Why Is There an Erase Assistant When It Not Supported?
I had previously reset my iMac in the past with no problems. This is why I don’t like updates! I got a virus.
iPad, iPadOS 18
Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings
Use Erase All Content and Settings
Requires macOS Monterey or later on a Mac with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip
If this computer is not an Apple Silicon Computer and not equipped with Apple T2 Security Chip
For Apple Intel computers, use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac and then follow the instructions in How to reinstall macOS.
OP wrote " I got a virus. "
Windows-like viruses that self-replicate and affect macOS don’t exist.
The macOS operating system resides in a sealed and read-only volume that can’t be opened by users or third-party applications.