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

M5 Vision Pro Thumb 2

Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:31 am PDT by
Apple has all but given up on the Vision Pro after the M5 model failed to revitalize interest in the device, MacRumors has learned. Apple updated the Vision Pro with a faster M5 chip and a more comfortable band in October 2025, but there were no other hardware changes, and consumers still weren't interested. The Vision Pro has been criticized for its high price tag and its uncomfortable...
app store monthly sub commitment

Apple Introduces App Store Monthly Subscriptions With 12-Month Commitment

Monday April 27, 2026 12:52 pm PDT by
Apple today announced the launch of a new subscription option for App Store developers: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. The new option allows developers to offer subscribers discounted pricing typically associated with an annual subscription but paid on a monthly basis to keep payments more affordable. This new payment option allows you to offer subscribers more affordable...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro to Launch in September With These 10 New Features

Tuesday April 28, 2026 9:35 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...

Top Rated Comments

ActionJacksonHern Avatar
71 months ago
Who else is seeing this?


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


Attachment Image
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
budfoot Avatar
71 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
71 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)
71 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)