MacBook Pro won't update from Big Sur to Monterey

Question

MacBook Pro won't update from Big Sur to Monterey

Trying to update from Big Sur to Monterey. Montery downloads successfully but refuses to install giving an error message saying: "A required firmware update could not be installed. Compatible internal storage is required in order to update." My internal storage is an ADATA 1TB SSD that is running the entire show for years now. The tiny 256GB was replaced and it works well. The First Aid app shows zero problems with the SSD. After hours and hours of trying to update it stops at the install screen showing that error message. I am not sure where the problem lies. Does anyone have experience under similar circumstances? The chat support and phone support are both unable to remedy the situation. I have no Mac Sores within a reasonable distance to take the MacBook Pro early 2015 laptop. I am dirt dirt poor and cannot scratch together a repair bill. Suggestions? Thx

Posted on Feb 26, 2024 5:29 PM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

112,081 points

Feb 28, 2024 2:06 AM in response to macOSmontereyupdate

User wrote " A required firmware update could not be installed. Compatible internal storage is required in order to update." My internal storage is an ADATA 1TB SSD that is running the entire show for years now "

There is the problem

Using a Third Party Drive may work fine in mcOS 11 Big Sur

Though, starting in about Monterey 12.3 and above the EFI Boot ROM included in the Install Monterey application will verify if the Original Drive is Apple Original or Not

In your case it is Not

The EFI Boot ROM must Flash the Computer and Not the drive itself

Once the Computer is Successfully Flashed, the Installation of Monterey will commence

Workaround, flip Out the After Market Drive and replace will Apple Original

Run the installer to the Apple Drive

Reverse the above and place the After Market Drive back in and run the Monterey installer to that drive

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

251,399 points

Feb 28, 2024 1:36 AM in response to macOSmontereyupdate

We need to see what all is running, a report from this will not display any personal info...

Using EtreCheck - Apple Community

EtreCheck is a FREE simple little diagnostic tool to display the important details of your system configuration and allow you to copy that information to the Clipboard. It is meant to be used with Apple Support Communities to help people help you with your Mac. It will not display any personal info.

https://www.etrecheck.com/

Thanks for Old Toad’s etrecheck instructions…

Slow iMac 2017 - Apple Community

Use the Note tool on the bottom of this editor's toolbar, as shown in the image, to copy and paste the output from EtreCheck. In a Reply before you click post, look for this to add longer texts...

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

251,399 points

Feb 26, 2024 8:26 PM in response to macOSmontereyupdate

Are you trying to upgrade using Restore Mode, a USB installer, or the Install MacOS Monterey.app???

Are you running any VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps?

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Answer 4

Feb 28, 2024 12:11 AM in response to BDAqua

I tried Recovery a few times, didn't use a USB installer, and tried the Install MacOS Monterey app a couple times. No luck. I own VPN Unlimited I use on my PC and may have tried to install on the MacBook but it doesn't show on my list of apps or downloads. It was a 3-4 years ago and I don't remember actually installing it when I bought it for the PC. It doesn't show up in Finder. No Anti-Virus. No cleaning apps. It completely and successfully downloads from Apple but it gives that error message when it takes the next step of installation. It is pretty baffling and the Apple advisors offered no advisement whatsoever. They kept taking me through the different download options again and again as if one way is different from another. They aren't different. haha

Any ideas? Is there a way to find the VPN if it doesn't show up on Finder?

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Answer 5

Feb 28, 2024 12:45 PM in response to Owl-53

I likely have the old drive but I have no idea where I may have stored it. I am always worried about making these kinds of changes because I have a tendency to strip bolts or forget reconnecting wires or not understand what I am seeing. I will search and install. Are there any work-arounds? Surely I can't be the only increasing their SSD size. @BDAqua Thank you for taking the time while not insulting or condescending. Your help is duly noted. Cheers!

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Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

112,081 points

Feb 28, 2024 1:38 PM in response to macOSmontereyupdate

Sorry, I mistakenly upVoted your above reply

That happens from time to time even for such a reply that it was.

Workaround, not that I know of

You are, just the same, welcome for the Knowledge that was imparted even if it was not what the User wanted to hear

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MacBook Pro won't update from Big Sur to Monterey

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