Licensing
macOS Big Sur is available from the Apple App Store for all to use.
Installation
Known issues
- Kernel extensions have been deprecated and replaced with system extensions. Software using kernel extensions may no longer function appropriately without a new version of the software.
- Apple has released the new M1 chip based on the ARM architecture. Most software will run in compatibility mode via Rosetta 2. Currently Windows virtualization including Boot Camp will not function on these devices. Learn more about the M1 chip and the Rosetta Translation Environment.
- Testing has taken place on Intel based Macs only. M1 Macs have not been tested and functionality may be impacted. Please check back on this page for further updates.
| Software / Site | Issue |
|---|---|
| Adobe Flash | Safari 14 does not support Adobe Flash. |
| Auristor AFS | Auristor AFS has released version .201 which is Big Sur supported. Please download the latest version. You may need to click the link for all “available installers.” |
| Cambridge Structural Database | CSD will fail to install on macOS Big Sur. |
| Cisco Anyconnect | Cisco AnyConnect has been deprecated at MIT. Please install GlobalProtect instead. Learn more. |
| CrashPlan | CrashPlan does not currently support macOS Big Sur. Code42 expects a release in the next 60 days to provide support. In our testing backups and restores currently do work. |
| Crowdstrike Falcon | Falcon sensor for Mac does not currently support macOS Big Sur and may cause unintended behavior. |
| LabVIEW | LabVIEW will fail to install on macOS Big Sur. |
| Microsoft Office | Office for Mac supports Apple’s three most recent versions of macOS which does not yet include macOS Big Sur. Visit Microsoft's webpage for more information. We are not aware of any issues at this time. |
| Pharos Uniprint | Big Sur no longer supports certain print drivers. Download the latest version from the software grid to bypass this issue. |
| Sophos Antivirus | Sophos will disable itself upon upgrade. We will update the software grid when available and current installs will automatically update. |
| Spirion | Spirion is currently unsupported and may not function appropriately. We will update the software grid when a new supported version is available. |
| SPSS | SPSS 27 and below are not supported and may not function properly until a new version is released. |
| VMware Fusion | VMware Fusion for Mac version 12 and later fully supports macOS Big Sur. Note: The new M1 chips do not allow for x86 virtualization and Windows VMs will likely fail to run. Intel based Macs should continue to work. |
About this Version