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Big Sur 11.5 update installation stuck

Been trying to install 11.5 on my MacBook Air and it keeps getting stuck at "about 53 minutes remaining." I've downladed from the app store, not just the update (which has been a problem for me in the past). I've tried maybe a dozen times with same results. And yes, I've tried Safe Mode, but same there too. Anyone else having/had that problem? Any sugggestions?

MacBook, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 24, 2021 5:04 PM

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13 replies

Jul 26, 2021 3:58 AM in response to baconwrapped

Is FileVault enabled and if so has it finished Decrypting the drive Before attempting the update to 11.5. If Yes, try Disabling FileVault and allow it to finish. Then - suggestion below


This method may seem unnecessary but sometimes the Router Restart clears Network issues from ISP to Apple Servers


Shutdown Router. Shutdown computer and disconnect all External Drives. Restart Router. Connect to Router via Ethernet Cable. If via Wifi - Disconnect all other Devices using the Wifi - want the Maximum Bandwidth only for this computer. Restart computer in  Safe Mode. It does a Repair Disk, Clear System Cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and Fonts. Will load slowly - Normal. Once Logged in - open Apple Apps Store and  Get the Full Version of Big Sur. It will take some time and several pauses will occur - normal. Countdown clock may say 15 minutes but in Real time may be 30 minutes. Same goes for clock at 10 minutes could be 20 minutes in Real time. Eventually , Full Installer will download and a New Application in Applications Folder will present called Install Big Sur. Stop there and perform a Time Machine Backup. If desired - have an External Drive - Copy & Paste the Install Big Sur Application to external drive for future usage - making a Bootable Installer. Now run the Installer.


Have found this method more reliable than the Software Update which is very iffy at best

Jul 25, 2021 12:48 PM in response to baconwrapped

baconwrapped,


The article provided would be the best steps to follow. Starting the installation from safe mode, wouldn't impact any issue during installation as the Mac restarts which brings up the Apple logo and progress bar, thus taking it out of safe mode. Go ahead and follow the steps under "If your Mac is stuck on this screen". If the issue continues, contact Apple Support.


Cheers!

Jul 25, 2021 2:08 PM in response to PRP_53

Thanks, P. Phillips. Yes, the internet connection is working and strong. Definitely not the issue. This kind of thing has happened with various past updates as well, including the last one, 11.4. But with those, when I tried again in safe mode it worked fine. This time not even that is helping. And of course I've tried rebooting as well. No problem with the computer otherwise. Just can't get Big Sur 11.5 installation to progress further than shown in the photo.

Jul 26, 2021 1:55 PM in response to baconwrapped

Must inquire - any Antivirus, Cleaners, Optimizers installed and have been run on this unit ? If Yes, strongly suggest Removing as Per Developers Specific Instructions


Any of the above, even is deactivated, are going to interfere with the whole process. and zero return for what they purport to do which is nothing more that cause havoc and even corrupt the OS

Aug 11, 2021 11:32 AM in response to baconwrapped

Any luck with the installation? I've been having the same stuck on a MacBook 12" 2017 and nothing I do, even the fastest connection I can find will fix it. Once, it did go all the way to the end and the laptop restarted a few times as you would expect but then after booting, back to the same update prompt.

Thank you in advance

Big Sur 11.5 update installation stuck

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