error: passcode is not set.

I have the very same problem, and could not find a solution on Apple support. Please, go to Settings and search for administrator. Check your password there. In my case, it was simply “ “, yes, the Space. It appeared, such password is not recognised by Ventura and resulted in the error message. After changing the password, installing Sonoma went fine. Good luck!

Firstly, if this was my computer I would update the Existing Ventura from macOS 13.3.1 to current version 13.6.2

Apple security releases

Or you can attempt restarting the Computer in Recovery Mode

Then, choose to Reinstall macOS

In Theory, it may offer to and install Sonoma version 14.1.1

Whatever you decide works best for you

Make Time Machine Backup  before doing any upDates or upGrades

oldenche wrote:

Hello P. Phillips

Thank you for your instructions, but they didn't work in my case.

Welcome just the same

First of all, it is macOS 13.6.1 that I am prompted to update to.

Surprised it is offering 13.6.1 and not 13.6.2 as it is the most recent version of Ventura affecting this computer

macOS Ventura 13.6.2 >> MacBook Pro (2021 and later) and iMac (2023)

I successfully entered recovery mode and ran the Disk First Aid (My Time Machine is Outdated by newer Mac models,

Can't reinstall Ventura - not allowed to downgrade the OS, the Safari is No concern).

Perhaps a typo but Downgrade is the opposite of and update or upGrade

Any other solution, P. Phillips?

Get Support Choose a product and we’ll find you the best solution.

Start now and open an Apple Support Ticket as they are PAID  Apple Employees to deal will these types of issues .

Question was " error: passcode is not set. "

A Passcode is generally associate with an iPhone or IPad

A Password is associate with Apple Computers

Have seen another User quoting passcode when using an Apple Computer and after using that point.

The passcode was related to some Third Party Application installed and used on that computer

Welcome

Thank you for the followup