To Test this out 😀
System Preferences >> Software Update Applet.
What happens when to ask it to Check for Updates ?
In Theory, it should find any of the newer or Newest Version of Big Sur
If it spins and spins and spins and never finds any updates >>
There are factors:
1 - Like poor Wifi connection
2 - Slow wifi connection
3 - 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 , there could 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
9 - Worst case - Restart in Recovery Mode and choose Reinstall macOS. This in theory will pull the latest version of Big Sur available and commence the installation.