unable to install Big Sur

Question

unable to install Big Sur

I have tried to install Big Sur 11.4 by downloading it from the software update app. Once it opens after downloading the app is freezes and shows as not responding.

I am after downloading it a number of times and always get the same result so decided to make a bootable USB and tried to install it that way. When installing it from a USB i get to the install Big Sur but the continue button then gets greyed out.

My MBP meets the requirements.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)

80GB + free space

Currently running 10.14.6

https://i.imgur.com/q7uOe1F.jpg

Weridly sometime when i go to the software update app it shows Catalina to download and other times it shows Big Sur.

https://i.imgur.com/CQ50jRb.png

https://i.imgur.com/PgXLYlm.png

https://i.imgur.com/9FQc46P.png

https://i.imgur.com/LMSjMOW.png

when installing from USB greyed out continue with no explanation as to why.

https://i.imgur.com/q7uOe1F.jpg

Any suggestions or advise would be appreciated.

Posted on Jun 7, 2021 3:20 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

104,881 points

Jun 7, 2021 5:07 AM in response to alankellyeire

Turn OFF FileVault Before attempting and restart as per method suggested.

That or you DO NOT Have enough Empty Space. It will Require at least 36 GB of Empty Space or will not install. There is No Workaround except to make space.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

104,881 points

Jun 14, 2021 2:04 AM in response to alankellyeire

AfterMarket SSD in machine ? The installer, by whatever means including USB Installer, is very picky about such things.

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

104,881 points

Jun 14, 2021 2:34 AM in response to alankellyeire

After thought - drives are in APFS format with GUID Partition Map - internal or external ??

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

104,881 points

Jun 7, 2021 4:33 AM in response to alankellyeire

Since you mention there is a USB Installer for Big Sur suggestion. Shutdown the computer and disconnect all external Drives Except the USB Installer of Big Sur. Restart the computer and immediately hold the OPTION key and keep holding until the Boot Manager appears and presents booting from Internal Drive or attached USB Installer>> choose the USB Installer. Choose the Install macOS.

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Answer 5

Jun 14, 2021 1:59 AM in response to Owl-53

FileVault is not on and i have over 110GB of free space.

I tired to install it on an external drive also and still got the same issue where the continue button is greyed out when booting from the Big Sur USB installer.

It looks like the installer/Big Sur are not that stable yet so Ill leave it another while before attempting to update again.

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Answer 6

Jun 14, 2021 2:49 AM in response to Owl-53

Yeah drive is internal and in APFS format and in Partition Map Type: GPT (GUID Partition Table).

Im giving up on this now. I had tonnes of issues updating to Mojave too. The only thing that worked in the end for Mojave was installed it from a bootable USB.

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Answer 7

Owl-53

Level 10

104,881 points

Jun 14, 2021 3:52 AM in response to alankellyeire

Ok.

I may say, GPT is generally used and performed on and by Windows for drives to have more that 4 Partitions. The GUID Partition Map is done within the macOS using Disk Utilities. Maybe am parsing words and terminology but it is what it is.

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