It doesn’t matter if you are using macOS Recovery or Big Sur USB Installer, you will be unable to reinstall Big Sur!!!

UPDATE 11/18/20 – I originally reported that this error would happen on a factory build of Big Sur 11.0 (20A2411) but it also happens if you are running 11.0.1 (20B29). UPDATE 11/19/20 – It looks like Apple has fixed the issue! I’ve just finished reinstalling macOS Big Sur from macOS Recovery and from a USB Installer drive. If the first two items don’t work, you can follow these instructions from Apple.Click the Recovery Assistant menu bar item at the top and then select “Erase Mac”. Enter in the command resetpassword This will bring you back to the Recovery Assistant menu. If you don’t have FileVault 2 Enabled or have already erased the drive, click utilities from the top menu bar and then click Terminal. If you have FileVault 2 enabled, click the Recovery Assistant menu and then select “Erase Mac”. Use a USB installer with Big Sur 11.2 to reinstall macOS.UPDATE 01/02/21 – This article is only for Apple Silicon M1 Macs UPDATE 02/08/21 – If you are upgrading to macOS Big Sur on an Intel Mac and are getting the error message “An error occurred preparing the software update” and are now stuck in a boot loop – go here > If you try to reinstall macOS on your new M1 Apple Silicon Mac you will get an error. If you try to reinstall macOS but haven’t updated to 11.0.1 you will have problems.

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