4 Reasons Not to Install macOS Big Sur 11.6.8 & 11 Reasons You Should

Install macOS Big Sur 11.6.8 If You're Having Issues

If your Mac has been struggling with bugs and/or performance issues on macOS Big Sur 11.6.7 or an older version of macOS, you should think about giving macOS Big Sur 11.6.8 a shot. 

macOS Big Sur 11.6.8 doesn't have any known bug fixes on board but new versions of macOS have been known to fix unlisted issues.

The macOS Big Sur 11.6.8 update could fix performance issues like severe battery drain, busted Wi-Fi connectivity, UI lag, Bluetooth problems, random reboots, lockups and freezes, and various issues with first-party applications.

If you missed macOS Big Sur 11.6.7, it fixed an issue where Mail and apps, such as Microsoft Outlook, cannot open attachments if the app required to open the file is already running. 

If you missed macOS 11.6, Apple says it fixed a permissions error when using a scanner on a Mac. If you've been dealing with a scanner issue on an earlier version of macOS, you should probably install the latest version of macOS Big Sur. 

If you missed macOS Big Sur 11.5.2, note that it had unspecified bug fixes on board. Apple didn't call them out in the update's change log, but you'll get those fixes with your upgrade. 

If you missed macOS Big Sur 11.5 update, it had two bug fixes on board:

• Fixed an issue where Music may not update play count and last played date in your library.
• Fixed an issue where smart cards may not work when logging into Mac computers with the M1 chip.

If you've been dealing with one of these problems, and you missed macOS Big Sur 11.5, you'll want to install the latest version in the near future.

If you missed macOS Big Sur 11.4, you'll get its fixes. It had five bug fixes on board:

• Fix for an issue where Bookmarks in Safari may get reordered or moved into a folder that can appear hidden
• Fix for an issue where certain websites may not display correctly after your Mac wakes from sleep
• Fix for an issue where keywords may not be included when exporting a photo from the Photos app
• Fix for an issue where Preview may become unresponsive when searching PDF documents
• Fix for an issue where 16-inch MacBook may become unresponsive when playing Civilization VI

If you skipped macOS Big Sur 11.3, it had a number of bug fixes on board. Here's the full list:

• Fixed an issue where Reminders created via Siri may be unintentionally set for early morning hours.
• Fixed an issue where iCloud Keychain might not turn off.
• AirPods audio routing to incorrect device for Automatic Switching
• Fixed an issue where AirPods Automatic Switching notifications might be missing or duplicated.
• Fixed an issue where External 4K monitors may not display in full resolution when connected over USB-C.
• Fixed an issue where the Login window may not display properly after restarting Mac mini (M1, 2020).
• Fixed an issue where the Dwell feature may not work in the Accessibility Keyboard.

If you missed macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 and macOS Big Sur 11.2.2, you'll get additional bug fixes with your upgrade.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevented MacBook Pro (2019 or later) and MacBook Air (2020 or later) models from incurring damage when connected to certain third-party, non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks.

A newer macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 build also fixed a very serious installation issue where not having enough free space available for a macOS Big Sur update could lead to potential data loss.

If you missed Apple's macOS Big Sur 11.2 update, you get its bug fixes with your upgrade. macOS Big Sur 11.2 included the following fixes:

• Addressed an issue where external displays may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter.
• Addressed an issue where edits to Apple ProRAW photos in the Photos app may not save.
• Addressed an issue where iCloud Drive could turn off after disabling the iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents Folders option.
• Addressed an issue where System Preferences may not unlock when entering your administrator password.
• Addressed an issue where globe key may not display the Emoji & Symbols pane when pressed.

If you skipped macOS Big Sur 11.1's, you get its bug fixes too. Here's what was on board Apple's macOS Big Sur 11.1 update:

• Addressed an issue where QuickTime Player might quit when opening a movie with a timecode track after upgrading from macOS Catalina.
• Addressed an issue where Bluetooth connection status was not displayed in Control Center.
• Improved the reliability of unlocking your Mac automatically with your Apple Watch.
• Addressed an issue where the trackpad scrolling speed may be faster than expected on MacBook Pro models.
• Addressed an issue where LG's UltraFine 5K Display may incorrectly display at 4K resolution on Macs with M1.

If you can't seem to find a fix for your issues, you should consider moving up to the latest version of macOS Big Sur. It could help.