macOS Big Sur vs Catalina: Why You Can't Download the Update

If you're experiencing issues with downloading macOS Big Sur or Catalina, you're not alone. Many users have reported encountering problems when trying to update their Macs to the latest operating system. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common issues and provide solutions to help you get your Mac up and running with the latest software.

If it has a green dot, then there's no issue, but other colors suggest there's a problem with Apple delivering the update. As you can see from the screenshot above, there had been issues with the software update at the time of writing, which have since been resolved.

Another reason could be that you simply do not have enough space on your computer. There should be a section labelled 'macOS Software Update'. You can also check the live status of the Apple Server (opens in new tab) to make sure everything is alright on Apple's end. If you think this is the case, try again later on a non-peak time to see if the download works then. It may be because a lot of people are trying to download macOS Big Sur at the same time.

There are a few reasons why you may encounter this issue. That content can't be downloaded at this time. Installation requires downloading important content. A few get the following error message: 'Installation of macOS could not continue.' Others, on the other hand, are seeing 'The network connection was lost' error messages when they try to download macOS Big Sur.

One of the most common macOS 11 Big Sur problems that people have encountered is that macOS 11 fails to download, with some users seeing an error message that says 'Installation failed.'

For those of you sticking with us, let's take a look at the most common macOS 11 Big Sur Problems and exactly how to solve them. Or, if you're ready to take the leap to the next OS, check out how to download macOS 12 Monterey. If you haven't grabbed Big Sur yet, take a look at our how to download and install macOS 11 Big Sur guide.

By following these tips, you should be able to resolve any issues you're experiencing with downloading macOS Big Sur or Catalina. Remember to always keep your Mac updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

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