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Installing Big Sur on compatible iMac.

When I try to install Big Sur on compatible iMac running Catalina it stops when showing nearly finished. Anything I should be looking for?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Oct 7, 2021 12:22 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Oct 7, 2021 2:23 PM

Try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3-5 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the System/Software Update preference pane and begin the download.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.

I've had better luck from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the installation.


1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 7, 2021 2:23 PM in response to rolandintucson

Try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3-5 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the System/Software Update preference pane and begin the download.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.

I've had better luck from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the installation.


Installing Big Sur on compatible iMac.

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