Trying to install MacOS Big Sur a mid 2014 Macbook Pro MacOS X 10.9.5

Hi AJLepp70,

Welcome to the Apple Community

Wondering which MacOS that "really old operating system" is.

You might want to check by clicking the Black Apple on the left of the top menu, and consulting "About this Mac".

Seems a 2014 MacBook Pro's newest compatible version is macOS Big Sur 11.6

and Mac OS Big Sur can upgrade Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks

If the old OS version is one of those listed:

Apple support have an article online that can help:

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

All the best :-)

Tips Big Sir Upgrade

Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur 

There are several points to consider before attempting the upgrade to Big Sur. The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite for a smooth upgrade.  

The below points should all be consider Before attempting the upgrade.

Point # 1 - Are there pre-existing Unresolved Software Issues. They should be resolved prior to upgrading - they may carryover to Big Sur making the system unstable / unusable.

Point # 2 - Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, 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. The The Built in Security  is all that is required.

Point # 2 A - Commercial VPNs should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect.

Point # 3 -  How to get old versions of macOS  ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur. Apple states 35.6 GB Empty Space but suggest 50 GB

Point # 4 - Does the intended computer qualify for the upgrade.

Point 4A - Caution - jumping over all the newer versions and directly to Big Sur  / Monterey on Qualifying computers is Technically possible - there are those who have attempted and were successful.

Then there are those who attempted and had less than good results.

If this is a Production or Mission Critical Set-up - a more prudent and measure approach is suggested. 

The above is from observations on the Apple Support Community Forums and IMHO

Point # 5 - Are the installed Applications / Extensions compatible with Big Sur. Check with the Developer for compatible Apps / extension or do they offer updates. Same goes for Third Party Drivers for Printer, Scanners etc.

Point # 6 - If upgrading from Mojave and earlier versions of macOS - Remember that Big Sur does not support anything 32 bit. These include Applications, Extensions and Drivers for any devices. There is no workaround.

Point # 6A - To check for 32 bit Applications - a good application to use is Go64 - safe to use.

Point # 7 - Do I have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For additional purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site

Point # 8  - To upgrade to Big Sur will requires a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. 

If not available and using Wifi - move computer as close to the Access Point / Router and disconnect all other devices connected to Wifi. Want the maximum bandwidth for the computer being upgraded to Big Sur.

You need to download a Big Sur installer from here:

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support