"MacOS Sonoma Installation Failed | 4 Practical Fixes for 2024"

This article will show you four practical ways to fix macOS Sonoma installation errors and get your Mac running the new operating system.

The methods outlined in this article will equip you with the tools to troubleshoot installation issues and successfully install the latest macOS Sonoma version, getting your Mac up and running smoothly. Let's get started!

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Why does the macOS Sonoma installation fail?

Why does the macOS Sonoma installation fail? Because it's still in the testing phase. The installation might fail due to insufficient disk space, incompatible hardware, corrupted data, or network issues.

Reasons that macOS Sonoma might not install include:

Insufficient storage: You need enough available storage space to download and perform a clean install of macOS Sonoma. The installation requires at least 20 GB of free space.

If you've deleted files on Mac but still no space, you should know that moving files to Trash doesn't really remove data – they're still on your Mac. Read on to learn how to delete files on Mac and free up space permanently.

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Software incompatibility: The macOS Sonoma update is not supported on all Mac models. If your Mac is not on the list, you will be unable to install the macOS Sonoma update.

• iMac Pro from 2017
• MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini from 2018 and later
• iMac and Mac Pro from 2019 and later
• Mac Studio from 2022 and later

If your Mac isn't on the list, don't worry; read this article to install macOS 14 Sonoma on unsupported Mac models.

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Not Registered as an Apple Developer: macOS Sonoma is currently in beta and only available to registered developers with an Apple ID. If you do not have a developer account, you will be unable to download macOS 14 or install updates.

Backup first: Before installing a major update, back up your data with Time Machine. You could lose important files or settings during the installation process, and you may be able to recover files after reinstalling macOS.

❌ Corrupted Installer : The installation file might have gotten damaged during the download or transfer process, causing installation issues or failures. To resolve this, try removing the app from the App Store and reinstalling it.

Internet connectivity issues: A slow or unreliable internet connection can interrupt the installation. You might have trouble downloading or verifying the installer files. To avoid this, use your Wi-Fi or personal internet connection instead of a public or shared network.

Alert: System issues: Your Mac's hardware or software might be having problems that cause the installation to fail. For example, you can try disabling FileVault or the firewall, resetting NVRAM/PRAM or SMC, and creating a new macOS Sonoma installer on a USB drive.

⏱️ Temporary Error : The installation might fail due to a temporary issue that isn't related to your Mac or the installer file. These issues can sometimes resolve on their own, so try performing a hard restart on your MacBook and then attempting the update again later.

How to fix macOS Sonoma installation failures

Installing a new operating system is usually straightforward. However, there can be some complications. If you run into any macOS Sonoma issues, don't panic – there are viable solutions to get you up and running again.

Here, we'll discuss four tried-and-true solutions to installation issues that will get macOS Sonoma running smoothly on your Mac.

Fix 1: Restart your Mac

Sometimes, simply restarting your Mac can fix a lot of issues, including installation problems. When you restart your Mac, it clears the memory and processes programs at a normal speed. If you're unable to use certain commands or apps because of a glitch, then one of several ways to restart your Mac might come in handy. Here's the quickest way:

Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top toolbar of your Mac.

Step 2: Choose “Reboot” from the menu. Click “Reboot” again to confirm, and your Mac will restart right away.

Fix 2: Check your Mac's storage space

You must have enough space on your Mac startup disk to download and install the macOS Sonoma update. At least 20 GB of free space is required for the installation. If you need more room, delete or move unnecessary files. To check your Mac's storage, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “About This Mac.”

Step 2: After you choose Storage, your Mac estimates how much space is available.

Fix 3: Check macOS Sonoma compatibility

macOS Sonoma isn't compatible with all Macs. To see if your device is compatible, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and select “About This Mac.” A window will pop up with your Mac's name, CPU, RAM, serial number, and other details.

Step 2: Check the “Model Name” or “Model Identifier” to see if your device is compatible.

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Fix 4: Create a Bootable Installer for macOS Sonoma

If you want to install or upgrade to macOS Sonoma, you can create a USB installer boot drive. This will speed up the operating system installation process on both Intel and M1/M2 Macs. The following guide will show you how to create a macOS Sonoma bootable USB:

Step 1: Download the file called InstallAssistant.kg. When the download is complete, you'll find the file in the “Downloads” subfolder.

To install macOS Sonoma from a USB drive, you'll first need to create the installer. Find the Install macOS Sonoma app in your Applications folder, and then create the USB installer immediately. The USB flash drive must be at least 16GB, as the Sonoma installer is between 12GB and 14GB in size.

Step 1: Connect the USB flash drive

Step 2: After launching Disk Utility, click the “View” icon. Select “Show All Volumes,” then choose the name of your USB drive in the top level.

Step 3. In most cases, the "Volume" will be your USB drive. Click the "Erase" button to delete the contents of the USB flash drive.

Step 4. Open Terminal located in the Utilities folder within Applications.

Step 5: Type sudo, then a space.

Note: You should drag the macOS Sonoma installer app into the Terminal window.

Step 6: The full command is sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ 14\ Beta.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia.

Step 7. Before you drop the USB drive into the Terminal window, add the -v option. You'll be prompted for your account password; enter it and press Return.

Note: The full command looks like this:

Should you install the macOS Sonoma beta?

macOS Sonoma is the latest version of Apple's Mac operating system. It comes with numerous new features and enhancements, such as Universal Control, AirPlay for Mac, Focus modes, and a redesigned Safari browser.

Installing the beta version of macOS Sonoma can lead to software bugs, system instability, and even data loss on your Mac. If you still wish to test the macOS Sonoma beta, you must follow Apple's official instructions and ensure that your Mac meets the minimum requirements. It's highly recommended to back up your important data before proceeding, as beta software can be risky.

Or you can read the article below on downgrading from Sonoma to Ventura.

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Suppose you updated your Mac and lost everything; don't worry; using professional data recovery software can help you retrieve lost data and perform file recovery on macOS Sonoma.

The Mac Data Recovery Wizard is a powerful and trustworthy software that efficiently retrieves lost data. With its user-friendly interface and advanced scanning algorithms, it assists in recovering your data when you accidentally delete important files, encounter corrupted data, or face formatting issues.

It can recover permanently deleted files from Mac trash, including photos, videos, documents, and more. It also helps to retrieve lost files after updating to macOS Ventura or macOS Sonoma. Follow the steps below:

Note: You can click "Disk Backup" on the left to create a backup first. This allows you to recover data from the backup image when the disk is damaged or data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost.

Step one: Choose the location.

Select the disk from which you lost data after upgrading to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur, and then click “Search Lost Files.”

Step 2: Look for the Lost Data after Scanning

The Data Recovery Wizard will immediately scan the disk volume you've chosen, and display the scan results in the left pane. You can use File Type and Path to locate the needed data on your Mac.

Step 3: Recover Data After macOS Update

Select the target files that were accidentally lost during or after the update, and then click Recover to get them all back.

The bottom line?

While the new features of macOS Sonoma Beta are enticing, users should be aware of the bugs, system instability, and data-loss risks they may encounter.

If you insist on proceeding, you should arm yourself with a powerful data recovery solution, such as Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. During the macOS Sonoma beta testing period, you can rest assured that the tool has your back with its robust and reliable data recovery capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Failed macOS Sonoma Installations

Here are some questions people often ask about macOS Sonoma installation failures:

1. How do I install macOS Sonoma on a Mac? I'm sorry, but there is currently no operating system version called macOS Sonoma. It might be a typo or refer to a future release that hasn't been announced yet. Please verify which macOS version you meant, such as Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, or provide more information so I can guide you through the correct installation process.

Install macOS Sonoma on your Mac:

Step 1: Visit the Apple Developer website and sign up for an account.

Step 2: Tap Settings > General.

Step 3: Click on the “Software Update” button.

Step 4: Click the “i” icon to the right of the “Beta Updates” section.

Step 5: Click on the “macOS Sonoma Developer Beta” button. You should now see “macOS 14 Beta,” and you can click “Upgrade Now.”

Step 6: When the download finishes, click Install Now.

Why can't I install macOS Sonoma?

The failure of macOS Sonoma installation could be due to several reasons. Common causes include insufficient disk space, hardware incompatibility, and network issues. Please check your Mac's storage capacity to ensure it meets Apple's official system requirements and establish a stable network connection.

Is my Mac too old to install Sonoma?

macOS Sonoma might have system requirements that limit its compatibility with earlier Mac models.

- iMac Pro from 2017 - MacBook Air, Pro, and Mac mini from 2018 and later - iMac and Mac Pro from 2019 and later - Mac Studio from 2022 and later

If your Mac isn't listed, it doesn't meet the requirements for Sonoma.