macOS Update Archives - Page 3 of 7

macOS 12 Monterey Full Installer Database. Download Directly from Apple!

macOS Monterey InstallAssistant.pkg database

macOS 12 Monterey Final & Beta Full Installers

This database will contain download links for macOS 12 full Installer pkg files (InstallAssistant.pkg). This file is the same full installer that you would download directly from the App Store for Intel and Apple Silicon M1 Mac Computers. The InstallAssistant.pkg is stored on Apple’s servers and contains the full “Install macOS.app”. Once downloaded, all you need to do is install the pkg and the full installer of macOS will be in your applications folder. This change was made when Apple revised the full installer for Big Sur. The InstallAssistant.pkg is not available for Catalina or Mojave.

UPDATED: 1/03/25

NOTE: macOS Monterey is no longer supported by Apple. The final version is 12.7.6 released on 7/29/24.

If you are looking for Apple Silicon Full IPSW Restore files, go here >

mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/

macOS Monterey Final Full Installer Download

macOS 12 Final Version Download	Version	Build	App	Avail	Date
Final version 12.7.6
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.7.6	21H1320		YES	7/17/24
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.7.5	21H1222		NO	5/13/24
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.7.4	21H1123	17.7.41	YES	3/07/24
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.7.3	21H1015		NO	1/22/24
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.7.2	21G1974	17.7.20	NO	12/11/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.7.1	21G920	17.7.12	NO	10/25/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.7	21G816	17.7.02	NO	9/21/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.9	21G726	17.6.70	NO	8/11/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.8	21G725	17.6.61	NO	7/24/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.7	21G651		NO	6/21/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.6	21G646	17.6.51	NO	5/18/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.5	21G531		NO	4/10/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.4	21G526		NO	3/27/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.3	21G419	17.6.31	NO	1/23/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.2	21G320	17.6.21	NO	12/13/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.1	21G217	17.6.11	NO	10/24/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6	21G115	17.6.01	NO	9/12/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.5.1	21G83	17.5.02	NO	8/17/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.5	21G72	17.5.01	NO	7/20/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.4	21F79	17.4.01	NO	5/16/22
InstallAssistant.pkg 2022 MB Air & Pro	12.4	21F2092	M2 ONLY	NO	6/16/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.3.1	21E258	17.3.03	NO	3/31/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.3	21E230	17.3.02	NO	3/14/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.2.1	21D62	17.2.03	NO	2/10/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.2	21D49	17.2.02	NO	1/26/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.1	21C52	17.1.02	NO	12/13/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.0.1	21A559	17.0.07	NO	10/25/21

Monterey Beta Full Installer Download

macOS 12 Beta Version Download	Version	Build	App	Avail	Date
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.3	21G417	B2	NO	01/11/23
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.3	21G403	B1	NO	12/15/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.2	21G317	B3	NO	12/01/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.2	21G312	B2	NO	11/16/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.2	21G309	B1	NO	11/09/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.1	21G215	B3	NO	10/12/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.1	21G211	B2	NO	10/5/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.6.1	21G207	B1	NO	9/28/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.5	21G5063a	B5	NO	7/07/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.5	21G5056b	B4	NO	6/27/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.5	21G5046c	B3	NO	6/15/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.5	21G5037d	B2	NO	6/01/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.5	21G5027d	B1	NO	5/19/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.4	21F5071b	B4	NO	5/04/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.4	21F5063e	B3	NO	4/27/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.4	21F5058e	B2	NO	4/20/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.3	21E5227a	B5	NO	3/02/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.3	21E5222a	B4	NO	2/23/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.3	21E5212f	B3	NO	2/16/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.3	21E5206e	17.3.04	NO	2/09/22
Apple Developer Only	12.3	21E5196i	17.3.01	NO	2/01/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.2	21D5039d	B2	NO	1/12/22
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.2	21D5025f	B1	NO	12/20/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.1	21C5045a	B4	NO	12/02/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.1	21C5039b	B3	NO	11/17/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.1	21C5031d	B2	NO	11/10/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	12.1	21C5021h	B1	NO	10/29/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	RC2	21A559	N/A	NO	N/A
InstallAssistant.pkg	RC	21A558	N/A	NO	N/A
InstallAssistant.pkg	B10	21A5552a	17.0.26	NO	10/14/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B9	21a5543b	17.0.25	NO	10/07/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B8	21A5534d	17.0.24	NO	9/29/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B7	21a5522h	17.0.23	NO	9/22/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B6	21A5506j	17.0.20	NO	8/31/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B5	21a5304g	17.0.16	NO	8/12/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B4	21A5294g	17.0.14	NO	7/28/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B3	21A5284e	17.0.12	NO	7/14/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B2	21A5268h	17.0.11	NO	6/29/21
InstallAssistant.pkg	B1	21A5248p	17.0.7	NO	6/7/21

NOTE: Depending on the browser you are using, you might need to right click and select “Copy link address”. Past this link into a new tab and it should start to download.

How to download previous versions of macOS

macOS Big Sur full installers –>

https://mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-full-installer-database-download-directly-from-apple/

If you are looking for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra or El Capitan look here –>

https://mrmacintosh.com/how-to-download-macos-catalina-mojave-or-high-sierra-full-installers/

If you are looking for Apple Silicon M1 Full macOS IPSW Restore files, go here >

mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/

InstallAssistant.pkg?

The InstallAssistant.pkg is just a standard package that includes the full macOS 12 installer.app. All the pkg does is install/move the app to your applications folder. Let’s take a closer look.

MrMacintosh.com macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 via SUS Inspector — macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 via SUS Inspector

I am using SUS Inspector to view the full installer for macOS Big Sur 11.2.3. You can see the InstallAssistant.pkg file listed. You can also see the direct download path from Apple’s servers. The link does not last forever. For example, the download link for beta full installers only seem to last for a month or so.

Production links last a little longer. For example 11.2.1 is still available but 11.2 is not. This database will be updated when a new full installer is released.

Thank You

A big thanks to Eric Holtam @eholtam. When I need to verify something in SUS, he always lends a hand!

Also thank you Hannes Juutilainen @hjuutilainen for creating SUS Inspector. This is a top 5 app for me!

Download full macOS 12 Installers

macOS Monterey Full Installer

How to download macOS Monterey

macos monterey beta download

macos monterey beta profile

download macos monterey

Download monterey public beta

macOS Big Sur 11.4 Update (20F71) is Live! What’s New?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur 11.4 Update — macOS Big Sur 11.4 Update

macOS Big Sur 11.4 (20F71) is now available for all users!

UPDATED 05/27/21

Apple just dropped the new macOS Big Sur 11.4 Update (on a Monday???). The 11.4 update was released only a month after 11.3 Let’s jump in and find out what’s new!

The 11.4 update also patches the screen shot vulnerability CVE-2021-30713.

The detection team noted that once installed on the victim’s system, XCSSET was using this bypass specifically for the purpose of taking screenshots of the user’s desktop without requiring additional permissions.
jamf.com

Jamf security researchers found the vulnerability and detailed it in the article below.

https://www.jamf.com/blog/zero-day-tcc-bypass-discovered-in-xcsset-malware/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkYq2XEmu9E

My everything new in macOS Big Sur 11.4 Update in 5 minutes video!

macOS Big Sur 11.4 Patch Notes Summary

58 – Security Fixes
2 – New Features
8 -Enterprise Changes/Fixes
5- Resolved Issues

macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 Update (20E241) is Live! What’s New?

MrMacintosh.com - — macOS Big Sur 11.3.1

The macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 (20E241) update is now available for all users!

UPDATED 05/04/21

Surprise!!! Apple just dropped a new macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 Update. The update comes only one week after 11.3. Let’s jump in and find out what’s new!

This update patches 2 security vulnerabilities that Apple says

Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212335

macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 Updates Safari!

Safari was updated

11.3.1 = 14.1 (16611.1.21.161.6)
11.3 = 14.1 (16611.1.21.161.3)

macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 Patch Notes Summary

2 – Security Fixes
New Features
Enterprise Changes/Fixes
Resolved Issues

My macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 Update in under 5 minutes video!

1. Apple Links
2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Big Sur
3. Apple Articles of interest related to the macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 Update
4. Undocumented macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 Update changes & fixes
5. Previous Big Sur 11 Beta and Final Releases
6. macOS Big Sur 11 Standalone Pkg downloads no longer available.
7. macOS Big Sur 11.3 Full Installer.app
8. macOS Big Sur Update sizes for Intel and M1
9. Apple Silicon M1 Firmware Update
10. Intel T2 BridgeOS Update
11. Apple Silicon IPSW Restore file Update
12. Safari 14.1 Update
13. What’s new for enterprise in macOS Big Sur
14. Security Content of macOS Big Sur 11.3.1
15. macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 (20E241) Release Notes / Patch Notes / Changes

Click “Continue Reading” for the rest of the article.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 Update (20D91) is Live! What’s New?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 Update — macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 Update

The macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 (20D91) update is now available for all users!

Apple surprised us today by dropping a new Big Sur 11.2.3 update. The previous 11.2.2 update was released a little over 2 weeks ago. Let’s jump in and find out what’s new in the macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 Update!

This update focuses on one security fix.

WebKit
Available for: macOS Big Sur
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved validation.
CVE-2021-1844: Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group, Alison Huffman of Microsoft Browser Vulnerability Research
Apple.com

Safari version 14.0.3 was also released.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 Patch Notes Summary

0 – New Features
1 – Resolved Issues
0 – Enterprise Changes

Mr. Macintosh macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 Update DEEP DIVE Video

Click “Continue Reading” for the rest of the article.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 Update (20D80) is Live! What’s New?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 Update — macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 Update

The macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 (20D80) update is now available for all users!

My site is finally back online. This is my “Day late and a dollar short” update. Bluehost shut off access to my site while I was taking some time off. They said it was due to a database problem on their end. Now that the site is back online, I can catch up on some updates. Let’s start with the macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 Update!

This update focuses on one very important fix.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevents MacBook Pro (2019 or later) and MacBook Air (2020 or later) models from incurring damage when they are connected to certain third-party, non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks.
Apple

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 Patch Notes Summary

0 – New Features
1 – Resolved Issues
0 – Enterprise Changes

Click “Continue Reading” for the rest of the article.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 Update (20D74) is Live! What’s New?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 Update — macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 Update

The macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 (20D74) update is now available for all users!

UPDATE 2/15/21 – Apple has released a new macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 (20D75) Full Installer to address the Big Sur Upgrade not enough free space check issue! – https://mrmacintosh.com/big-sur-upgrade-not-enough-hd-space-serious-issue-possible-data-loss/

macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 (20D75) Full Installer – http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/00/60/071-05432-A_QOY2QE0UMR/puuz6c0epc7o0ozyovvi6tjxhzpf6uf04s/InstallAssistant.pkg

Sudo sudo sudo sudo sudo! I’ve sent out more than a few tweets about the CVE-2021-3156 Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in Sudo. I was trying to find out if macOS was vulnerable and if Apple would release a fix.

Today Apple released that fix it’s included in the following macOS Updates

1. macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 Update
2. macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update
3. macOS Mojave 2021-002 Security Update

2016-2017 15″ MacBook Pro Battery Problems + Replacement Program

This update also addresses a battery issue in 2016 & 2017 MacBook Pro Laptops. Update addresses an issue that may prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models.

Apple has just released an article that goes over this issue and how you can get your 2016-2017 MacBook Pro battery replaced if it’s having this issue.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212163

Click “Continue Reading” for the rest of the article.

What’s New in the macOS Big Sur 11.1 Update 20C69?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur 11.1 (20C69) — macOS Big Sur 11.1 (20C69)

Today Apple released macOS Big Sur 11.1 (20C69) to the public.

MacOS Big Sur 11.1 was released on December 14th, 2020. The 11.1 update is the first major update for Big Sur. The release comes a few days after Big Sur 11.1 beta RC and is the same build number. Big Sur 11.1 also brings support for AirPods Max, Apple’s new over-ear headphones. New Features added to the following apps Apple TV, Apple News, App Store, iPhone Apps on M1 Macs, Photos and Safari.

UPDATE: 12/15 – 11:30AM

This version is the same BuildVersion as 11.1 Beta RC = (20C69)
softareupdate –fetch-full-installer is fixed! (Was broke in 11.0.1)
2013 & 2014 MacBook Pro 13″ Bricking issue looks to be fixed in 11.1! The BoardID for this model was added back to the full installer.
HP Printer Drivers 5.1 package updated for Big Sur – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1888
macOS Server app updated to 5.11 – https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209069

^ Mr. Macintosh YouTube video on everything you need to know about the macOS Big Sur 11.1 Update!

How to Reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon M1 Mac. Everything you Need to Know

MrMacintosh.com - How to Reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon Mac. - Everything you need to know!! — How to Reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon Mac. – Everything you need to know!!

Apple Silicon M1 Mac Recovery has changed! The interface, options and the way you reinstall macOS is all new. I will show you everything you need to know.

UPDATED 09/25/21

Apple Silicon Macs started to arrive in customers hands on Tuesday November 17th, 2020. One of the first things we need to understand is how to reinstall or factory erase macOS on Apple Silicon. All the old rules that you had to follow with Intel Macs has now changed. I will show you 3 different ways to reinstall macOS Big Sur on a Apple Silicon Mac.

If you are looking for more information on Apple Silicon Macs, I’ve wrote an article going over everything you need to know.

mrmacintosh.com/mac-transition-to-apple-silicon-everything-you-need-to-know-updated/

Internet Recovery is DEAD on Apple Silicon.

Right off the bat, we need to understand that Mac Internet Recovery on Apple Silicon is DEAD! Finally you don’t have to worry about IR errors and the problems that come with them.

Internet Recovery will still remain for Intel based Macs. For Apple Silicon we now have 4 different ways to reinstall macOS.

1. macOS Recovery = First line of recovery.
2. System Recovery = Hidden partition for when normal macOS recovery is not available.
3. macOS Big Sur USB Installer Drive. = Boot to a createinstallmedia based Big Sur full installer.
4. macOS System Restore via DFU mode + Apple Configurator 2.

Reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon Table of Contents

1. macOS Recovery
2. macOS System Recovery
3. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
4. macOS Big Sur USB Install Drive
5. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
6. Apple Silicon Security Policy
7. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
8. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
9. Where can I get macOS ISPW Firmware files?
10. Signed? What does that mean?

1. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery

Apple Silicon macOS Recovery is almost exactly the same as it is on Intel Based Macs. One of the major things that has changed is the way that you get into macOS Recovery. Instead of having to remember a bunch of keyboard commands you can now use the power button to get right to the boot picker macOS recovery menu!

Mr. Macintosh video on how to get to the macOS recovery menu on Apple Silicon Macs

Mr. Macintosh How to – Boot to recovery + Erase & Reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon M1 MacBook Pro & MacBook Air!

https://youtu.be/lBiUSnrYyFM

Mr. Macintosh How to Video – Boot to Recovery + Erase & Reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon Mac Mini M1. I will also show you how to boot from a Big Sur USB installer to reinstall macOS twice as fast!

The video above shows you how to factory restore / erase your Apple Silicon Mac and reinstall macOS.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon macOS Recovery — First line of defense, is macOS Recovery.

2. Apple Silicon System Recovery

Apple Silicon System Recovery is a new hidden recovery option in addition to macOS Recovery. If for some reason macOS Recovery becomes corrupt, System recovery will load which is the same as macOS recovery. You can use it to reinstall macOS and macOS Recovery.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac System Recovery

3. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?

If something serious goes wrong with your Mac and it can’t boot into macOS you will see a new startup screen. (The blinking folder icon has been retired). You will now see a screen like this

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Startup problems - Prohibited sign — Apple Silicon Startup problems – Prohibited sign – Credit Martin Nobel – https://twitter.com/martinnobel_/status/1321645315502432256

This screen has a new Apple Support URL support.apple.com/mac/restore which will tell you that you need to restore macOS firmware via Apple Configurator 2 and a 2nd mac running 10.15.6 or newer. Restoration will now work the same on the Mac as it does on iOS iPhones and iPads.

4. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer

On Apple Silicon external boot remains, but has changed.

External Boot for the macOS installer is now enabled by default

You no longer need to enter Security Options to enable External Boot!

Now you can build out an USB Installer of macOS Big Sur and boot your Apple Silicon Mac to it.

https://youtu.be/dQCp-rQlZuY

Mr. Macintosh Video on how to create a macOS Big Sur USB Install Disk for Apple Silicon or Intel.

https://youtu.be/2iNDe2zAJyg

Mr. Macintosh Video on how to use a USB Installer to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon!

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac External USB Installer Boot — *You can now boot a USB macOS installer without enabling external boot in Security options! It’s enabled by default.*

5. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon

If all options to reinstall macOS fail you can now use Apple Configurator 2.

1. Revive = Will restore macOS Recovery Only. (User data remains)
2. Restore = Will will download macOS and macOS recovery and reinstall them (THIS WILL ALSO ERASE YOUR HARD DRIVE)
3. Reinstall macOS = Reinstall macOS Recovery / System Recovery / macOS

This will help with rapid deployment in lab / school situations.

My Mac T2 BridgeOS Restore article will show you this process. It has not changed except for one thing. In the future the “RESTORE” option will automatically download the newest macOS ISPW file for you and install it. For now you will need to download it and and drag it over to the DFU icon.

Mr. Macintosh quick overview video on how to boot your Apple Silicon Mac to DFU mode. I will also show you how to reinstall macOS in 10 minutes with Apple Configurator 2 and a 2nd Mac.

How to reinstall macOS on a M1 Mac Mini UPDATED VIDEO!

Mr. Macintosh Deep Dive video that goes over the entire process and explains how the enter DFU and Apple Configurator 2 works + Troubleshooting!

How to install macOS on multiple Apple Silicon M1 Macs in about 10 minutes!

I’ve also written an article that goes over the entire new DFU + Apple Configurator 2 Apple Silicon Restore process below.

Restore macOS Firmware on an Apple Silicon M1 Mac + Boot to DFU Mode

Restore macOS Firmware on an Apple Silicon Mac + Boot to DFU Mode

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac Apple Configurator 2

6. Apple Silicon Security Policy

New Apple Silicon Macs now have 2 Security modes.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac Security Policy — Apple Silicon Security Policy menu

1.Full Security = “iOS Security” – Only the latest signed version of macOS can be installed on an Apple Silicon Mac.

Full Security
Ensures that only your current OS, or signed operating system software currently trusted by Apple, can run. This mode requires a network connection at software installation time.
WWDC 2020

2. Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple.

Reduced Security
Allows any version of signed operating system software ever trusted by Apple to run.
WWDC 2020

With the new Apple Silicon Security Policy, you can set a security policy for each container! On an Intel based Mac the security policy would be set on the entire system.

MrMacintosh.com - Apple Silicon Mac per-OS Security Policy — New Apple Silicon Security Policy can be set differently on each container.

7. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS

Will you be able to install older versions of macOS? A quick review;

Full Security = iOS based security, only the latest signed version of macOS can run on the system.
Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple can run on Apple Silicon
Note: The shipping OS version will be the oldest OS available to install

8. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?

Yes!

Note. The “Shipping version” of macOS on Apple Silicon is the lowest OS that can be installed. An example of this is the M1 iMac which came with 11.3. You can not install Big Sur 11.2 on it.

9. Where can I get macOS ISPW Firmware files?

I started a new database page that will keep track of all macOS Apple Silicone IPSW Firmware files.

The article will include

1. Full ISPW Files from Apple
2. Date when released
3. Is the ISPW File still signed?
4. Size of the macOS ISPW download.
5. Build Version of the macOS ISPW file.

mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/

10. Signed? What does that mean?

Starting with Apple Silicon, macOS OTA (Over The Air) Firmware will be signed by Apple. This means that they control which version of macOS can be installed on your Mac. The difference this time around is that Apple gives us the option to turn Signed Checking OFF. So you will still be able to install older versions of macOS.

Apple Silicon macOS Reinstall

macOS Big Sur 11.2 – List of Install & Upgrade Issues UPDATED!

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur running list of install / upgrade problems. — macOS Big Sur running list of install / upgrade problems.

This article is a running list of all known macOS Big Sur install / upgrade issues.

macOS Big Sur launched on Thursday November 12th, 2020. As with any launch of a product or software there will be issues. In the case of Big Sur, the problems started almost immediately. Users started to report download issues when trying to get Big Sur.

As the the week went by, more serious issues started showing up. If you are seeing a one of these issues, feel free leave a comment below.

Mr. Macintosh video that goes over some of the known Big Sur Install issues.

macOS Big Sur Install Issues Table of Contents

UPDATED 2/14/21 – List of macOS Big Sur Installation Issues.

1. Big Sur Full Installer.app Download Problems – “Installation Failed Error Occurred while installing the selected updates.”
2. Big Sur progress gets stuck mid installation – Black Screen with Apple Logo stuck or stopped progress bar
3. Big Sur Install failing and bricking some older 13″ MBPro’s – Installation fails and the Mac has a black screen – Will not respond to any startup commands.
4. Big Sur stuck in endless boot loop. – Some users are reporting after a good install the Mac is stuck in an endless boot loop.
5. Slowness after upgrade to Big Sur – Other have reported that their Mac is very slow after upgrading to Big Sur.
6. Reinstalling macOS Big Sur on Apple Silicon –
7. Big Sur Upgrade Error – An error occurred preparing the software update.
8. If you can’t unlock settings in System Preferences Big Sur 11.1
If more trending issues come in, they will be posted here.

1. Big Sur Full Installer.app Download Problems – “Installation Failed Error Occurred while installing the selected updates.”

UPDATE 11/27/20 – I’m still getting a bunch of people reaching out saying that they are still getting the error even after Apple fixed the issue! I have a fix for you via Hyram Hakkenbecker. You can download the full macOS Big Sur installer directly from Apple’s servers via Safari.

http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/50/49/001-79699-A_93OMDU5KFG/dkjnjkq9eax1n2wpf8rik5agns2z43ikqu/InstallAssistant.pkg

What this will do is download the entire InstallAssistant.pkg file. Install this package and it will put macOS Big Sur into your /Applications folder!

This issue started around 2:00PM CST on Big Sur Launch Day. Users started to see this error message when trying to download Big Sur.

If you would like more information on this issue, I wrote article on it.

mrmacintosh.com/big-sur-installation-failed-an-error-occurred-while-installing-the-selected-updates/

UPDATE!!!! 11/17/20

11/17/20 UPDATE!

2. Big Sur progress gets stuck mid installation – Black Screen with Apple Logo stuck or stopped progress bar

This issue happens halfway through the Big Sup upgrade or install process. The Mac has already rebooted to the installer and is now on the progress bar. The problem is, something has gone wrong on the install and the progress bar gets stuck at a certain percentage and will never move again.

The progress bar looks to gets stuck at around 40% and will never move again. Below is a screen shot from MacRumors forum user plandersen.

Big Sur install Black Screen progress bar stuck.

What should you do if this issue happens to you?

1. First WAIT! Sometimes the install process takes time. If after a few hours pass and the progress bar has not moved go to the next step.
2. At this point, you have no choice but to power down. I know this sounds drastic, but you literally have no other choice. The good news is, this is also the fix. Many users have reported that this fixes the issue for them. After force powering down the Mac will come back up and and will boot right to Big Sur.
3. If the progress bar still comes up your problem might be something else. I recommend holding down shift for safe mode. If this works reboot again to see if you still get stuck. – support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac

Mr. Macintosh video on the Big Sur Upgrade Stuck loading bar.

3. Big Sur Install bricking some older 2013 & 2014 13-inch MacBook Pros!

UPDATE! – Apple has BLOCKED the ability to install macOS Big Sur on 2013 & 2014 13″ MBPros!

mrmacintosh.com/big-sur-11-0-1-20b50-released-to-block-install-for-2013-14-13-mbpros/

Out of all the reports, this one is the most serious. I do not throw around the “Bricking” term much, as it means that the Mac is usually DEAD. In this situation, if this issue happens to your Mac it will be non responsive.

The reports say that the install starts but after the reboot they get a black screen with nothing on it. Even if the user restarts they will still get the black screen. If they attempt to hold down option, Command R, Reset the Pram, SMC… etc nothing works. In this mode the Mac will NOT respond to any startup keyboard commands

Mr. Macintosh video going over the 2013-2014 13″ MacBook Pro Bricking Issue

Mr. Macintosh UPDATE video going over the 2013-2014 13″ MacBook Pro Bricking Issue

Affected Macs known so far.

13″ MacBook Pro from 2013-2014.

What should you do if this issue happens to you?

In my option, this issue is 100% on Apple to fix for users. If an update or upgrade causes a Mac to become unusable they need to fix it at no cost to the user.

Wait until a possible new fix comes in.
Wait for a Service Program that will cover this issue.
Bring your Mac into service. Apple so far is saying that you will need to replace the logic board. If they say it will cost you to fix the issue, ask for escalation. This issue is not your fault. A macOS update or upgrade should not BRICK your Mac!
(WARNING this is a last ditch attempt. Try at your own risk!) Try disconnecting the I/O board.

Reddit user maknell wrote an great write up covering the issue.

Comment from discussion diegor’s comment from discussion "Black screen while upgrading to BigSur 11.0.1 beta".

Issue Links

4. Big Sur stuck in endless boot loop

Other users have reported that after installing Big Sur, their Mac will be in an endless boot loop.

What should you do if this issue happens to you?

1. Try to boot into safe mode. Does the the Mac boot correctly? If so something installed on your mac is causing this issue. Maybe it’s an 3rd party application that has installed a Kernel Extension or a LaunchDaemon that is causing the issue.
2. Reinstall macOS

5. Slowness after upgrade to Big Sur – Other have reported that their Mac is very slow after upgrading to Big Sur.

I am starting to see a decent amount people say that after updating to macOS Big Sur from macOS Mojave or Catalina has caused a bunch of weird issues including slowness. The slowness is all over the system, including opening apps, Apple Menu and system preferences just taking a long time to load.

What should you do if this issue happens to you?

Wait! It’s possible that spotlight search is currently indexing and can take some time.
If after a while the system is still slow, open up activity monitor and click on the CPU or Memory tabs. Are any apps or processes taking very large amounts of memory or CPU?
If so kill the process then check system performance.
Still having issues after checking everything? Backup your data and perform a fresh install. I have macOS Big Sur running on a bunch of Macs even all the way back to the 2014 model. They all run very well. Almost all of them had a fresh install. This might be the way to go.

6. Reinstall macOS Big Sur on Apple Silicon Mac = An error occurred preparing the update. failed to personalize the software update. Please try again.

If you try to reinstall macOS on your new M1 Apple Silicon Mac you will get an error. The issue requires a 2nd Mac to fix!

I go over the issue in the article below.

https://mrmacintosh.com/reinstalling-big-sur-on-apple-silicon-macs-with-11-0-20a2411-error/

Mr. Macintosh video that explains the issue.

Use a USB installer with Big Sur 11.0.1 to reinstall macOS
Download the new macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 from terminal and then use that version to install!
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211983

macOS Big Sur install issues

7. Big Sur Upgrade Error – An error occurred preparing the software update.

If you attempted to upgrade to macOS Big Sur and you did not have enough free space on your hard drive the upgrade will fail! This will also leave you in an upgrade install loop. Even worse, if you have Filevault encryption enabled you will be locked out of your data!

Mr. Macintosh Deep Dive full report of this issue + full walkthrough and fixes for multiple situations!

Full report and fix > https://mrmacintosh.com/big-sur-upgrade-not-enough-hd-space-serious-issue-possible-data-loss/

8. If you can’t unlock settings in System Preferences Big Sur 11.1

If you can’t unlock settings in System Preferences If System Preferences doesn’t accept a valid administrator password when you click the lock to make changes, try these solutions.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203127

Big Sur – Installation failed An error occurred while installing the selected updates.

macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 – Installation failed An error occurred while installing the selected updates.

macOS Big Sur was launched at 12:00PM CST. A few hours later, users started to report download problems.

UPDATE 02/20/21 – I’m still getting a bunch of people reaching out saying that they are still getting the error even after Apple fixed the issue! You can download the full macOS Big Sur installer directly from Apple’s servers via Safari.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 download

http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/00/60/071-05432-A_QOY2QE0UMR/puuz6c0epc7o0ozyovvi6tjxhzpf6uf04s/InstallAssistant.pkg

What this will do is download the entire InstallAssistant.pkg file. Install this package and it will put macOS Big Sur into your /Applications folder!

UPDATE 11/12 7:30PM CST – The download is working in the Software Update pane now. LET THE BIG SUR DOWNLOADING COMMENCE!!!

UPDATE 11/12 7:00PM CST – Some users are reporting that the download is starting to work. installinstallmacos.py is working for me but I’m still getting the error in the Software Update pane.

If you were able to download the full Big Sur installer before this issue happened, then you are one of the only people with a full installer right now! Maybe you can burn it to a Dual Layer DVD and sell it on ebay haha! (will have to be a blu-ray disc as a DL dvd is only 8.5GB and the Big Sur Installer is 12.2GB LOL)

This is the error you will get on Big Sur when trying to download macOS Big Sur.

My videos explaining the issue is below.

Mr. Macintosh video explaining the macOS Big Sur download issue Update #1

Mr. Macintosh video explaining the macOS Big Sur download issue.

Apple Server issues.

Apple did report a server side issue for macOS Software Updates.

.apple.com/support/systemstatus/

That section was marked as resolved though at 3:30 CST. The problem is, the download is still not working.

The issue is with one file

After digging in, the issue is with one file installassistant.pkg

If you use installinstallmacos.py to attempt to download macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B29)

curl: (22) The requested URL returned error: 403 Forbidden
Could not replicate http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/50/49/001-79699-A_93OMDU5KFG/dkjnjkq9eax1n2wpf8rik5agns2z43ikqu/InstallAssistant.pkg: Command '[u'/usr/bin/curl', u'-fL', u'--create-dirs', u'-o', u'./content/downloads/50/49/001-79699-A_93OMDU5KFG/dkjnjkq9eax1n2wpf8rik5agns2z43ikqu/InstallAssistant.pkg', u'--compressed', 'http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/50/49/001-79699-A_93OMDU5KFG/dkjnjkq9eax1n2wpf8rik5agns2z43ikqu/InstallAssistant.pkg']' returned non-zero exit status 22

We do not have access to download InstallAssistant.pkg and get a 403 Forbidden Error.

Once this issue is fixed, I will will let everyone know.

Once access to this file is restored, we should be able to download Big Sur again. I will keep you updated.