I'm struggling with a macOS installation problem on my M2 Max. For several months now, every attempt to install system updates has resulted in the error: "Failed to personalize the software update." Following advice I found online, I erased my Mac and created a bootable USB to reinstall macOS. Unfortunately, I'm still encountering the same error when trying to install it from the USB. Now my Mac doesn't have an operating system, and I'm feeling stuck. I've already tried changing my network connection, removing Find My and signing out of iCloud, resetting NVRAM, attempting various installation methods from Terminal and the App Store, running Disk First Aid, and erasing the disk multiple times to no avail. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Are you sure you're not trying this behind a corporate firewall? Sometimes those can cause issues during installation.
First off, ensure you're erasing the top level of your storage instead of just the Macintosh HD or Macintosh HD - Data. If that doesn’t work, consider trying a firmware revive or restore—it sometimes helps with persistent issues like yours. You can find the instructions on the Apple support site.
I've tried to follow that advice, but after downloading, I keep running into this error: "An underlying service (ACUInternetServiceContext) unexpectedly quit." I've tried switching networks, including mobile hotspots, but it's the same story every time.
I also had an issue trying to erase the top-level storage. I got an error that says: "The volume on disk0 couldn't be unmounted because it is in use by process 0 (kernel)." It feels like I'm going in circles!
Nope, definitely no firewalls on my end. Just have a regular home connection.