How to Restore Mac M1 If MacOS Won’t Reinstall
Apple’s first generation M1 Macs are great, but some early adopters have run into a strange error that could make a new computer unusable. Those trying to perform a full macOS restore on a Mac or MacBook from an M1 before upgrading to macOS Big Sur may continually receive a system halt warning: “There was an error preparing the update. Failed to personalize software update. Please try again.”
Most people don’t use the Recovery Tool to clean and reinstall macOS on a brand new system. But if you do, make sure you update macOS Big Sur first so that the Mac recovery tool works properly.
Those who have already taken the plunge and tried to restore their machines – even for legitimate reasons, such as having a clean, blank OS to run – are probably worried that they’ve permanently damaged their new MacBooks. Fortunately, Apple has several ways to fix the “could not personalize software” error. The first option can be done at home and will work for most people:
- Install macOS from a bootable USB drive . This is the simpler of the two DIY methods, but requires another Mac and an empty USB storage device large enough to hold the installer files. Apple’s support page will guide you through the process .
If this method doesn’t work for some reason, you have two alternatives:
- Use Apple Configurator 2 to bring your Mac to life. This process also requires a second Mac and a USB cable to connect both devices. With these resources on hand, use Apple’s guide to (hopefully) resurrect your M1 Mac.
- Fix the Terminal issue in macOS Recovery Tool. If you don’t have a second Mac or suitable USB accessories, you can try to work around the problem using terminal commands in Mac Recovery Tool. It’s a pretty technical process, but if you follow Apple’s detailed tutorial , it should work.
If none of these recovery methods work for you, the last option is to get your new Mac M1 repaired at your local Apple Store or certified repair shop. Regardless, be sure to check with Apple Support to get an idea of your options, especially the ones you can handle from home, to keep you as safe as possible during these times.
[ MacRumors ]