Software Upgrade from Catalina

Question

Level 1

4 points

Software Upgrade from Catalina

Hello all, I'm trying to upgrade from Catalina 10.15.7 to Big Sur. After clicking on the software update button, the box comes up and says checking for updates. However, the pinwheel keeps spinning and nothing happens; just keeps spinning and spinning. I then tried to go in to the App Store and no updates were found. I'm not sure why no upgrades are coming up for me.

This my system: iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017). I have 910GB of free storage. Thanks for your help!

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 1, 2023 12:29 PM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

23,535 points

Jan 1, 2023 02:07 PM in response to BRE240Z

Umm, I don't think you can upgrade from Catalina to Big Sur any more via the software update button. Ventura, yes, but not Big Sur or Monterey.

You will probably have to download the Big Sur installer manually - instructions are here -> How to download macOS - Apple Support Note that you need to use Safari to do this, other browsers have not worked well.

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Answer 2

BRE240Z Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 1, 2023 08:02 PM in response to MartinR

Thanks for the reply. Monterey or Ventura doesn't come up has an option to upgrade when performing the Software Update. Nothing comes up; the pin wheel keeps spinning.

I tried the link you provided for Big Sur 11. The Software Update box came up but says it's "Finding Update......."

Nothing happens. Looks like the Software Update box is trying to do something, but gets hung up in the process.

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

133,547 points

Jan 1, 2023 08:21 PM in response to BRE240Z

You can try running this command in the Terminal. If it works, Install MacOS Big Sur will be in the Applications folder and you can run it from there.

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 11.7.2

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Answer 4

MartinR

Level 7

23,535 points

Jan 2, 2023 03:15 PM in response to dialabrain

ooogh. Sorry to hear that. I hope your symptoms aren't too bad and you're up and around soon. I'm sure you're taking good care of yourself.

Heard tonight that my son & grandsons also just tested positive. The boys are mostly sniffly and tired but happy to get an additional week off from school. Dad says they have been very well behaved, especially since he's been doing a lot of sleeping. We're thinking of dropping off a roast chicken dinner for them, maybe also a pot of chicken soup.

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Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

133,547 points

Jan 1, 2023 01:48 PM in response to BRE240Z

Check Software Update while in Safe Mode.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 6

dialabrain

Level 10

133,547 points

Jan 1, 2023 02:10 PM in response to MartinR

Nevermind. I just tested positive for COVID so I'm not myself. 😎

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Answer 7

dialabrain

Level 10

133,547 points

Jan 2, 2023 04:19 PM in response to MartinR

Thanks. Our systems aren't too bad. Just distracting. Sorry to hear about your son and grandsons.

A chicken dinner & soup sounds good even without COVID. 😎

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Answer 8

BRE240Z Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 3, 2023 11:23 AM in response to dialabrain

Interesting.....I just noticed that Monterey is in the Applications folder for download, but Big Sur 11 is not. Ok to just try and download Monterey and forget about Big Sur 11? Thoughts? Thanks!

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