The link to download Big Sur just opens the app store which tells you to get Monterey.

Dan_Cre wrote:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

The Apple Support article on finding older OS versions says to click on link for Big Sur downloader, but following it just goes to the Big Sur app store page which says "Silly user, go get Monterrey instead".

My company IT dept has not authorized and will not allow Monterrey yet; and my machine is still on Catalina which is now causing issues with our security software. I need to upgrade to Big Sur but cant find a way to do it.

verify you are using the Safari browser to download/initiate the macOS links.

The older macOS installer backups on this server:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

I am trying to download the older version to revert as well.

I did find that loop at one point, but I think it was on another page. Here, I get to open the download from the app store for Big Sur, but it instead opens the updater which tells me that my computer is up to date with Monterey and does nothing.

I can not download the installer for Big Sur. Frustrated with Apple right now!!

Revision # 14 - October 28, 2021

Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur 

There are several points to consider before attempting the upgrade to Big Sur. The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite for a smooth upgrade.  

The below points should all be consider Before attempting the upgrade.

Point # 1 - Are there pre-existing Unresolved Software Issues. They should be resolved prior to upgrading - they may carryover to Big Sur making the system unstable / unusable.

Point # 2 - Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation. The The Built in Security  is all that is required.

Point # 2 A - Commercial VPNs should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect.

Point # 3 - What are the How to get old versions of macOS  ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur. Apple states 35.6 GB Empty Space but suggest 50 GB

Point # 4 - Does the intended computer qualify for the upgrade.

Point # 5 - Are the installed Applications / Extensions compatible with Big Sur. Check with the Developer for compatible Apps / extension or do they offer updates. Same goes for Third Party Drivers for Printer, Scanners etc.

Point # 6 - If upgrading from Mojave and earlier versions of macOS - Remember that Big Sur does not support anything 32 bit. These include Applications, Extensions and Drivers for any devices. There is no workaround.

Point # 6A - To check for 32 bit Applications - a good application to use is Go64 - safe to use.

Point # 7 - Do I have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site

Point # 8  - To upgrade to Big Sur will requires a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. 

If not available and 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.

Dan_Cre wrote:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

The Apple Support article on finding older OS versions says to click on link for Big Sur downloader, but following it just goes to the Big Sur app store page which says "Silly user, go get Monterrey instead".

First, it has to be done with Safari (no point in trying with other browsers).

I cannot reproduce any of this (I am assuming that you are being ironic with that "silly user" thing).

The page does contain links to Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.

Are you clicking on the actual link?

As a further test, do the links for other old OSes work?

I have tried the links in both Safari and Chrome and it just redirects to the App Store to be told "No Big Sur for you"

When you click on Get in the App Store, it will open Software Update to download Big Sur.

When it opens, it will show that Monterey is available. After a short time, it should begin downloading Big Sur.

Am seeing others with similar as your issue but usually if running Mojave.

In their cases - some success upgrading to Catalina First then presto the Big Sur or Monterey upGrade is possible.

Same as @Luis Sequeira1 - the provide links all function and just attempted and it works fine

I was able to get around this by first upgrading from Mojave to Catalina. Then to Big Sur.