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Here’s what to do if you can’t install macOS Big Sur on your 13-inch MacBook Pro

While macOS Big Sur has been available to the public since last week, some users have reported that they were unable to install the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system on their Mac computers. More specifically, macOS Big Sur is having compatibility issues with some older MacBooks, and if you’re facing this issue, Apple today shared some ways to fix that.

The company published a new support article on its official website confirming that some users are unable to install macOS Big Sur on 13-inch MacBook Pro models launched in 2013 and 2014. For these users, Apple has provided a guide that should let them install macOS Big Sur on these affected MacBooks.

In some cases, the MacBook simply won’t turn on anymore after installing macOS Big Sur, while other users have reported that the update can’t even be installed on these Macs.

When you install macOS Big Sur on these Mac models, the installer might say that the update cannot be installed on this computer, or your Mac might start up to a blank screen or circle with a line through it If your Mac no longer starts up successfully, these steps might help resolve the issue.

If you’re having troubles when installing macOS Big Sur on your MacBook, you may want to try the following steps:

  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac for at least 10 seconds, then release. If your Mac is on, it turns off.
  2. Unplug all external devices from your Mac, including any displays and USB accessories, and remove any card inserted in the SDXC card slot. Then turn your Mac on.
  3. If the issue persists, reset the SMC as described for notebook computers with a nonremovable battery.
  4. If the issue persists, reset NVRAM or PRAM
  5. If none of these solutions work, please contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Apple hasn’t provided more details about what is causing the problem or whether the company is already working on an update to fix this incompatibility issue, but this is quite likely as there’s a disclaimer on Apple’s website saying that the support article will be updated soon with more information about the problem.

Did you have problems when trying to install macOS Big Sur on a 13-inch MacBook Pro? Let us know in the comments below.

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Avatar for Filipe Espósito Filipe Espósito

Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops — including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.