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How to Install macOS Big Sur on Your Mac

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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How to Install macOS Big Sur on Your Mac

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Installing macOS Big Sur on your Mac can bring new life to your device, adding new features and improved security. This article will guide you step-by-step through the installation process, from checking system requirements to final configuration. The goal is to ensure a seamless transition with minimal hassle.

Before you begin: Back up your data

The first and most important step before installing any operating system is to make sure your data is backed up. MacOS offers an integrated backup solution known as Time Machine. To prepare a backup, connect an external drive to your Mac. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
  2. Select Time Machine.
  3. Click Select backup disk.
  4. Select your connected external drive and click Use Disk.

Time Machine will start backing up your data. Make sure you let it complete before you begin the installation. Another option is to use third-party services or manually copy the required files to cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox.

Checking system compatibility

macOS Big Sur has specific system requirements. It is important to confirm the compatibility of your device before proceeding with the installation. Big Sur supports the following Mac models:

To find the model and year of your Mac, click the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, and review the information under the Overview tab.

Prepare your Mac

After backing up your data and verifying compatibility, there are several preliminary steps to ensure the installation goes smoothly.

Free up disk space

Big Sur requires enough space to install. Make sure you have at least 15-20 GB of free space. Here's how to free up space:

  1. Delete unnecessary files or apps by dragging them to the trash.
  2. Empty your trash by clicking the trash icon and selecting Empty Trash.
  3. Review your Downloads folder for out-of-date files.
  4. Use Optimized Storage by going to About This Mac > Storage > Manage.

MacOS will show a detailed report of your storage usage, with suggestions on where you can free up space.

Update existing macOS

Make sure your current macOS is up-to-date. To update, do the following:

  1. Open System Preferences.
  2. Select Software Update.
  3. If there's a macOS update, click Update now.

Updating your existing OS ensures better compatibility with the new installation. Also, it often resolves minor issues that may interfere with the installation process.

Ensure a stable internet connection

Since macOS Big Sur is a large download, a fast and stable internet connection is a must. Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network and reduce network congestion by pausing large file downloads or video streams during the installation process.

Download macOS Big Sur

Once you've prepared your Mac, follow these steps to download macOS Big Sur:

  1. Open the App Store from your Dock or using Finder.
  2. Type "macOS Big Sur" into the search bar.
  3. Click the Get button next to the Big Sur icon.
  4. It will redirect you to Software Update where you will see the details of the update.
  5. Click the Download or Upgrade Now button to begin downloading Big Sur.

This process may take some time, and your Mac must remain on during the download.

Install macOS Big Sur

After the download is complete, your Mac is ready for installation. Meet the Big Sur interface:

  1. When prompted, press Continue.
  2. Agree to the software license agreement.
  3. Select the drive where you want to install the OS, usually called Macintosh HD.
  4. Click on Install.

Your Mac will now restart and the installation will begin. Make sure it stays connected to a power source during the process.

Setup after installation

When your Mac restarts successfully, follow these steps for setup:

Sign in with your Apple ID

You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID to set up iCloud and the App Store. Enter your credentials, and make sure you have two-factor authentication enabled for increased security.

Configure System Preferences

After installation is the best time to personalize your System Preferences. Review these settings:

Notifications and widgets

With Big Sur, notifications are more interactive, and widgets are customizable. To configure these, access the Notification Center via the date and time field in the menu bar.

Explore new features

Explore new features like:

Troubleshooting installation issues

If you encounter any problems during installation, consider these troubleshooting suggestions:

Verify Disk Health

If the installation fails, there may be a problem with your drive. Use Disk Utility to check and repair:

  1. Reboot into Recovery mode by pressing Command + R during startup.
  2. Open Disk Utility and select your drive.
  3. Click on First Aid to start the repair process.

Reset the PRAM and SMC

Resetting your Mac's PRAM and SMC may resolve the following problems:

  1. To reset the PRAM, shut down your Mac, then turn it on by pressing the Command+Option+P+R keys.
  2. To reset the SMC, shut down your Mac, then, for MacBooks with a T2 chip, hold down Control + Option + Shift before pressing the power button.

Get Apple Support

If the problem persists, contact Apple Support online or by visiting an Apple Store.

Conclusion

By following this detailed guide, you should successfully install macOS Big Sur on your Mac. Remember, keeping your Mac updated ensures security and access to new features.

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