Can't download Big Sur

Hi, I'm trying to download Big Sur .app to make bootable USB Drive. But I can't download it as my Sys Preference keeps saying that my macbook already updated with the newest Big Sur. I need the installer for my older macbook because I erased the drive (gotta sell it) and it that has no internet connection.

Posted on Jun 15, 2021 11:06 PM

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Posted on Jun 16, 2021 2:22 AM

Open the Apple Apps Store and search for Big Sur. Once found - click it. It may caution you that you are already running Big Sur. Click download anyways. Once the approx. 12.18 GB is downloaded - it may attempt to launch. Force Quit it. Now the Application Install Big Sur will reside in Applications Folder. Proceed with the Create USB Installer.


As for the Older macBook for sale - What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac. One really should put the Original Version of macOS that it came with when new - back on the computer.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 16, 2021 2:22 AM in response to graciaclarak

Open the Apple Apps Store and search for Big Sur. Once found - click it. It may caution you that you are already running Big Sur. Click download anyways. Once the approx. 12.18 GB is downloaded - it may attempt to launch. Force Quit it. Now the Application Install Big Sur will reside in Applications Folder. Proceed with the Create USB Installer.


As for the Older macBook for sale - What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac. One really should put the Original Version of macOS that it came with when new - back on the computer.


Jun 19, 2021 7:35 PM in response to Owl-53

I already checked that link way earlier and done step number 7, which is Erase your hard drive. This is when the problem started if you read my initial question. I erased the drive and now it doesn't boot. It also has no internet connection. So I need to reinstall macOS from bootable drive which also can't be downloaded from my M1. The only macOS that can be downloaded in M1 is Big Sur, so my plan is to install Big Sur first then downgrade it to High Sierra, because it's impossible to download High Sierra from my M1.


But, the thing is it doesn't even want to download Big Sur either.

Jun 19, 2021 7:54 AM in response to graciaclarak

Using a New Computer as in M1 computer to download High Sierra or any version of macOS other than Big Sur it will never ever work. Apple will not allow doing so. Their rules will not allow downloading or downgrading a computer to a version of macOS older than what it came installed with.


The only option - on the Older Computer is to What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac

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Can't download Big Sur

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