How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - source of following " If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs 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.
User wrote " unable to verify mac OS". This usually may means the Internet Connect failed or was interrupted during the download process.
To download Big Sur it requires a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. If 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.
Tips for upgrade to Big Sur