Error while attempting to install Big Sur on my 2016 MacBook Pro

TDawg11 wrote:

I'm sorry, I don't think I was clear. I was able to download the 12.18GB update file. The Download button in system preferences has changed to Upgrade Now. When I click on Upgrade Now I get the aforementioned error messages. This is still because the servers are getting slammed? I was thinking my download file was corrupt so I was thinking of deleting it and re-downloading, but I don't know the location of the file. If you think I just need to wait, that's fine, I suppose, I don't have a choice I guess :-)

Sounds like you have the complete installer.

Reboot into Safe Boot mode. launch the installer from there Applications/ "Install macOS Big-Sur.app"

SafeBoot https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

  Takes noticeable longer to get to the login screen, does a 5-15 minute disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, including dynamic loader cache,  etc.  Login 

I kept getting the same response up until dinnertime yesterday. Tried it again first thing this AM and it downloaded in about 25 minutes and installed in about 40 minutes. The servers were flying today.

The servers are being slammed. You will have to try again later.

As of 2:20 PM PST it's the servers: