Trouble installing Big Sur

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Level 1

12 points

Trouble installing Big Sur

Trying to update to Big Sur.

I have downloaded successfully, I accepted the terms and conditions, then I get a message "select the disc where you want to install macOS". The only destination shown is my MHD, when I select this I get a message "This volume is not formatted as APFS" and I can get no further.

I admit to not being too tech savvy, maybe I shouldn't have started this.

Any help gratefully received.

All the Best

Nebb

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Nov 11, 2024 7:44 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

6x6

Level 6

15,308 points

Nov 11, 2024 10:42 AM in response to nebb1

Try to install macOS Catalina first: App Store - macOS Catalina.

You indicate using macOS Mojave. Please know that macOS Catalina and later versions (including macOS Big Sur) are no longer compatible with 32-bit applications.

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Answer 2

6x6

Level 6

15,308 points

Nov 12, 2024 4:16 AM in response to nebb1

Hello nebb1,

In Finder, go to the Applications folder, delete the file “Install macOS Big Sur” and empty the Trash to recover storage space.
This article will show you how to find the 32-bit applications on your Mac. For each of them, go to the developer website to see if they offer a 64-bit version. Often they won’t state the 64-bit compatibility but will mention the compatibility with macOS Catalina or later, which is really what you need. Once macOS Catalina is installed, go to the developer website to download the 64-bit version of their app. Then delete the 32-bit version.

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Answer 3

nebb1 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 12, 2024 12:59 AM in response to 6x6

Hello 6 x 6

Thanks for your reply. Before I download Catalina two questions please, Having downloaded BigSur I have memory used that I could do with getting back, how do I get rid of that download? I was aware that 32-bit applications would be incompatible, but the applications I am using are still in everyday use so I think I should be able to update to the 64-bit format, any advice about that transition? The reason I want to change my OS is because I have several apps that can no longer update whilst I keep using Mojave. Thanks again.

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Answer 4

nebb1 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 13, 2024 12:29 AM in response to nebb1

Hello 6 x 6

Right, did like you said and removed BigSur, bookmarked the article about 32-bit apps and downloaded Catalina. I'm hesitant now about proceeding to installation as I've got some other unavoidable commitments and will have to leave the next step until the weekend.

So if it's ok with you, I'd like to leave the topic open until then so I can let you know what happens.

Thanks for all your help thus far.

nebb

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