Password rejected for Tahoe install

[Cave Man]

So, I've installed Tahoe onto my M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Studio at work. Now I'm trying to install it (from Sequoia) on my M4 Mac mini at home. The installer shows up in System Settings > Software Update (26.0.1) but when I enter my mini's password it is rejected. I am certain the password is correct because I restarted the computer and logged in with it. I've tried my full user name (first and last), first name (which is what my home folder is named), and my last name but none work. I have plenty of space on my SSD (1.2 TB free). What might be causing this?

I'm downloading the full installer now to see if that will work.

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 26.0.1

 

[Cave Man]

Well, shiznut. The stand-alone installer also will not let me update to Tahoe. WTF is going on?

 

[circatee]

Create ANOTHER Admin account on the decide, and try again…

 

[Cave Man]

Thanks for that suggestion. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I am stumped.

 

[circatee]

I take it booting into Safe Boot, doesn't give you the option to upgrade?

Lastly, if all your data is stored in the cloud, a suggestion would be to wipe the entire device, and start with a FRESH install of Tahoe...

 

[Cave Man]

Have not tried that but will tomorrow. I get all this security crap that Apple (and everyone else) puts on, but it's getting to the point where it is more difficult to deal with.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP posted:
"I am certain the password is correct because I restarted the computer and logged in with it. I've tried my full user name (first and last)"

I could be wrong below, and I welcome correction from others.

When it asks for a user account, I'm thinking it wants the "abbreviated" account name that the OS assigns to you, after you've entered your "full name".

How to find it:
- open the "users & groups" settings pane
- CONTROL-click on YOUR account, and choose "advanced options"
- password will be required. enter it.
- you will see "user name" and "full name".
- the name you want is "user name", write it down on paper
(that's all you need here, close without changing anything)

The next time you install, if you are asked to select a "user name" by which to authorize the new OS, THIS is what you want to enter, followed by your password.

(I was stumbling as well the first time I was confronted by this)

"I get all this security crap that Apple (and everyone else) puts on, but it's getting to the point where it is more difficult to deal with"

On this, you are 100% correct...!