I cannot tell how long it would take. I found this reference to the same issue, with some advice, but I could not test it by myself.
For 1 they propose to turn off wifi and then on again (but I doubt that could be the cause).
This seems a more elaborate advice:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252431443Here are their advice:
First, make sure all external devices are disconnected before trying to install. Then let's start to macOS Recovery and use Disk Utility to repair the hard drive. Here's how: How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility
After the repair is complete, restart your Mac normally. Then you'll want to delete the macOS Big Sur install file and download it again. The install file can be found in the Applications folder and the Launchpad. If you're using any security software, be sure to disable or temporarily remove it so it doesn't interfere with the connection and download.
May check also that you have no firewall :
Some seem to have succeeded by starting in safe mode.
read all ideas here :
https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/649819Unfortunately, I'm not from Apple, there is nothing I can do to fix it.
Wish all this will finally help.