have more than 20,000 files your upgrade could fail.
In some situations users have reported 500,000 – 2,000,000 files!!!
This is the reason why the problem could never be reproduced.
If you build a fresh system the file counts for spotlight will be very low. You might have 20-400 entries. This would allow the upgrad to finish properly.
Table of contents
Different situations. The macOS stuck progress bar issue has many different situations.
How can I check how many mdworker files my system has before an upgrade.
I have more than 20,000 files. How do I clear them out before the upgrade?
The files have been deleted! Now what?
What if you booted your failed Mac into safe mode after having the issue?
macOS Monterey Beta 7 is now available for Developers.
UPDATED 9/28
Apple just dropped macOS Monterey Beta 7. The update comes one day after iOS 15 Launch Day. It has been 3 weeks since macOS Monterey Beta 6. Let’s jump in and find out what’s new in this update.
Beta 7 is now available as a Delta update, M1 IPSW Restore File & Full Installer
Full Installer & Public Beta are not availableEDIT: Available now!
Something is wrong with the Monterey Beta 7 Full Installer! Once downloaded it is only a 32MB stub file. I’ve submitted this issue to Apple Enterprise Support. The installer should be fixed in Beta 8.
Does Monterey Beta 7 address the FORCEDENTRY iMessage zero-click exploit? – Unknown
Universal Control =Not mentioned in iOS 15.1 Beta or Monterey Beta 7 Patch notes
SideCar Preference Pane = SideCar settings was moved to the Display Preferences Pane.
New “Focus” setting Notifications when settings are changed on iPhone or iPad.
macOS Monterey Beta Patch Notes Summary
1. Enterprise – 0
2. New Features – 0
3. Known Issues – 20
4. Resolved Issues – 3
5. Deprecations – 6
My macOS Monterey Beta 7 Update Video.
Table of Contents
1. Apple Links
2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Monterey
macOS Big Sur 11.5 (20G71) is now available for all users!
UPDATED 07/24/21
Apple just dropped the new macOS Big Sur 11.5 Update. The update is usually released alongside iOS. We instead got a second release candidate of 11.5. The build version of RC1 was 20G70. The new build is 20G71. Apple did not provide any information on the differences between 20G70 & 20G71. It has been about one and a half months since Apple released 11.4. Let’s jump in and find out what’s new in this update!
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: 1/28/25
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 >
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.
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.
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!
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.
Download Full macOS Beta & Prod versions of Big Sur with one click!
macOS Big Sur Final & Beta Full Installers
This database will contain download links for macOS Big Sur 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 Big Sur.app”. Once downloaded, all you need to do is install the pkg and the full installer of Big Sur 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.
If you are looking for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra or El Capitan look here >
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.
The InstallAssistant.pkg is just a standard package that includes the full macOS Big Sur installer.app. All the pkg does is install/move the app to your applications folder. Let’s take a closer look.
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
Have you sent over version information to me? THANK YOU!
A big thanks to Eric Holtam @eholtam. When I need to verify something in SUS, he always lends a hand!
The macOS Big Sur upgrade is not checking to make sure enough free HD space is available. The upgrade will start, then run out of space and fail. If FV2 encryption is enabled, you will be locked out of your data!
UPDATED 10/07/21 –Latest Updates!!! – For the latest information be sure to check the UPDATES section below.
Quick Summary – When you start the macOS Big Sur upgrade, the installer should first check to make sure your Mac has enough free space available. If the installer finds that you do not have enough free space for the upgrade, it will stop and not let you continue. You should see a pop up message showing you how much space is needed before you can attempt the upgrade again. This free space check is NOT working. The upgrade will start even if you only have 1% of free space left and will fail. Your hard drive is now 100% full and the installer is now stuck in a boot loop attempting to finish the install. This leaves you unable access your data! I will go over all the details below and show you a fix at the end.
I’ve been trying to get a handle on this issue for over a month now. The first signs that this is becoming a larger issue came after the macOS Big Sur 11.2 update was made available. Reports started to roll in saying that the Big Sur Upgrade failed and the only way to fix it was to erase and reinstall macOS. I noticed an increase in traffic to this article. >
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
