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Can't upgrade to Big Sur

I am trying to update my MacBook Pro 13-inch Mid2014 running OS X Yosemite 10.10.4. I have 235 GB of free space after wiping my hard drive with the intention of upgrading the OS.


I cannot download Big Sur from the App Store, or any other version of OS. When I try to get the app, I receive the following error: The server gave an error during download: 500 Internal Server Error. I am able to download other apps (but I can't because they all give an error that I need OS X 10.11)

MacBook Pro 13″, OS X 10.10

Posted on Jul 9, 2021 7:02 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 9, 2021 7:26 AM

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.


Would Strongly suggest upgrading to High Sierra first and then upgrade to Big Sur afterwards. There have been many issues going Yosemite directly to Big Sur. The High Sierra will much better position the computer for the eventual upgrade to Big Sur.



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.

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 9, 2021 7:26 AM in response to ivoryblue1

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.


Would Strongly suggest upgrading to High Sierra first and then upgrade to Big Sur afterwards. There have been many issues going Yosemite directly to Big Sur. The High Sierra will much better position the computer for the eventual upgrade to Big Sur.



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.

Can't upgrade to Big Sur

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