Cannot reinstall macOS on M2 Max — “Failed to personalize the software update” after erase

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Level 1

4 points

Cannot reinstall macOS on M2 Max — “Failed to personalize the software update” after erase

Hi, I have a MacBook (M2 Max) and I was unable to install updates for a long time. I always got the error: “Failed to personalize the software update.”

I saw advice online suggesting to erase the Mac and reinstall macOS using a bootable USB installer. I created the USB and erased the Mac, but now when I try to install from the USB, I still get the same error during installation:

“Failed to personalize the software update.”

Now the Mac has no OS installed and I cannot boot into macOS at all.

My Mac: MacBook Pro (M2 Max)

Things I already tried:

Different Wi-Fi networks

Signing out of iCloud & removing Find My

Reset NVRAM

Attempted reinstall via Terminal

Attempted reinstall via App Store (before erasing)

Bootable USB installer

Disk First Aid / Disk Erase multiple times

DIFU Revive/Restore

No matter what I do, I still get the personalization error.

What should I do to get macOS installed again?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 8, 2025 6:01 PM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,126 points

Nov 10, 2025 4:49 AM in response to MMohsinTariq

Try a plugging the USB stick into a different port. One of the ports is a “DFU” port and using that port causes issues with some things (like creating the installer itself).

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Answer 2

Nov 8, 2025 9:05 PM in response to MMohsinTariq

MMohsinTariq wrote:

Hi, I have a MacBook (M2 Max) and I was unable to install updates for a long time. I always got the error: “Failed to personalize the software update.”

DIFU Revive/Restore

No matter what I do, I still get the personalization error.

What should I do to get macOS installed again?

re: DFU Revive Restore

ref: How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

see it will allow you to boot into Internet Recovery...

How to reinstall macOS (both M1/M2/M3/M4 and Intel) — How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

further—

any Apple Store should be able to help you over the counter. I might take proof of purchase along with you so there is no guessing about ownership of the mac.

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

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