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pkdownloaderror error 8 Big Sur wouldn’t reinstall
Mac mini 2018 or later
Posted on Feb 10, 2021 11:36 PM
Similar questions
-
macOS Monterey Update Failed
Cannot Update the macOS from Big Sur v11.6.1 to Monterey.The operation couldn’t be completed. (PKDownloadError error 3.)
Uninstall the macOS Monterey download file and Retry, the Error is still again.
6360
10
-
big sur installation failed an error occured
big sur installation failed an error occured150
3
-
Big Sur installer keeps getting error msg.
I quit installer and shut down. Boot up and installer starts again and gets same error msg. Viscious circle.
85
1
1 reply
Feb 13, 2021 1:39 PM in response to GinJac
Hi GinJac,
We see you’re getting an error when attempting to reinstall macOS Big Sur. We will do our best to assist. To get started, disconnect any external hard drives, audio devices, or other peripherals before attempting the reinstallation.
Errors may occur if there is a weak network signal. Make sure the Wi-Fi network and/or ethernet connection is good. If you have a different Wi-Fi network you can connect to, try that.
Run Disk Utility to repair disk: For steps on how to do so, click here: How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility.
How to reinstall macOS.
Take care.
pkdownloaderror error 8 Big Sur wouldn’t reinstall
-
#1
I’m getting “PKDownloadError error 8” while doing a clean install at 13 minutes remaining.
After updating to Big Sur I use the recovery cmd+r then remove the data partition and initialize the hdd. After doing this reinstall Big Sur. Always getting this error when it’s at 13 minutes remaining. MacBook Pro 15 2019
-
#3
Same here, there is something wrong with Apple Big Sur Server because with Catalina it works nice but they don’t want to admit it. I solved using this work around to install Big Sur:
- Activate a hotspot with your iPhone or Smartphone
- Press CMD + R to start your Mac in recovery mode
- Connect your Macbook/iMac/Mac mini to hotspot
- If possible use disk Utility to initialize your disk
- Launch Big Sur Installation and start download
- When the download start or during the download -> disconnect your Mac from hotspot and connect it to your wifi or use a Lan adapter. You must be very fast.
- The download will be completed with the new connection
Hope this helps you.
Last edited:
-
#4
I resolved as well tethering with my iPhone. You could try to change the DNS on your router if tethering is not an option for you.
How do I resolve this? Error was encountered on a 2018 MacBook Air.
asked Oct 17, 2019 at 5:49
CuriousCurious
2493 gold badges4 silver badges14 bronze badges
1
I have been pulling my hair out with the same problem over the past few days, and have isolated the PKDownloadError error 8 issue — I was able to solve this via 2 methods:
- use my iPhone’s hotspot as the wifi for the update (note: this is
slower AND may be very expensive depending on your cellphone plan) - change the DNS settings on my home router to OpenDNS
(https://use.opendns.com/), allowing me to use my home internet
(faster & cheaper)
answered Mar 5, 2020 at 14:57
dadboddadbod
911 silver badge2 bronze badges
4
My co-worker and I encountered the same thing on our 2018 MacBook Pro (13-inch, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) computers.
I found that I needed to restart my computer in Safe Mode (hold Shift key during restart) and then I was able to complete the download and install of Catalina.
My coworker’s solution: It turns out that having Cisco AnyConnect installed on the computer interferes with the installation somehow. My coworker used the Cisco AnyConnect Uninstaller to remove the program, ran the installer again successfully, and then re-installed Cisco AnyConnect.
answered Nov 19, 2019 at 18:59
First solution:
It is reported that this error occurs during the installation of macOS Catalina if the Internet connection is interrupted or disconnected.
Make sure that the Mac has an active wi-fi or ethernet connection and that the Internet works as expected, and then try to install macOS Catalina again.
Second solution
The Recovery Mode installer of Catalina appears to not be able to properly partition the drive.
Install High Sierra or earlier macOS from Recovery Mode and then upgrade to Catalina or install Catalina (or High Sierra) from a bootable drive.
answered Oct 17, 2019 at 11:07
UdhyUdhy
6,5641 gold badge12 silver badges34 bronze badges
I was having this error using a Catalina installer on a USB key I made with createinstallmedia. Using this method, the installer shouldn’t have to download anything, so a ‘download’ error didn’t make sense.
Purpose: Encrypting and clearing drive in order to return the computer to seller.
Prep work: After encrypting drive, I deleted the old APFS container with Terminal, then I formatted the drive as a single APFS volume named ‘Macintosh HD’.
Installation: After beginning the installation, the bar would begin to fill with ‘3 minutes remaining’. Once it got to about 80%, it said ‘2 minutes remaining’ and it would hold up. A minute or so sitting there and it would give the same error stated above. I retried this a few times.
Fix: I turned off WiFi (completely disconnected from Internet). After doing this, the installation completed as expected.
Suspicions:
The installer app I used was downloaded 3 weeks prior to using it. These do have a short ‘expiration’ period. Usually resetting the clock to be right after the original download time fixes that issue, but it did not fix it here. Still, communication with Apple’s servers or an attempt to download an updated utility could have notified the installer of a discrepancy and forced an error.
answered Feb 14, 2020 at 20:19
1
I faced the same error with a brand new installation, I don’t know about your case. You can reboot your mac then hold the «option key». You will see a select box to select a wi-fi network after that the recovery by the internet will start. That way you can install a version before Catalina. In my case was Sierra. Then after the new installation, you can update to Catalina!
answered Oct 20, 2019 at 3:04
For what it is worth, this had to have been a content filter issue for me. I have prepped 2 new Macs, a 2019 Air and a 2019 MBP, and got this error on both my wired and wireless networks.
I was able to plug the same devices on edge connections (read: less restrictive internet connections) and the install went through with no issue.
If I had time, I would try to see what resource was being blocked, but at least for now, I know what was causing the error and how to get past it.
Austin
-Network Administrator @ a large 9-12 Educational Institution
answered Nov 7, 2019 at 18:19
Just solve this problem.
Step 1 Backup just in case. You can backup your important files to the cloud or everywhere you prefer.
Step 2 Move the downloaded installer to the Trash.
Step 3 Shut down your Mac.
Step 4 Turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart. On Mac computers that play a startup sound, you can release the keys after the second startup sound. [This is NVRAM reset!]
Step 5 Go to the App Store, find Catalina, and download again.
Step 6 Follow the instruction and wait for like 30 minutes. Now you should get the new macOS.
If the error still pops up, change to another network connection.
answered Oct 19, 2020 at 10:26
I had this same PKDownload error in November 2020 when trying to d/l Big Sur. I spent close to 5 hours with Apple Support, being bumped up to the Apple Senior Enginer level of help.
I was told that this error is a Network Error. Long story short, we never solved the problem, but do read on.
I go the PK error on my 2015 iMac running Catalina. I then went to my wife’s brand new 2019 MB Pro: same download error.
The only thing in common between the two Macs was the router and so, on a hunch, took the MB Pro next door, logged onto my neighbor’s WiFi, and successfully downloaded and installed Big Sur.
answered Nov 23, 2020 at 12:02
Penny11Penny11
5571 gold badge4 silver badges17 bronze badges
In my case I had to change my firewall settings in my router from average to low.
answered Mar 27, 2021 at 10:17
1
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iOS update and restore errors
Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply
ask a new question.
pkdownloaderror error 8 Big Sur wouldn’t reinstall
Mac mini 2018 or later
Posted on Feb 10, 2021 11:36 PM
Similar questions
-
macOS Monterey Update Failed
Cannot Update the macOS from Big Sur v11.6.1 to Monterey.The operation couldn’t be completed. (PKDownloadError error 3.)
Uninstall the macOS Monterey download file and Retry, the Error is still again.
5988
10 -
big sur installation failed an error occured
big sur installation failed an error occured135
3 -
Big Sur installer keeps getting error msg.
I quit installer and shut down. Boot up and installer starts again and gets same error msg. Viscious circle.
75
1
1 reply
Feb 13, 2021 1:39 PM in response to GinJac
Hi GinJac,
We see you’re getting an error when attempting to reinstall macOS Big Sur. We will do our best to assist. To get started, disconnect any external hard drives, audio devices, or other peripherals before attempting the reinstallation.
Errors may occur if there is a weak network signal. Make sure the Wi-Fi network and/or ethernet connection is good. If you have a different Wi-Fi network you can connect to, try that.
Run Disk Utility to repair disk: For steps on how to do so, click here: How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility.
How to reinstall macOS.
Take care.
pkdownloaderror error 8 Big Sur wouldn’t reinstall
-
#1
I’m getting “PKDownloadError error 8” while doing a clean install at 13 minutes remaining.
After updating to Big Sur I use the recovery cmd+r then remove the data partition and initialize the hdd. After doing this reinstall Big Sur. Always getting this error when it’s at 13 minutes remaining. MacBook Pro 15 2019
-
#3
Same here, there is something wrong with Apple Big Sur Server because with Catalina it works nice but they don’t want to admit it. I solved using this work around to install Big Sur:
- Activate a hotspot with your iPhone or Smartphone
- Press CMD + R to start your Mac in recovery mode
- Connect your Macbook/iMac/Mac mini to hotspot
- If possible use disk Utility to initialize your disk
- Launch Big Sur Installation and start download
- When the download start or during the download -> disconnect your Mac from hotspot and connect it to your wifi or use a Lan adapter. You must be very fast.
- The download will be completed with the new connection
Hope this helps you.
Last edited: Nov 15, 2020
-
#4
I resolved as well tethering with my iPhone. You could try to change the DNS on your router if tethering is not an option for you.
How do I resolve this? Error was encountered on a 2018 MacBook Air.
asked Oct 17, 2019 at 5:49
CuriousCurious
2493 gold badges4 silver badges14 bronze badges
1
I have been pulling my hair out with the same problem over the past few days, and have isolated the PKDownloadError error 8 issue — I was able to solve this via 2 methods:
- use my iPhone’s hotspot as the wifi for the update (note: this is
slower AND may be very expensive depending on your cellphone plan) - change the DNS settings on my home router to OpenDNS
(https://use.opendns.com/), allowing me to use my home internet
(faster & cheaper)
answered Mar 5, 2020 at 14:57
dadboddadbod
911 silver badge2 bronze badges
4
My co-worker and I encountered the same thing on our 2018 MacBook Pro (13-inch, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) computers.
I found that I needed to restart my computer in Safe Mode (hold Shift key during restart) and then I was able to complete the download and install of Catalina.
My coworker’s solution: It turns out that having Cisco AnyConnect installed on the computer interferes with the installation somehow. My coworker used the Cisco AnyConnect Uninstaller to remove the program, ran the installer again successfully, and then re-installed Cisco AnyConnect.
answered Nov 19, 2019 at 18:59
First solution:
It is reported that this error occurs during the installation of macOS Catalina if the Internet connection is interrupted or disconnected.
Make sure that the Mac has an active wi-fi or ethernet connection and that the Internet works as expected, and then try to install macOS Catalina again.
Second solution
The Recovery Mode installer of Catalina appears to not be able to properly partition the drive.
Install High Sierra or earlier macOS from Recovery Mode and then upgrade to Catalina or install Catalina (or High Sierra) from a bootable drive.
answered Oct 17, 2019 at 11:07
UdhyUdhy
6,4511 gold badge11 silver badges33 bronze badges
I was having this error using a Catalina installer on a USB key I made with createinstallmedia. Using this method, the installer shouldn’t have to download anything, so a ‘download’ error didn’t make sense.
Purpose: Encrypting and clearing drive in order to return the computer to seller.
Prep work: After encrypting drive, I deleted the old APFS container with Terminal, then I formatted the drive as a single APFS volume named ‘Macintosh HD’.
Installation: After beginning the installation, the bar would begin to fill with ‘3 minutes remaining’. Once it got to about 80%, it said ‘2 minutes remaining’ and it would hold up. A minute or so sitting there and it would give the same error stated above. I retried this a few times.
Fix: I turned off WiFi (completely disconnected from Internet). After doing this, the installation completed as expected.
Suspicions:
The installer app I used was downloaded 3 weeks prior to using it. These do have a short ‘expiration’ period. Usually resetting the clock to be right after the original download time fixes that issue, but it did not fix it here. Still, communication with Apple’s servers or an attempt to download an updated utility could have notified the installer of a discrepancy and forced an error.
answered Feb 14, 2020 at 20:19
1
I faced the same error with a brand new installation, I don’t know about your case. You can reboot your mac then hold the «option key». You will see a select box to select a wi-fi network after that the recovery by the internet will start. That way you can install a version before Catalina. In my case was Sierra. Then after the new installation, you can update to Catalina!
answered Oct 20, 2019 at 3:04
For what it is worth, this had to have been a content filter issue for me. I have prepped 2 new Macs, a 2019 Air and a 2019 MBP, and got this error on both my wired and wireless networks.
I was able to plug the same devices on edge connections (read: less restrictive internet connections) and the install went through with no issue.
If I had time, I would try to see what resource was being blocked, but at least for now, I know what was causing the error and how to get past it.
Austin
-Network Administrator @ a large 9-12 Educational Institution
answered Nov 7, 2019 at 18:19
Just solve this problem.
Step 1 Backup just in case. You can backup your important files to the cloud or everywhere you prefer.
Step 2 Move the downloaded installer to the Trash.
Step 3 Shut down your Mac.
Step 4 Turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart. On Mac computers that play a startup sound, you can release the keys after the second startup sound. [This is NVRAM reset!]
Step 5 Go to the App Store, find Catalina, and download again.
Step 6 Follow the instruction and wait for like 30 minutes. Now you should get the new macOS.
If the error still pops up, change to another network connection.
answered Oct 19, 2020 at 10:26
I had this same PKDownload error in November 2020 when trying to d/l Big Sur. I spent close to 5 hours with Apple Support, being bumped up to the Apple Senior Enginer level of help.
I was told that this error is a Network Error. Long story short, we never solved the problem, but do read on.
I go the PK error on my 2015 iMac running Catalina. I then went to my wife’s brand new 2019 MB Pro: same download error.
The only thing in common between the two Macs was the router and so, on a hunch, took the MB Pro next door, logged onto my neighbor’s WiFi, and successfully downloaded and installed Big Sur.
answered Nov 23, 2020 at 12:02
Penny11Penny11
5571 gold badge4 silver badges16 bronze badges
In my case I had to change my firewall settings in my router from average to low.
answered Mar 27, 2021 at 10:17
1
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Not the answer you’re looking for? Browse other questions tagged
.
Not the answer you’re looking for? Browse other questions tagged
.
-
#1
I’m reinstalling Big Sur from the recovery screen and keep getting ‘PKDownload Error 8’ about 10 minutes in every time.
does anyone know what I can do? Stressing out a bit as it literally doesn’t have an OS right now.
thanks!
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9669FFEB-D62B-4211-B568-16409C7E92FB.jpeg
218.7 KB · Views: 103
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#2
Best option by far when upgrading or getting a new copy of your operating n system is download the OS, and burn to a +16GB thumb drive using DiskmakerX or similar. This is made bootable then you have the tool to do re-installs etc.
Have a read of nthis link and see if it helps. Mayne better to download not using wifi:-
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