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iMac 2019 Unable to Upgrade Mac OS from Catalina v 0.15.7 to Big Sur v 11.6


Mac OS upgrade from Catalina v 0.15.7 to Big Sur v 11.6 shows 12.43 GB of 12.43 GB is downloaded but does not proceed beyond that point. I have restarted the iMac and attempted the upgrade 3 times with same result.


I have been attempting to do a clean reinstall which took me back to Catalina, but unable to upgrade to Big Sur.


EtreCheckPro Report is attached but doesn't point to any issues - other than no time machine backup because I haven't migrated my Big Sur files yet.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 26, 2021 11:32 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 29, 2021 4:51 AM

I found the solution and the reason at this link: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253139639, especially, "Here is my two cents, for what it is worth. I am guessing that the reason you are unable to successfully install your operating system is because the installer became corrupted during the download. The reason for this is because these are very large files and if you are using Wi-Fi, it often is too slow for these large files. Put the installer into the trash and do another download."


This gave me reason to attempt the upgrade to Big Sur 11.6 for the 5th time and it worked!

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 29, 2021 4:51 AM in response to BillfromPyrmont

I found the solution and the reason at this link: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253139639, especially, "Here is my two cents, for what it is worth. I am guessing that the reason you are unable to successfully install your operating system is because the installer became corrupted during the download. The reason for this is because these are very large files and if you are using Wi-Fi, it often is too slow for these large files. Put the installer into the trash and do another download."


This gave me reason to attempt the upgrade to Big Sur 11.6 for the 5th time and it worked!

Sep 27, 2021 11:46 PM in response to Eau Rouge

Unfortunately a search finds no Install macOS Big Sur.app in the Applications folder or elsewhere.


I do get a 2.9 MB 'Update' volume on my desktop, 2.8 MB of which is a restore log.


I have plenty, 992 GB of free space.


I do have backup.


This is the 3rd step in my effort do a clean install of my fusion drive iMac:


  1. Using Command-R I received Catalina
  2. I installed the Catalina upgrades that were offered.
  3. When I select the Big Sur upgrade - see image below - I repeatedly end up with an incomplete download - see image above.


What options do I have left to get Big Sur?


Sep 27, 2021 12:46 AM in response to BillfromPyrmont

Look in your Applications folder for Install macOS Big Sur.app.

If you find it and it is 12.43GBs then try double-clicking on it to start the installation process.

Interestingly the App Store Big Sur download page says it should be 12.6GBs.


Do you have enough free space on your mac, macOS Big Sur needs at least 35.5GBs of free space

before it will install.

Have you made a full back up of your mac.

iMac 2019 Unable to Upgrade Mac OS from Catalina v 0.15.7 to Big Sur v 11.6

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