Unable to update MacBook Pro to Ventura or higher OS versions

Question

Level 1

12 points

Unable to update MacBook Pro to Ventura or higher OS versions

In the previous months, I've been experiencing an unwanted error during my update, which prevents my MacBook from updating to Ventura and higher OS versions. I've also tried asking the community in the past and live chat support, but neither of them worked.

I believe that:

My Mac is fully compatible with Ventura and higher OS versions (MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports))
My Mac has plenty of storage space
My Internet connection during the installation is stable
I've tried every possible method of updating my macOS
I've tried resetting my NVRAM/SMC

I've heard about a few specific models with the T2 Security Chip that won't be able to update to higher versions, which has raised concerns.

Are there any ways that I can solve this issue? I would appreciate any support at the moment.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: MacOS installation update error

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Oct 21, 2025 5:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Servant of Cats

Level 7

33,191 points

Oct 21, 2025 7:38 PM in response to carlll10

carlll10 wrote:

I believe that:

My Mac is fully compatible with Ventura and higher OS versions (MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports))

That is one of only four Intel-based Macs that can upgrade all the way to macOS 26 (Tahoe).

A TidBITS article indicates that when macOS installation fails with the dreaded "Failed to personalize" error, the cause can be outdated firmware. In some cases, the Mac may need to be "revived" or "restored" with the aid of another Mac.

TidBITS – Solving the macOS Installer’s “Failed to Personalize” Error with New Firmware

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

Because you have not mentioned seeing the "Failed to personalize" error, I doubt that you are running into this. Also note that "restoring" is destructive – you have to erase the Mac, which means that you'll lose any data that isn't backed up.

So this is just a FYI in case, after pursuing all other avenues, this appears to be the only one left.

Reply

Answer 2

Oct 21, 2025 5:46 AM in response to carlll10

have you tried to Start up your Mac in safe mode and download and install macOS while still in safe mode?

Reply