We have discovered that most “T2” Macs require an Internet connection to authenticate the Catalina installer with Apple.
Managed Software Center runs the macOS upgrader while you are logged out; unfortunately, logging out also disconnects you from MWireless (and MGuest), so the Mac is unable to authenticate with Apple’s servers.
Impacted Mac systems are:
2018 or later Retina / TouchID-equipped MacBook Air 13”
2018 or later MacBooks Pro, both 13” and 15”, with TouchBars
iMac Pro
2018 or later Mac minis (the power light is toward the “bottom” of the case)
We are working on alternate methods around this issue, and hope to have a strategy released by November 22, 2019. In the meantime, you may be able to use one of these methods:
Plug the Mac into Ethernet, if you have an adapter. Managed Software Center will offer and install Catalina if it detects an adapter.
Connect to a home WiFi network. Managed Software Center will offer and install Catalina if it detects non-MWireless networks.
If you have admin rights, you can use Software Update to install Catalina. Get started by clicking here.