Apple showcased its new operating system in June of 2020. macOS Big Sur no longer continues the classic OS X series (macOS 10...and forth) and this promises some solid changes. Putting all the hype aside, we’ll explain how you can test the new macOS and be the first among your friends who’s conquered the Big Sur.
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable internet connection. Safari uses these links to find the old installers in the App Store. After downloading from the App Store, the installer opens automatically. Download macOS Big Sur from Mac App Store If you want to take the plain and simple route of installing Big Sur from the Mac App Store, you can do that as well. Simply click on the link below. Download macOS 11.2.1 Big Sur.DMG Final Installer Without App Store After testing and experimenting with different macOS Big Sur 11 Beta updates, Apple has officially released the all-new 'macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 Final Version (Build 20D75)' for Mac devices.
So, how to download macOS Big Sur update?
macOS Big Sur was released on November 13, 2020 after a series of beta versions. But it doesn't mean the Final version is free from errors. Some security holes will like be found and patched in due time.
A few ideas before you install Big Sur download
- If possible, install on a separate drive/partition.
- Make sure you have at least 30-50 GB of free space.
- Make a bootable Catalina install so you can always go back.
Step 3: Download the Big Sur installer. Starting November 12, you’ll be able to access the Big Sur installer in the Apple menu About This Mac Software update. Alternatively, you can download the installer from the Mac App Store. It’s free and effortless. But be careful, it’s important to not rush things here. macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your pr.
1. Clean up your drive and back it up
A clean new install is always a safe choice. It’s often recommended that you free your startup drive from outdated cache files and debris from old apps. You can clean your Mac to make sure that these redundant items don’t stand in the way of your fresh new macOS.
To clean your hard drive without fuss, run a cleaning utility.
For example, you can run CleanMyMac X — this tool is notarized by Apple and is safe.
Download the free version of CleanMyMac X here
Launch it and follow the prompts on the screen.
This step ensures your Mac is free from unseen junk — you can expect to remove a few gigabytes of garbage. The app also checks your drive for viruses as a bonus.
Now, back up your hard drive
Now that your hard drive is sparkling clean, you can prepare the backup option. New macOS releases are prone to crashes, so you’ll need a “save” you can always go back to should things go wrong.
Click on Launchpad > Time Machine
2. Go to Software Updates
Since its public release, macOS Big Sur can be downloaded in a usual way from the Mac App Store. But it's even easier to find it in your Software Updates window in System Preferences.
Go to the System Preferences > Software Updates...
If you see macOS Big Sur there, click Upgrade Now
Macos Big Sur App Download
3. Download Big Sur installer package
You will need to allow this download, after which you’ll be ready to run the macOS Big Sur Installation app. It will appear in your Applications.
Go to your Applications and find the file called 'Install macOS Big Sur'
A few more clicks and checkboxes down the road and you’ll be installing the macOS itself.
macOS Big Sur download takes up around 12 GB of hard disk space.
Compatibility questions
Some Mac models will be left out with this release. This mostly relates to Macs made around 2012. Here is the list of Big-Sur compatible computers:
MacBook (12-inch) — from 2015 and newer.
Mac mini, iMac — from 2014 onwards.
MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro — from 2013 onwards.
iMac Pro — all models.
Cautions and troubleshooting
Free space
As stated above, having enough free space on your drive is crucial. The new Big Sur macOS will be automatically downloading lots of patches, plugins, and other things. So it’s always a question, how much storage you will end up needing.
To free up tons of space without much fuss, grab a free copy of CleanMyMac X by MacPaw. You will probably like this app for Mac maintenance.
Activation Lock
The whole issue with iCloud, iTunes passwords and needing to reset them is every Mac user’s headache. Protect yourself before you download macOS Big Sur installer: Double-check your actual password for Apple services. Or, as another idea, turn off the Activation Lock before Big Sur installation. This requires that you sign in to iCloud.com > Find my Mac and remove your device from your Account.
Installation freeze-ups
macOS Big Sur is still a baby, so, quite often, it will freeze during the installation. For this reason, some people never install new macOS versions until all bugs have been fixed. Don’t abrupt the process and stay patient. Also, ensure that your internet connection is stable during that time. But you have prepared the backup, just in case, right?
What’s there to see in Big Sur
You have probably watched the snippets of Big Sur during WWDC keynote. It’s impressive enough in terms of added features, although admittedly, not as revolutionary as its counterpart, iOS 14. If you decided to follow the above steps and download Big Sur, here’s what you can expect.
The looks
The macOS interface received a much-needed facelift. Windows and toolbars feel larger, and they are more rounded. Many folks agree that the Dark Mode looks much better on Big Sur compared to Catalina. The new Finder looks so weightless and thin!
Control Center
The Control Center is praised by many. A quick pane to manage settings like sound and brightness right at your fingertips is convenient. And while you’re doing all this, you can skip music tracks. By the way, if you ever used CleanMyMac X and its Assistant, you’ll find the new Control Center strikingly familiar. Might there be a coincidence?
Download the free version of this software here. This app is truly a Mac gem that is above any other Mac fixer in terms of design and thoughtfulness of each feature.
Safari update
Craig Federighi boldly states that we’ll see “the biggest Safari update in its history.” There is an instant one-click translator, refreshed tabs, and something for your passwords too. Safari will check your entered passwords for potential password leaks that had happened in the past. In macOS Big Sur Safari takes a hit on Chrome, promising much faster speeds. Luckily, you can prove this on your own Mac when you download macOS Big Sur installer.
Conclusion
We’ve just told you how to install macOS Big Sur on your Mac. This brand new operating system promises a bunch of revolutionary tools for your computer. Just imagine, a floating Dock! Or, notification panel you can customize.
It might also be useful to clean up your drive before you attempt the update. You can use our favorite cleaner, CleanMyMac X, or do it manually. That’s all for today — stay safe and healthy!
To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility, and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Learn how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.
Check compatibility
If a macOS installer can't be used on your Mac, the installer will let you know. For example, it might say that it's too old to be opened on this version of macOS, or that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation.
To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite. You can also find compatibility information on the product-ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro.
Make a backup
Before installing, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Download macOS
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable internet connection.
Macos Big Sur Ios Apps
Safari uses these links to find the old installers in the App Store. After downloading from the App Store, the installer opens automatically.
- macOS Catalina 10.15 can upgrade Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks
- macOS Mojave 10.14 can upgrade High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion
- macOS High Sierra 10.13 can upgrade Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion
Safari downloads the following older installers as a disk image named InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It installs an app named Install [Version Name]. Open that app from your Applications folder to begin installing the operating system.
- macOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion
- OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard
- OS X Yosemite 10.10can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard
Install macOS
Follow the onscreen instructions in the installer. It might be easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
Macos Big Sur App Store
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs macOS and related firmware updates.
Learn more
You might also be able to use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.