macOS Big Sur issues and how to fix them
macOS Big Sur (macOS 11): Troubleshooting Common Issues and Solutions
Released in November 2020, macOS Big Sur marked a significant design overhaul for Apple's operating system. While a major upgrade, it also introduced several known issues. This guide covers reported problems and their solutions. Consider using a suite of helpful apps to proactively address potential performance and data issues.
Addressing macOS Big Sur Problems
Here's a breakdown of common macOS 11 problems and their fixes:
-
Download Issues: macOS Big Sur may fail to download or download extremely slowly.
- Compatibility: Ensure your Mac model is compatible (MacBook 2015 , MacBook Air 2013 , MacBook Pro 2013 , Mac Pro 2013 , Mac Mini 2014 , iMac 2014 , iMac Pro 2017 ).
- Internet Connection: Verify a stable internet connection; use a network utility like WiFi Explorer to diagnose Wi-Fi problems.
- Apple System Status: Check Apple's system status page (apple.com) for server outages.
-
Incorrect Version: If downloading macOS 10.15.6 instead of macOS 11, follow these Terminal commands (execute as root):
/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Seeding.framework/Versions/A/Resources/seedutil unenroll
, then/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Seeding.framework/Versions/A/Resources/seedutil enroll DeveloperSeed
(if applicable). Check Software Update again. - Disk Space: Free up at least 15GB of disk space using a utility like CleanMyMac X to remove unnecessary files and optimize storage.
-
Installation Issues: macOS Big Sur might get stuck during installation.
- Safe Mode: Reboot in Safe Mode (hold Shift during startup) and retry installation.
- NVRAM Reset: Reset NVRAM (Option Command P R during startup).
- SMC Reset: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) – instructions vary depending on your Mac model (refer to Apple support).
-
App Launch Problems: Apps may fail to launch or launch slowly.
- App Notarization: This was a temporary server-side issue during the initial release; it should be resolved now.
- Login Items: Disable unnecessary login items in System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
- System Clutter: Use CleanMyMac X to remove unnecessary files and optimize performance.
-
Boot Issues: macOS Big Sur may fail to boot.
- Force Restart: Force restart your Mac.
- Power Supply: Check power connections.
- Different Account: Try logging in with a different user account.
- Recovery Mode: Boot into Recovery Mode (Command R during startup), use Disk Utility's First Aid, and reinstall macOS.
-
Freezing and System Restarts: Unexpected freezing and restarts may occur.
- Performance Optimization: Use CleanMyMac X's Maintenance feature to run maintenance scripts, free RAM, and optimize performance.
-
Battery Drain: Faster than usual battery depletion.
- Activity Monitor: Use Activity Monitor's Energy tab to identify energy-intensive apps.
- iStat Menus: Use iStat Menus for detailed system monitoring and energy usage tracking.
- Battery Extender App: Consider a battery optimization app like Endurance.
-
Bluetooth Problems: Bluetooth connectivity issues.
- Bluetooth Reset: Press Shift Option, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, select "Reset the Bluetooth module," and restart your Mac.
-
Slow Performance: Overall system sluggishness.
- Login Items: Disable unnecessary login items.
- Performance Monitoring & Cleanup: Use iStat Menus and CleanMyMac X for monitoring and cleanup.
- SMC Reset: Reset the SMC if other solutions fail.
-
Network Problems: Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
- Network Reset: Reset network settings in System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced.
- WiFi Explorer: Use WiFi Explorer to diagnose Wi-Fi problems.
- SMC Reset: Reset the SMC if necessary.
-
USB 2.0 Issues: Connectivity problems with USB 2.0 devices (primarily affects some 2020 MacBook Air/Pro models).
- Restart: Restart your Mac and try reconnecting.
-
Missing Menu Bar: The menu bar disappears.
- Fast User Switching: Disable "Show fast user switching menu as" in System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Options. Then disable Fast User Switching in the new Dock & Menu Bar preferences.
This guide provides solutions for many reported macOS Big Sur issues. If you encounter problems not listed, consider performing a system cleanup to optimize performance. Remember to back up your data before performing any major system changes.
The above is the detailed content of macOS Big Sur issues and how to fix them. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Hot AI Tools

Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free

Clothoff.io
AI clothes remover

Video Face Swap
Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!

Hot Article

Hot Tools

Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor

SublimeText3 Chinese version
Chinese version, very easy to use

Zend Studio 13.0.1
Powerful PHP integrated development environment

Dreamweaver CS6
Visual web development tools

SublimeText3 Mac version
God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

Hot Topics











After upgrading to the latest macOS, does the Mac run slower? Don't worry, you are not alone! This article will share my experience in solving slow Mac running problems after upgrading to macOS Sequoia. After the upgrade, I can’t wait to experience new features such as recording and transcription of voice notes and improved trail map planning capabilities. But after installation, my Mac started running slowly. Causes and solutions for slow Mac running after macOS update Here is my summary of my experience, I hope it can help you solve the problem of slow Mac running after macOS Sequoia update: Cause of the problem Solution Performance issues Using Novabe

This guide explains how to convert between Live Photos, videos, and GIFs on iPhones and Macs. Modern iPhones excel at image processing, but managing different media formats can be tricky. This tutorial provides solutions for various conversions, al

macOS WindowServer: Understanding High CPU Usage and Solutions Have you noticed WindowServer consuming significant CPU resources on your Mac? This process is crucial for your Mac's graphical interface, rendering everything you see on screen. High C

You might need to repair your Mac disk if your computer won’t start up, apps keep freezing, you can’t open certain documents, or the performance has slowed to a halt. Luckily, Apple includes a handy tool you can use to

You can’t really use the internet nowadays without encountering the hashtag symbol that looks like this — #. Popularized on a global scale by Twitter as a way to define common tweet themes and later adopted by Instagram and other apps to c

Managing Mac storage: A comprehensive guide to deleting files Daily Mac usage involves installing apps, creating files, and downloading data. However, even high-end Macs have limited storage. This guide provides various methods for deleting unneces

With a market share of over 65.7%, Google Chrome is the biggest web browser in the world. You can use it if you use other operating systems like Windows and Android, but many Mac users also prefer Chrome over Safari. Mo

From the dawn of time to just about a few years ago, all of us sported a pair of wired headphones and were convinced that this is simply how it will be done forever. After all, they are the easiest technology around: just plug them in, put them
