sur on various newer Apple Computers over the years plus and including the newest M1 Chip.

Yes, have received a Virus Infected file originating from a Windows eco-system via an infected Windows Word Document but the Virus never infected OS nor crippled the OS. Added it never self replicated under the true definition of a Virus.

If one is lumping Malware and Adware into the Virus category - that is the oldest trick of the Marketing Campaigns of such AV Software Companies and highly inaccurate at best IMHO. Fear to drive the unsuspecting and not so knowledgeable to empty their pockets including some IT Departments which work mostly in a Windows Environment.

Issues with Apple Updates - the only single Alert that I was aware of was the Mid or Early 2013 MBP updating to Big Sur may have causes some users issue.

Best of Luck and Respectfully

Great info, keep up the great work! :)👍

Welcome! PS - Reinstalled Sophos (Free) version afterwards...

Wish Sophos and Apple had published MORE info on this issue. Support from both was lacking in this case. 😏

Do you really need Sophos?