You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Trying to upgrade from Catalina to Big Sur on Mac Desktop

Been trying to upgrade for two days. It keeps saying "installation failed". Is there something going on or why isn't this working?


iMac Pro

Posted on Sep 22, 2021 9:30 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 22, 2021 10:03 AM

Try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3-5 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the System/Software Update preference pane and begin the download.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.



I've had better luck from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the installation.




4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 22, 2021 10:03 AM in response to TheTechGeekyGirl

Try the following:

#1 - boot into Safe Mode according to Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3-5 minutes as it's doing the following; 
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts 
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

#2 - go to the System/Software Update preference pane and begin the download.

#3 - run the installer from the Safe Mode.



I've had better luck from the Safe Mode because I evidently have some 3rd party software that interferes with the installation.




Trying to upgrade from Catalina to Big Sur on Mac Desktop

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.