Install MacOS in Recovery Mode after erasing Volumes

I'm assuming you have a 2020 M-series Mac since I've only seen the "Failed to Personalize Update" with the M-series Macs?

Since you deleted all of the APFS volumes, did it prompt you to delete the "Volume Group" as well when you did that? You probably will need to perform a DFU Firmware Restore which resets the security enclave, system firmware, and internal SSD, as well as push a clean copy of macOS onto the internal SSD (the latter only occurs with an M-series Mac). However, this process requires access to another Mac running macOS 15.x Sequoia (at this time anyway).

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

FYI, you don't want to erase the whole physical internal SSD of an M-series Mac since the internal SSD contains a couple of required hidden APFS system Containers required for booting the Mac even into special startup modes. If those volumes/Containers are deleted or damaged, then a DFU Firmware Restore is the only option. It is Ok to erase the whole physical internal SSD of Intel Macs.

I'm just curious what caused you to reinstall macOS in the first place since that reason may be the same reason you are having problems with your clean install of macOS.

When you erase the disk ate you deleting the top line directory and not just the ones below that? Must start at the top.

tbirdvet wrote:

I'm curious about your statement of not wanting to erase the internal drive. I have done that (in recovery mode) on several Silicon Macs to restore all and no issues.

At one time I believe it may have been possible to completely erase the whole physical internal SSD of the M-series Macs which would destroy the two necessary hidden APFS volumes needed for booting it even to the Startup Options screen. At least I recall assisting a few users who had lost the ability to boot even to the Startup Options screen after erasing their internal SSD. Even Apple's instructions only recommend deleting the Volume Group for the macOS container. I don't think this is possible anymore, but didn't want to take any chances since many people don't have access to another Mac running Sequoia to perform a DFU Firmware Restore. I haven't had an opportunity to test it though.

You should probably restart your Macbook and delete large files so the update can fit the disk you’re downloading it to

I'm curious about your statement of not wanting to erase the internal drive. I have done that (in recovery mode) on several Silicon Macs to restore all and no issues.