macOS Big Sur Installation Failed: 'An Error Occurred While Installing the Selected Updates' - MacRumors
Skip to Content

macOS Big Sur Installation Failed: 'An Error Occurred While Installing the Selected Updates'

Apple this morning released macOS Big Sur to the public, and since the software went live, it has had extremely long download times that have prevented many from being able to install it.

macos software update issue
Even those who have made progress through the download have run into problems where the software downloading process is suddenly interrupted and must be restarted. Others have reported being able to download the update and then having the installation fail. Apple's site appears to be having some major issues due to the number of people attempting to download the update at once.

In addition to these Big Sur download problems, Apple's developer site is also down at this time, and as a result, some third-party apps are unable to be opened up at this time.

an error occured screenshot

An error occurred while installing the selected updates

It's not clear what's causing the problem. It could be that the macOS Big Sur downloads are failing due to a developer site issue or the developer site could be failing under the strain of macOS Big Sur demand, but it is clear that those hoping to get the new software should hold off until things are more stable.

Apple's System Status page is listing an issue with macOS Software Updates and says that the problem is "currently being investigated."

Related Forum: macOS Big Sur

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

ActionJacksonHern Avatar
70 months ago
Who else is seeing this?


Attachment Image
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
70 months ago
Guys, please keep posting screenshots of the same error message, it's really interesting and helping.
Score: 59 Votes (Like | Disagree)
70 months ago


Attachment Image
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
budfoot Avatar
70 months ago
Apple just DOS'd every single mac for almost 10 minutes. This is the bigger issue. I shouldn't have to check-in to an Apple server every time i want to launch Microsoft Word.

How is this OK?

(no, i didn't have a failed install)
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ghostface147 Avatar
70 months ago
My machine can no longer run any 3rd party programs after a restart after several installation failed notices during download.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
70 months ago
Pathetic.

Netflix, etc, can handle the load when a new movie or TV series is dropped. You'd think Apple would've figured this out by now.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)