Big Sur Installer Size

[bw44]

I created a bootable data stick for Big Sur 11.6.1 and the bootable image required just over 13GB. Using the same procedure (downloading the full package installer from the MrMacintosh link) for 11.6.2 the macOS create disk procedure said 35+GB was required to create the bootable stick.

I noticed because the data stick I have is 32GB. The only thing I can think of is that on the 11.6.1 stick it needed just under 32GB to create, but the final size of the bootable image was only ~13GB. Does the program creating the bootable stick need a lot more space on it than the final image?

Also, I'm assuming I could roll back to 11.6.2 on my MBP Pro 2015 Model if Monterey gave me problems.

Thnx.

 

[white7561]

Sorry, this is slightly off-topic. I posted to a Big Sur 11.6.2 forum but nobody's replied. Could someone here please help?

I created a bootable data stick for Big Sur 11.6.1 and the bootable image required just over 13GB. Using the same procedure (downloading the full package installer from the MrMacintosh link) for 11.6.2 the macOS create disk procedure said 35+GB was required to create the bootable stick.

I noticed because the data stick I have is 32GB. The only thing I can think of is that on the 11.6.1 stick it needed just under 32GB to create, but the final size of the bootable image was only ~13GB. Does the program creating the bootable stick need a lot more space on it than the final image?

Also, I'm assuming I could roll back to 11.6.2 on my MBP Pro 2015 Model if Monterey gave me problems.

Thnx.

Don't worry about the size. 13gb sounds about right I think. Just make sure that the createinstallmedia successfully ran and copied everything. If it says it's done etc without any errors it should be fine

 

[bw44]

Don't worry about the size. 13gb sounds about right I think. Just make sure that the createinstallmedia successfully ran and copied everything. If it says it's done etc without any errors it should be fine

Thanks for that, but I guess I wasn’t clear. The problem is that I downloaded the install package, ran it, it reported no errors, and put the install app in the application folder. When I run that and select my data stick on which to install it says it requires 35GB+ to install on that device. I created my bootable 11.6.1 stick the same way and had no problem. ???

 

[white7561]

Thanks for that, but I guess I wasn’t clear. The problem is that I downloaded the install package, ran it, it reported no errors, and put the install app in the application folder. When I run that and select my data stick on which to install it says it requires 35GB+ to install on that device. I created my bootable 11.6.1 stick the same way and had no problem. ???

Oh you meant to install. Yeah idk they might need to copy the full installer first to the partition . Then install it from that. Since usually even if you use USB installer. It first copy all the installer files to your partition then it reboots and do the install

 

[bw44]

Oh you meant to install. Yeah idk they might need to copy the full installer first to the partition . Then install it from that. Since usually even if you use USB installer. It first copy all the installer files to your partition then it reboots and do the install

OK that would explain it. There must have been just enough space on a 32GB stick to install 11.6.1 but not quite enough to install 11.6.2. So it’s off to market to buy a 64GB. Thanks for your help!

 

[white7561]

OK that would explain it. There must have been just enough space on a 32GB stick to install 11.6.1 but not quite enough to install 11.6.2. So it’s off to market to buy a 64GB. Thanks for your help!

Oh also. Just noticed . Check your Macintosh HD - Data partition. Does it have a MacOS install data folder? That folder is usually kept after a USB install of an OS. I've seen on forums that it's safe to remove.

I don't because later when I upgrade to another new os with USB installer. It'll create that again (i always install using USB full installer to test my "emergency Incase something happens" USB installer )

 

[bw44]

Oh also. Just noticed . Check your Macintosh HD - Data partition. Does it have a MacOS install data folder? That folder is usually kept after a USB install of an OS. I've seen on forums that it's safe to remove.

I don't because later when I upgrade to another new os with USB installer. It'll create that again (i always install using USB full installer to test my "emergency Incase something happens" USB installer )

thanks! I didn't know about that, and really appreciate the tip about doing a new OS install from a data stick. I've been a Mac user for years, but am new to the game of paying attention to software releases. (It doesn't "just work" all the time anymore!)

Edit: Also, who moved my post to a new thread? thanks to whoever did it -- Next time I have an off-topic question I'll create a new thread.

 

[white7561]

thanks! I didn't know about that, and really appreciate the tip about doing a new OS install from a data stick. I've been a Mac user for years, but am new to the game of paying attention to software releases. (It doesn't "just work" all the time anymore!)

Edit: Also, who moved my post to a new thread? thanks to whoever did it -- Next time I have an off-topic question I'll create a new thread.

Happy to help!!!