macOS Big Sur, released in November 2020, marks another milestone in Mac operating system history. Whether you're looking to upgrade or considering a downgrade, a bootable USB stick with the macOS Big Sur installer is often essential.
In this post, we'll explain to you why acquiring a pre-built boot stick is often the wiser choice, especially given the extensive innovations and improvements this operating system offers.
Chapter in this post:
macOS Big Sur boot stick
Since you are probably in a hurry and want to get your USB stick with the macOS Big Sur Installer, I have Here is the direct link to the boot stick on Amazon.
- Comes with detailed but easy to understand step-by-step instructions. Completely in German.
- With this DS Systems USB (Type-A) boot stick it is possible to carry out a complete new installation on, for example, a...
- Always check the system requirements beforehand. If in doubt, you can check compatibility...
Are you looking for a bootable USB stick for another macOS or OS X? Then please here to our overview.
Booting from the stick: This is how you use the boot stick
If you decide to purchase a boot stick, the macOS Big Sur download is already included.
Important: In the following guide I have an explanation for both Intel Macs and Apple Silicon Macs, but some Apple operating systems only run on Intel Macs and others only on Apple Silicon Macs. I have this in mind, but didn't want to adapt the instructions for each system.
To boot the Mac from the USB stick, proceed as follows:
- Restart your Mac
- Intel Macs: right after startup (there's a beep on most Macs), hold the Option buttone (also called the ALT or Option key).
Apple Silicon Macs: here you have to keep the power button pressed when you turn it on - Now the boot manager should start and show you which volumes you can boot from (with Apple Silicon Macs you get to the boot options, which work similarly, but here you have to start from USB sticks in the Startup security utility allow)
- select the USB stick here and continue
- this should launch the macOS Big Sur installer
I hope you manage to get the boot stick – and hopefully your Mac – up and running with this.
Download macOS Big Sur and create a boot stick? No thanks!
Creating a boot stick for macOS Big Sur can be complicated. Often the process fails, and if you don't have a second Mac available, it becomes even more difficult. I've tried it several times and finally only got a bootable USB stick with OS X El Capitan with my old iMac.
Some people have also reported issues with certain USB sticks, while others are frustrated just downloading the macOS installer. Bottom line, you can spend hours without ending up with a working boot stick.
Bootable USB stick with macOS Big Sur from DS Systems
The DS Systems bootable USB sticks mentioned above are recommended by a reader who was looking for a macOS download himself and wanted to create a boot stick with the installer. During his research, he came across the DS Systems installer at some point and had good experiences with it.
DS Systems offers a range of tested and working Apple operating systems on USB sticks on Amazon. The advantage is that you get bootable and reliable USB sticks with which you can also reinstall Macs that no longer boot.
Why not eBay?
It may be tempting to buy a cheap boot stick on eBay, but caution is advised. These sticks are often infected with malware, which can turn your Mac into a virus slingshot immediately after installation. With DS Systems you can be sure that you will get a clean and working Mac operating system.
macOS Big Sur – the essentials in a nutshell
- Release date: macOS Big Sur was released on November 12, 2020.
- Origin of name: The name "Big Sur" is inspired by the scenic coastal region of the same name in California.
- Last update: The latest version is 11.6 released on September 13, 2021.
- Successor: The successor is macOS Monterey.
- Architecture: The operating system supports both Intel-based and Apple Silicon Macs.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with certain models of MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro and Mac Mini.
- Design Changes: The operating system includes an overhauled user interface with updated icons and menus.
- Control Center: A new Control Center has been added that provides quick access to system settings.
- Safari: The Browser has been updated with improved performance and a new extension architecture.
- News: The Messages app has been updated with new features like inline replies and mentions.
- Cards: The Maps app has been updated with new features such as guided tours and indoor maps.
- System Requirements: Certain Mac models released in 2013 or later are supported.
- Download as installer on USB stick: here at Amazon
- Comes with detailed but easy to understand step-by-step instructions. Completely in German.
- With this DS Systems USB (Type-A) boot stick it is possible to carry out a complete new installation on, for example, a...
- Always check the system requirements beforehand. If in doubt, you can check compatibility...
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Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.
The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de
