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macOS Big Sur Installation Failed: 'An Error Occurred While Installing the Selected Updates'
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I too had that issue. I went to the Apple menu and restarted my computer. The installer was on the desktop after the reboot.
I got the installation failed - error occurred when updating to Big Sur on my Macbook Pro! I checked the post: https://www.macxdvd.com/mac/mac-update-stuck-fixed.htm, it analyzed the causes and fixes. And I wait for a few hours. Now I can update. A tough update!
When do you guys recommend waiting until to download this?
Normally I download updates on the first day and I've only had a problem once with an iOS update that temporarily bricked my phone. I otherwise am an always an "early adopter". But this fiasco has me thinking I should try later, maybe wait until 11.0.1... (I know the problem isn't the version, but it might be a good idea to wait until the first round of bugs is fixed).
Normally I download updates on the first day and I've only had a problem once with an iOS update that temporarily bricked my phone. I otherwise am an always an "early adopter". But this fiasco has me thinking I should try later, maybe wait until 11.0.1... (I know the problem isn't the version, but it might be a good idea to wait until the first round of bugs is fixed).
That depends if you are a professional or not depending on software compatibility and getting paid working on this systems. Then it's always a good thing waiting a couple of weeks to make sure everything works according to your needs. If you are a normal user like most here you can jump right in.
It’s been 10h now this message. Waiting 🙄
Apple this morning released macOS Big Sur to the public, and since the software went live, it has had extremely long download times that have prevented many from being able to install it.
Even those who have made progress through the download have run into problems where the software downloading process is suddenly interrupted and must be restarted. Others have reported being able to download the update and then having the installation fail. Apple's site appears to be having some major issues due to the number of people attempting to download the update at once.
In addition to these Big Sur download problems, Apple's developer site is also down at this time, and as a result, some third-party apps are unable to be opened up at this time.
An error occurred while installing the selected updates
It's not clear what's causing the problem. It could be that the macOS Big Sur downloads are failing due to a developer site issue or the developer site could be failing under the strain of macOS Big Sur demand, but it is clear that those hoping to get the new software should hold off until things are more stable.
Apple's System Status page is listing an issue with macOS Software Updates and says that the problem is "currently being investigated."
Article Link: macOS Big Sur Installation Failed: "An Error Occurred While Installing the Selected Updates"
14 hours on and its still problematic.
Download went fine, no failures reported... BUT install -
Errors from "Timed out" to "Cant find source" to repeated questions "Are you sure you want to quit the install" when I've not clicked anything. Installer then rebooted to show the black screen with Apple logo installing updates; 20 mins later it rebooted and back to Catalina again.
Macbook Pro 16" 2020, no third party software.
My take, unless you really want Big Sur now, hold off as they've completely ****ed this one up.
Great job Apple.
Download went fine, no failures reported... BUT install -
Errors from "Timed out" to "Cant find source" to repeated questions "Are you sure you want to quit the install" when I've not clicked anything. Installer then rebooted to show the black screen with Apple logo installing updates; 20 mins later it rebooted and back to Catalina again.
Macbook Pro 16" 2020, no third party software.
My take, unless you really want Big Sur now, hold off as they've completely ****ed this one up.
Great job Apple.
Last edited by a moderator:
I’ve got a nice story:
I wanted to set up my 2015 15” computer as new. I finally got it download after all the system issues were resolved and copied the application to a hard drive.
I did a full TM backup and then booted into recovery to wipe the drive. Then I did a clean Catalina install and did not sign into iCloud. (I used my original username and password.) I immediately opened the Big Sur app on the external and installed. Again did not sign into iCloud.
I then used Migration Assistsnt to transfer everything from the TM backup and replaced the user with the one from the backup.
Very, very smooth. Signed into iCloud and everything was perfect. Photos took a good hour to update my library and Mail took about 20 minutes.
Question: If I really want to be OCD should I repeat and boot into recovery for Big Sur, wipe, and then reinstall Big Sur, then migrate? Thus eliminating anything left of Catalina? Is this a thing?
I wanted to set up my 2015 15” computer as new. I finally got it download after all the system issues were resolved and copied the application to a hard drive.
I did a full TM backup and then booted into recovery to wipe the drive. Then I did a clean Catalina install and did not sign into iCloud. (I used my original username and password.) I immediately opened the Big Sur app on the external and installed. Again did not sign into iCloud.
I then used Migration Assistsnt to transfer everything from the TM backup and replaced the user with the one from the backup.
Very, very smooth. Signed into iCloud and everything was perfect. Photos took a good hour to update my library and Mail took about 20 minutes.
Question: If I really want to be OCD should I repeat and boot into recovery for Big Sur, wipe, and then reinstall Big Sur, then migrate? Thus eliminating anything left of Catalina? Is this a thing?
Still not available here in the UK at 9.15am Friday 13th November. On my MacBook it starts to download and stops almost immediately and just hangs. I have 14.9mb of Big Sur. Not a lot of use!