Update from OS X El Capitan (Version 10.11.6) to Sierra doesn't work

Frank you are not reading the instructions and following them properly.

This is how you go through the procedure to install macOS Sierra.

Click on the link below.

How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

Go to Download macOS and click on macOS Sierra 10.12

This downloads InstallOS.dmg to your Downloads folder.

The next section can only be done on a mac that is capable of running Sierra,

a mac that came preinstalled with an OS later than Sierra will refuse to do the next bit.

When downloaded open to get InstallOS.pkg, double-click on

that and an installation window will open, read and follow the prompts,

this does not install Sierra but uses the InstallOS.pkg to create the 

Install macOS Sierra.app which you will find in your Applications folder.

 (If the installation window asks which disk you want to install to, you must pick 

the disk that you are booted to at the time. Not any internal or external disk that 

you want to eventually install Sierra on, that is for later.)

To start the installation of Sierra double click on the Install macOS Sierra.app.

The copy of the install app self deletes after installing Sierra, so make sure you keep a copy of the InstallOS.dmg

if you need it in future, or you could just make a copy of the Install OS X Sierra.app prior to installing and moving it to

an external drive for safe keeping. 

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.

With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install. Make sure to use Only Safari to commence the download as Other may not work

Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina and Big Sur Only support 64 bit and there is no workaround.

Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Defrag, VPNs etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation.

There was no need to install Sierra before installing High Sierra.

You do not need to install each OS one after another.

For macOS High Sierra,

Open Safari and click on this link, 

How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

Go to the Download OS section and click on macOS High Sierra.

Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.

Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.

Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.

Do not use your mac while it is downloading

and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.

If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS High Sierra.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.

In your picture above - Upper Left is square Orange box with words InstallOS. dmg - click on it. It should Install a New Application called " Install Sierra " can can be found in the Applications folder. That Application should be opened and run and install Sierra

Frank you are not reading replies to you properly again, I covered this situation in the last paragraph of my reply to you above.

Here it is again. This time in bold letters, OK.

If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS High Sierra.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.

Merci and Thank you :-))