Fix the “Computer Account Creation Failed” Error macOS
Came across an interesting error, while trying to set up a newly imaged Macbook Air that has an M1 chip in it. While trying to do the initial account setup, kept getting “Account Creation Failed” no matter what username or password I tried. Today’s post will go over how to fix the “Computer Account Creation Failed” error in macOS. Fix Computer Account Creation Failed
Some Background On The Error
It appears that this error has been seen since macOS 11 Big Sur, and seems to be most common on Macbooks with the M1 Chip. The error happens when you try to create the initial computer account. No matter how many user name/password combinations you try the same error appears.
The following instructions helped resolve the issue we encountered after a reinstallation of macOS12 Monterey.
Solution For Computer Account Creation Failed
For starters, be advised that these steps will require you to reinstall macOS again, so give yourself some time. Unfortunately, we haven’t found a faster solution to this error.
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Step One
Power down the Macbook, and then boot into Recovery Mode. If you have a Macbook with the M1 Chip. you can do this by pressing and holding down the power button until you see a “Loading startup options…” message. At that point, let go of the power button.
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Step Two
On the screen that appears, Choose Options then select your language if prompted to continue.
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Step Three
Once you have made it to the Recovery Mode screen, Select Terminal from the Utilities menu. The menu is on the top left of the screen.
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Step Four
In the Terminal window that opens, type the command ‘resetpassword’ and hit Enter. You will see some additional information come up on the screen. For purposes of this reset, that information is not required for any of the upcoming steps.
NOTE: After you do step 4, a window will appear that says Reset Password. You can disregard this window. Deactivating and activating the Mac via this Reser Password window did not resolve the issue. Just move to step 5
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Step Five
Once step 4 completes, from the Recovery Assistant menu at the top left of your screen select Erase Mac
Once you do, you will see a new window in the middle of your screen. On that window, select Erase Mac to continue.
At this point, you will get a confirmation pop-up. Select Erase Mac from the popup window to confirm.
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Step Six
Your Macbook will now be erased and will reboot to an Activate Mac window. Once you are on this window, select your Wi-Fi network at the top right of the display and log into your wifi.
Make sure you are connected to your wifi, and then select Next to activate your Mac then once activated, click Exit to Recovery Utilities.
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Step Seven (Final Step)
Now Choose Reinstall macOS Monterey Or Big Sur (depending on your model) from the Recovery menu and go through the installation steps again.
Once the macOS is reinstalled, and you get to the create a computer account screen, things should work as expected.
Final Thought
Hopefully, there will be an official fix released by Apple for this issue. In the meantime, we hope these steps help resolve your issue.
