Big Sur installation message An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again.

I keep getting this error message, An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again. 


Anyone know what the problem is or how to fix it. No a particularly helpful error message

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 4, 2020 09:37 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 4, 2020 09:47 AM

Boot into Safe Mode by booting with the Shift key held down and try installing from there.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 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 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 4, 2020 09:47 AM in response to Monty Trofel

Boot into Safe Mode by booting with the Shift key held down and try installing from there.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 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


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Big Sur installation message An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again.

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