What should I do if my software update isn’t working? I want to download/install Big Sur on the computer and it says that it’s finished but as you can tell it’s not. I relaunched system preferences, I have restarted my computer, I have shutdown my computer for multiple hours, cleared space and then restarted it and it still hasn’t worked and it’s still stuck like it’s shown below. If you answer this I will be very grateful!
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.14
Required at least 36 GB of empty space to Install and there is no workaround .
Source https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201475
If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, macOS Big Sur requires 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, macOS Big Sur requires up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
First off, how old is your Mac?
How much space is free on your Mac?
Is your data backed up?
Go to Apple menu -> About This Mac for the answer to the first two, and we need model name and year.
Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur
There are several points to consider before attempting the upgrade to Big Sur. The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite for a smooth upgrade.
The below points should all be consider Before attempting the upgrade.
Point # 1 - Are there pre-existing Unresolved Software Issues. They should be resolved prior to upgrading - they may carryover to Big Sur making the system unstable / unusable.
Point # 2 - 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. The Built-in Security of Big Sur is all that is required.
Point # 3 - What are the System Requirements ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur.
Point # 4 - Does the intended computer qualify for the upgrade.
Point # 5 - Are the installed Applications / Extensions compatible with Big Sur. Check with the Developer for compatible Apps / extension or do they offer updates. Same goes for Third Party Drivers for Printer, Scanners etc.
Point # 6 - If upgrading from Mojave and earlier versions of macOS - Remember that Big Sur does not support anything 32 bit. These include Applications, Extensions and Drivers for any devices. There is no workaround.
Point # 7 - Do I have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site
Point # 8 - To upgrade to Big Sur will require a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. If not available and using Wifi - move computer as close to the Access Point / Router and disconnect all other devices connected to Wifi. Want the maximum bandwidth for the computer being upgraded to Big Sur.
See used and available storage space on your Mac Special Notation from same source
Welcome. Glad things were solved.
Does this help?
I think the laptop is about two years old.
And I have 8. 75 GB minus the 12.40 for the update. It’s continually taking storage more than 12.40. I don’t know how to backup.
Thank you, I’ll see if this helps.
Um, Quick question, how can I make sure or tell how much space has been taken for the software update? If I find out, I can make sure about how much space I need for the update.
Thank you! It worked!
Software Update Problems
