Problem updating MacBook Air M1 from Sonoma 14.4.1 to Sequoia 15.5 - new problem

Question

Level 1

4 points

Problem updating MacBook Air M1 from Sonoma 14.4.1 to Sequoia 15.5 - new problem

Hi,

I had a problem with installing the Sequoia system and asked for help: Problem updating MacBook Air M1 from Sono… - Apple Community. After many attempts and changes, it was finally suggested that the only solution was a reinstallation.

I erased the system (wiped the disk) and tried reinstalling again.

It turned out I received the following message again:

"An error occurred preparing the update. Failed to personalize the software update. Please try again."

Now my computer is locked (the system has been erased). What should I do?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Aug 31, 2025 05:18 AM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

66,662 points

Aug 31, 2025 12:09 PM in response to Mad_Marcin

I think you will need to perform a DFU Firmware Restore. Unfortunately this procedure requires access to another Mac currently running macOS 15.x Sequoia. This procedure will reset the security enclave chip, system firmware, and internal SSD as well as pushing a clean copy of macOS onto the internal SSD.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

66,662 points

Aug 31, 2025 04:33 PM in response to Mad_Marcin

Mad_Marcin wrote:

Is there another option? I'm afraid I don't have another MacBook to use.

If your friends, family members, co-workers, or employer don't have such a Mac, then you will need to go to the Apple Store for assistance, or to an Apple Authorized Service Provider although they may charge a fee.

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Answer 3

Mad_Marcin Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 1, 2025 01:14 AM in response to HWTech

Yes, my family and friends think that owning a Mac is stupid. That the system is clunky and only causes problems that are hard to fix on your own. I'm the only one who switched to a Mac. My first and last.

heh... thank you for the information.

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Answer 4

Sep 2, 2025 11:43 AM in response to Mad_Marcin

you need to bring your MacBook M1 to an apple store, unless you had a Time Machine back up somewhere.

what you can attempt to do is reinstall Monterey or BigSur since that was the original OS that came with the mac book m1

when you reinstalled your MBA how did you get the OS, from  App Store?

you might want to reinstall using a usb drive which is slightly more advanced but stronger than the app store

and you need to use terminal.

boy I would have you reboot press cmd-set-p-r if that was a intel chip as that would solve any problems.

oh, good luck and keep on trying, I had a MBP 2012 that finally upgraded to Mojave after seven attempts in 2018.

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Answer 5

Mad_Marcin Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 31, 2025 12:49 PM in response to HWTech

Is there another option? I'm afraid I don't have another MacBook to use.

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