[Fixed] Failed to Personalize the Software Update Sequoia

"Failed to personalise the software update. Please help! How i can solve this problem?"

- A Question from Reddit.

If you've run into the same “failed to personalize the software update” error while updating macOS Sequoia, don't worry—you’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why your Mac might display the “failed to personalize the software update” error and show you easy-to-follow solutions to resolve it.

Why Does My Mac Say “Failed to Personalize the Software Update” When Updating macOS Sequoia?

When you see the “failed to personalize the software update” message, it typically means that macOS encountered an issue while trying to tailor the update specifically for your machine. macOS updates are designed to be customized to work with your Mac’s hardware and software configuration. When that personalization process fails, macOS halts the installation.

Here are a few common reasons you might be seeing this error:

• Corrupted download files.
• Poor or unstable internet connection.
• Not enough storage space.
• Issues with Apple's servers.
• macOS system bugs.
• Third-party software conflicts.

Now that you know why you might be seeing the “failed to personalize the software update” message, let’s dive into how to fix it.

How to Fix “Failed to Personalize the Software Update” (macOS Sequoia)

Fix 1. Restart Your Mac

This is always a good first step when dealing with software issues. A simple restart can clear out temporary glitches or memory issues that may be causing the error. After restarting, go back to System Settings > General > Software Update and attempt to download and install macOS Sequoia again.

Related Article: How to Download and Install macOS Sequoia with and without App Store

Fix 2. Check Your Internet Connection

As mentioned earlier, a stable internet connection is key when updating macOS. If your Wi-Fi connection is unstable or too slow, it could lead to the “failed to personalize the software update, try again” error.

• First, make sure your internet connection is stable.
• Restart your router if needed or switch to a wired Ethernet connection if possible.
• Turn Wi-Fi off and on.
• Try switching to a different Wi-Fi network to see if that resolves the issue.
• Delete your registered network and rejoin it.

Once you’ve secured a strong connection, try running the update again to see if that resolves the error.

Fix 3. Free Up Disk Space on Mac

macOS Sequoia update needs a significant amount of free disk space to be downloaded and installed properly. If your Mac is running low on storage, it can lead to the “failed to personalize the software update” issue.

To check your available disk space:

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
2. See if there’s enough space. You’ll need at least 20–30 GB of free space to avoid issues.

If you're low on space, have a try at BuhoCleaner, an easy-to-use Mac cleaner. With this handy cleaning tool, you can free up several GBs of space in one click. Click the button below to try it for free.

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Fix 4. Boot in Safe Mode

Sometimes third-party software can interfere with system processes, including macOS updates. Booting your Mac into Safe Mode can help eliminate those potential conflicts.

To start your Mac in Safe Mode:

• For Intel Macs:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Release the Shift key when you see the login screen.

• For Apple Silicon Macs:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Press and hold the power button until you see the startup option.
  3. Select your startup disk, press and hold the Shift key, and click Continue in safe mode.
  4. Release the shift key when you see the login screen.

In Safe Mode, macOS only loads essential system software, which can help you bypass potential conflicts. Once you’re in Safe Mode, try updating to macOS Sequoia again.

Fix 5. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) can help clear certain system settings and fix issues related to personalization errors. Here’s how to do it:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys.
3. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.

Your Mac will restart, and after it does, you can attempt the macOS Sequoia update once again.

Fix 6. Reinstall macOS in Recovery Mode

If none of the above fixes work, reinstalling macOS might be necessary. This is more of a last resort, but it will ensure that you have a fresh version of macOS, free from any issues.

To reinstall macOS in Recovery Mode:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Do one of the following:
   • Intel Macs: Turn it on and immediately press and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo.
   • Apple Silicon Macs: Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen, select your startup disk, and click Options > Continue.
3. In macOS Recovery, select Reinstall macOS, then follow the on-screen instructions.

This process will install a fresh copy of macOS, but your files and settings should remain intact. After reinstalling, try running the macOS Sequoia update again.

Fix 7. Wait for A New Update

Bugs in macOS Sequoia can also lead to the frustrating "failed to personalize the software update" error. In this case, there's nothing you can do but wait for a new update. When an update is available, download and install it with the Software Update.

Conclusion

Facing the “failed to personalize the software update” error when updating macOS Sequoia is frustrating, but with the right steps, it can be fixed. Whether it’s as simple as restarting your Mac, ensuring you have enough disk space, or booting into Safe Mode, the solutions outlined in this guide should help you get past the error and successfully install the update.

If these fixes don’t work, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance, as there may be a deeper issue with your system or the update files.