Unable to Install MacOS Updates.

I'm running a 14" MacBook Pro with M3 Pro chip on MacOS Sonoma 14.3. Every time I try to ugrade my MacOS, I get an error "Failed to personalise the software update. Please try again.". I am certain this has nothing to do with my internet connection. The only way to upgrade my OS is to completely erase my MacBook and reinstall the latest version of MacOS over the internet (a very long and inconveniencing process), followed by restoring from my Time Machine backup (an even longer and more inconveniencing process). This has been happening since MacOS Catalina and my old 2019 MacBook Pro 13".


MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Mar 28, 2024 5:43 AM

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Posted on Mar 29, 2024 1:25 AM

What happens when you run this Terminal Command


Does the Sonoma 14.4.1 appear and listed ?


softwareupdate --list-full-installers


If Yes, suggest Removing any Third Party Security Software


If Connection from a VPN connection - stop connecting that way


VPNs may cause packet losses when downloading the Sonoma 14.4.1 Full Version


Back in Terminal and this command


softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.4.1


It Only downloads the full version and does not Auto Launch the installer


Good computer practices dictate.


Always make a Time Machine Backup  before doing any upDates

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 29, 2024 1:25 AM in response to iRonni

What happens when you run this Terminal Command


Does the Sonoma 14.4.1 appear and listed ?


softwareupdate --list-full-installers


If Yes, suggest Removing any Third Party Security Software


If Connection from a VPN connection - stop connecting that way


VPNs may cause packet losses when downloading the Sonoma 14.4.1 Full Version


Back in Terminal and this command


softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.4.1


It Only downloads the full version and does not Auto Launch the installer


Good computer practices dictate.


Always make a Time Machine Backup  before doing any upDates

Apr 1, 2024 1:41 PM in response to iRonni

You used this terminal command exactly as per below ?


softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.4.1


This would have bypassed the Software update Apple.


In theory, it would have actually downloaded the FULL VERSION of Sonoma 14.4.1


Placing a New Application in the Applications Folder


Called " Install Sonoma Application "


Are you telling us that the Full Version ( 12.xx GB ) Did or Did Not Fully Download


The error message presented here I need the help of @leroydouglas , would not have appeared as you are saying it has


It may have presented a Different Error message but not this one

Apr 2, 2024 2:12 PM in response to iRonni

We can only make suggestions regarding types, speeds and reliability of internet connections


At this point, Internet Connections are outside of our control am sorry to mention



Check your internet connection

Even if you're not installing macOS from the internet, the installer needs the internet to get firmware and other information specific to your Mac. Make sure that your Mac has a working and stable internet connection.

Mar 28, 2024 9:54 AM in response to iRonni

iRonni wrote:

I'm running a 14" MacBook Pro with M3 Pro chip on MacOS Sonoma 14.3. Every time I try to ugrade my MacOS, I get an error "Failed to personalise the software update. Please try again.". I am certain this has nothing to do with my internet connection. The only way to upgrade my OS is to completely erase my MacBook and reinstall the latest version of MacOS over the internet (a very long and inconveniencing process), followed by restoring from my Time Machine backup (an even longer and more inconveniencing process). This has been happening since MacOS Catalina and my old 2019 MacBook Pro 13".


https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/ad1011c0-63a1-43a8-af07-3c8b5c283b53


ref: If an error occurred while updating or installing macOS - Apple Support


Apr 2, 2024 1:44 PM in response to iRonni

From you Image above


You already have the " Install Sonoma Application " installed on this computer.


The reported size Sizt of the files look about right


To Actually Install Sonoma WILL Require an Active and Stable Internet Connection Before it will attempt to install.


This is Required for the installer to check various things like a possible EFI Boot ROM.


How you are going to achieve a Reliable and Active Internet Connection during this process.


It is best left to the user.

Apr 2, 2024 2:07 PM in response to Owl-53

Yes, I have downloaded the update, but I've tried installing it in multiple different wifi locations as well as wired network connections, all with high speed connections (50Mbps or greater).


All environments have resulted in the same error.


I have no evidence that my internet connections have been or are unstable.


This error has occurred going all the way back to MacOS Catalina and 3 different MacBook Pros over the last 3+ years.

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Unable to Install MacOS Updates.

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