Stuck With ‘Not Enough Space To Install macOS Big Sur’ Error: What To Do

macOS Big Sur brought major app enhancements and probably the biggest design change in almost 20 years. So, I am sure you don’t want to miss it at any cost. The new version has been out since November 12, still, several users couldn’t update their Mac straight away. Since most of you are getting the error message ‘Not Enough Space To Install macOS Big Sur’, we’ve curated a list of effective solutions that can help you fix the problem as soon as possible.

Stuck With ‘Not Enough Space To Install macOS Big Sur’ Error (Solved)

The article answers the following queries related to macOS Big Sur, if you have any other doubt in your mind, feel free to shoot them in the comments section below:

So, let’s get started!

PART 1- Should I Install macOS Big Sur?

After spending a few weeks with Apple’s latest Mac update – Big Sur, it won’t be wrong to say that it’s fairly stable and installation was quite easy and straightforward. To be honest, Apple has slightly exaggerated the drastic redesign. It’s certainly the most dramatic revamp since macOS Yosemite, but you’ll find all the essential UI elements unchanged. The selection of brightly colored wallpaper and the translucent menu bar is surely a big alteration, the update has brought. But if you are nervous about bugs or potentially hurting your Mac’s performance, you might like to wait for the bigger update.

PART 2- How To Check For Available Storage Space On Mac?

To check how much storage is available and what files are consuming the largest part of your space, follow the steps below:

STEP 1- Hit the Apple logo, located on the top-left corner of the window.

STEP 2- Navigate to ‘About This Mac’ section.

STEP 3- Find and click on the Storage option.

On the next window, hover with the mouse on each section of the storage bar to see which types of files are consuming most of your storage space. You can further get rid of those files and make some significant space on your Mac for storing useful stuff.

PART 3- MacOS Big Sur General Requirements

According to Apple Support Team, listed are the General Requirements & Mac Hardware Requirements to get the macOS Big Sur:

General Requirements: 

• OS X 10.9 or later
• 4GB of memory
• 35.5GB available storage on macOS Sierra or later*
• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
• Some features need a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements: 

• MacBook (2015 or later)
• MacBook Air (2013 or later)
• MacBook Pro (2013 or later)
• Mac Pro (2013 or later)
• Mac Mini (2014 or later)
• iMac (2014 or later)
• iMac Pro (2017 or later).

PART 4- How Much Storage Does macOS Big Sur Take Up?

*Well, if you are upgrading from macOS Sierra or above version, the new Big Sur update will need at least 35.5 GB of available storage. In case you are upgrading from an earlier release, Big Sur requires up to 44.5 GB of space.

PART 5- Best Ways To Resolve ‘Not Enough Space To Install macOS Big Sur’ Error

To get rid of the error message “There is not enough space on the selected volume to upgrade to the OS Big Sur”, follow the steps below:

Way 1- Backup Your Data 

For starters, simply backup all your files and folders to an external storage device or on the Cloud to remove the clutter. Doing so you can free up occupied space and although Big Sur is safe, you never know when something might go wrong. To prevent your data from loss, it is recommended that you safely transfer all of your important files to an external drive or use a Cloud Storage Solution.

Way 2- Declutter Storage Space Using Disk Clean Pro

If you don’t already have a Mac Cleaning & Optimization utility like Disk Clean Pro installed, download it for FREE using the button below. It’s a powerful software to scan your system and detect junk files, unused/large files, caches, cookies, histories & much more that can occupy unnecessary storage space on Mac. It features tons of modules for one-click cleaning, junk cleaning, logs cleaner, partial or old downloads manager, large file remover & more.

STEP 1- Install and launch Disk Clean Pro.

STEP 2- Hit the Start System Scan button.

STEP 3- Click the ‘Clean Now’ button to free up space and reclaim a significant amount of storage for upgrading to macOS Big Sur.

You can read the Review to find out more about Disk Clean Pro.

Way 3- Delete Unwanted Apps 

Well, getting rid of unwanted software and programs is another way to free up storage space for the macOS Big Sur update.

• Navigate to the Applications from the left sidebar (In the Manage Storage section).

• You’ll find the list of Mac programs installed and taking the largest space on your system.

• Delete them one by one to free up storage.

You’ll be surprised to know how much space you have recovered by deleting useless and unused apps stored on your Mac.

Way 4 – Remove Messages Attachments 

You might not realize but attachments in Messages applications can take a significant amount of storage space. Hence, it is essential to clean them also:

STEP 1- From the Storage Recommendations section, navigate to the Messages.

STEP 2- Select all the attachments. (Shortcut – Press Shift + Down Arrow key).

STEP 3- Once selected, hit the Delete button to remove them once and for all!

Still, getting ‘Not Enough Space To Install macOS Big Sur’ Error? Well, you might have to clear more storage on Mac. Here’re some perfect guides for you:

• 10 Best Ways To Clear System Storage On Mac

• What Is “Other” On Mac Storage And How To Remove It?

• How to Cleanup Mac Hard Drive and Recover Storage Space?

• 10 Best Mac Cleaner Apps & Optimization Software In 2021 (Free & Paid)

PART 6- Prepare Yourself Before Installing macOS Big Sur 11.1

Now that you have successfully resolved “There is not enough space on the selected volume to upgrade to the OS Big Sur” error message, it’s time to get your hands on the update, but before that, you need to prepare yourself a little bit.

We recommend spending at least 30 minutes or more to prepare your device for the new upgrade. Make sure you follow all the steps:

• Learn everything about macOS Big Sur 11.1 & Security Patches on board.
• Decide whether you want to upgrade or do a clean install.
• Backup your Mac completely.
• Have all your passwords handy.
• Make yourself aware of the potential issues that might appear with macOS Big Sur.
• Check for compatibility & updates.
• Learn about the downgrade process.

If you’ve strictly followed the checklist and all set to install the macOS Big Sur Update, move to the next part!

PART 7- How To Install macOS Big Sur Update?

Follow the steps below to install Big Sur Update on your Mac:

STEP 1- Now that you’ve fulfilled all the requirements needed for upgrading to macOS Big Sur, the next step is to download the update. Click here to get the Big Sur from Mac App Store!

STEP 2- Hit the Get button.

STEP 3- Navigate to the System Preferences and click on the Download option.

STEP 4- Keep patience as the download process may take several hours.

STEP 5- Hit the Continue button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Make sure you do not close Mac’s lid during the installation process!

Start using your Mac with a Big Sur update. Don’t forget to share your experience and thoughts about the new features and changes in the comments section below!