What causes the macOS update error?

Upgrading to the latest macOS version lets you enjoy a host of customization options without having to part with your MacBook. Impressive, until an error crops up during the process. Fortunately, you've come to the right place!

In this article, we'll delve deeper into how to fix the "Software Update Personalization Failed" issue. Moreover, have you ever wondered why software updates aren't working as they should? Here are some reasons behind macOS update errors:

Poor Internet Connection This is one of the main reasons for the "Personalized Software Update Failed" error. Therefore, you should get a stable internet connection and manually install the macOS update.
Lack of Storage Space Upgrading to a new macOS version requires more storage space. Try freeing up some space before installing the update.
Startup Disk Issues You need to use Disk Utility to repair the startup disk to fix any errors on it that might be causing the software update failure.

So, without further ado, let's begin with the possible fixes for the “Software Update Failed Personalization” error.

Image fails to personalize software update theme

How to Fix the "Personalized Software Update Failed" Issue

When you see the error message "Personalized software update failed. Please try again." while updating your macOS, don't panic! It's quite common to encounter issues with operating system updates these days. To resolve this error, try these six top troubleshooting methods.

Fix 1: Check your Mac's network connection

In order to upgrade to macOS Sonoma or any other version, a MacBook must go through a verification process with Apple's servers. This involves the server checking the measurements provided by the Mac requesting the update against the versions that are allowed to be installed. When it finds a matching version, the server adds the Mac's unique ECID to the measurements and signs the result.

As the process is tailored with ECID, you need a stable internet connection to upgrade a Mac with an Apple T2 or Silicon chip. However, if the update process gets interrupted due to unstable connectivity, you might encounter this error on different versions of macOS.

Please follow these steps to troubleshoot this error:

First, use a separate Wi-Fi network – for example, update your macOS at home rather than at work.

Step 2. If you previously set a custom DNS on your router, reset it to default.

Check the internet connection.

Method 2: Try the macOS Update Again in Safe Mode

By starting up in Safe Mode, only essential extensions load, the disk is checked, and some system issues are resolved. The steps to restart your macOS update in Safe Mode are different for Apple silicon Macs and Intel-based Macs. Here's how to start an Apple silicon Mac in Safe Mode:

Step 1: Choose Apple menu > Shut Down.

Shut down your Mac

<Step 2> Hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options” on your MacBook.

Loading Boot Options

Step three: Choose the volume.

Step four: Hold the Shift key and click “Continue” under “Safe Mode.”

The steps to start your Intel-based Mac in Safe Mode are as follows:

Step 1: Turn on or restart your MacBook.

Step 2: Hold down the “Shift” key until the login screen appears.

Step 3: You may need to log in again.

Your MacBook will automatically restart. When it's done, you'll see "Safe Boot" in the menu bar. You can now use "Software Update" again to update your Mac.

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Fix 3: Clear Junk Files from Your Mac

Not enough storage space on your MacBook is a major reason for this error (seen on Big Sur/Monterey/Ventura/Sonoma). But you can free up space by moving unneeded files to the Trash and emptying the Trash on your Mac. To get rid of junk files on your Mac, you should delete user log files. Here's how:

Step 1: Open the Finder.

Step 2: Press “Command,” “Shift,” and “G” at the same time.

Step 3: Type ~/Library/Logs and press Enter.

Library logs

<Step 4> You will see all the user log files, which you can manually move to the Recycle Bin.

If you want to do a deep clean of your Mac, you can select all log files from all users and delete them. You can learn the shortcut to move the files to the Trash in the paragraphs below:

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Fix 4: Reset the NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the NVRAM/PRAM can help resolve the "Personalized Software Update Failed" error. Follow the steps below to reset the NVRAM/PRAM on your MacBook with the assistance of the Mac Terminal:

Step 1: Quit all running applications and launch the “Terminal” application from Finder > Utilities > Terminal.

From Utilities, choose Terminal.From Utilities, choose Terminal.

Step 2: Type sudo nvram -c, then press "Enter" or "Return." Don't forget to enter your administrator password and press "Enter" or "Return" again.

Step 3: Type sudo shutdown -r now and press "Return" or "Enter." Your MacBook will now restart!

If you'd like to learn more about resetting the NVRAM, check out this article:

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Fix 5: Upgrade your Mac's memory

Insufficient RAM is another reason this error might occur on Ventura or Monterey. If you suspect faulty RAM, you can run Apple Diagnostics to check or use a free software called Rember, which is licensed under GNU GPL. If you find that your RAM is insufficient, you have the option to replace or upgrade it. Here are the steps to upgrade your memory:

Step 1: Power down your Mac and let it cool completely. Now's the time to unplug all cables, cords, and peripherals.

Step 2: Stand the laptop on its end with the screen facing down.

Step 3: Remove the bottom case

Step 4: Discharge any static electricity stored in your body by touching a metal surface on the MacBook.

Step 5: Search for the “RAM module” and remove it using the lever that pops up.

Step 6: Don't touch the gold contacts; just lift the RAM module straight up and out.

If you have additional memory modules, repeat this step.

Step 8: Carefully install the new “RAM modules” into your MacBook, without touching the gold contacts.

Step 9: Snap in the second module until it clicks into place.

Step ten: Install the bottom cover and tighten the screws.

If your RAM is the issue, perform the above steps, and don't forget to share with your friends on social media.

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Solution 6: Reinstall macOS in Recovery Mode

In this solution, you need to know the ideal combination for survival. Before starting, make sure you have a strong and stable internet connection. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn on your MacBook.

Step 2: It's now time to press the “Command + R” keys, which will boot your device into the latest version of macOS that's installed on it.

Then press “Option+Command+R,” and that will install the latest version of macOS that's compatible with your Mac.

To learn through a more detailed tutorial, see here:

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Recovering Lost Data after Fixing Update Errors

If you lose data after attempting any of the above "software update failed" fixes, you can utilize professional data recovery software like Data Recovery Wizard for Mac Pro to retrieve all your lost data.

After the scan for lost files on your hard drive, you can choose the ones you want to recover. This invaluable data recovery tool can help you restore deleted files on Mac from various instances of data loss, including formatting, hard drive damage, virus attacks, repartitioning, system crashes, and unmounted drives. It offers a range of features to assist in data recovery:

Download this professional data recovery tool right now! You can learn more about Data Recovery Wizard for Mac in the paragraphs below:

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Abstract

Seeing an error message like “Personalized Software Update Failed” when upgrading macOS can be unsettling, especially if you don't know why it's happening. However, it's usually not a serious issue and can be resolved quickly. Follow the steps above to find and fix the problem. Also, if you lost data in the process of fixing this error, download the Mac Pro data recovery tool – Data Recovery Wizard.

Frequently Asked Questions about Personalized Error Messages Failed

Read through the following frequently asked questions to gain a better understanding of the topic:

How do I resolve issues with the Personalization software update failing on macOS Sonoma?

Try the solutions above, and choose what works for you. You can check your network connection or reset your NVRAM/PRAM.

How can I free up space for a macOS update?

If you encounter the not enough space for macOS Ventura update issue, you can free up space to install the latest macOS update by deleting unnecessary files in the Download folder or emptying the Trash to get rid of junk files.

3. Why do Apple software updates fail?

Apple software updates often fail because they require more storage space or a better internet connection.

How to recover data after a failed macOS Ventura update?

Select the disk from which you lost data after upgrading to macOS Ventura. Then, click “Search Lost Files.” The professional data recovery software – Data Recovery Wizard for Mac – will scan the selected volume and display the scan results in the left pane.