Can't update a MacBook Air (2020) from Catalina to Big Sur

My MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inc, 2020) running Catalina cannot update. The "Software Update" app is stuck in a "Finding..." mode – is that app just glitchy? I can't download "Big Sur" from Apple, either: it opens the "Software App" which gets stuck in a "Finding Update..."

MacBook Air

Posted on Jan 19, 2023 1:30 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2023 1:42 PM

There are factors:


1 - Like poor Wifi connection


2 - Slow wifi connection


3 - Too many other people downloading at the same time and Apple Severs are overloaded


4 - Software on the computer interfering with the download process including AntiVirus Software


Notation: Disabling the AV Software may or may not solve the issue. Removal of the AV Software may increase the chances of the download to perform as expected.


5 - Running behind a VPN which may increase Packet losses or corruption of the download 


6 - If via wifi too many Other devices using the wifi at the same time reducing the Bandwidth to your computer. 


7 - Best Results are via Ethernet Cable to Router


8 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal and Try Again using the Software Update Applet in System Preferences

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 19, 2023 1:42 PM in response to Naragon

There are factors:


1 - Like poor Wifi connection


2 - Slow wifi connection


3 - Too many other people downloading at the same time and Apple Severs are overloaded


4 - Software on the computer interfering with the download process including AntiVirus Software


Notation: Disabling the AV Software may or may not solve the issue. Removal of the AV Software may increase the chances of the download to perform as expected.


5 - Running behind a VPN which may increase Packet losses or corruption of the download 


6 - If via wifi too many Other devices using the wifi at the same time reducing the Bandwidth to your computer. 


7 - Best Results are via Ethernet Cable to Router


8 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal and Try Again using the Software Update Applet in System Preferences

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Can't update a MacBook Air (2020) from Catalina to Big Sur

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