Users will encounter this problem only when attempting to completely delete their Macs and reinstall macOS High Sierra, therefore it is not a particularly typical occurrence.
If you are trying to reinstall macOS High Sierra and are met with the error message “Could Not Create A Preboot Volume For APFS Install” this article will explain you why this happens and how to fix it.
When your Mac reports that it “Could Not Create A Preboot Volume For APFS Install,” you may be wondering what this means. This problem occurs when attempting to install the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) onto an APFS drive.
Apple’s new file system, APFS (Apple File System), which is being introduced in High Sierra to replace the 20-year-old file system or HFS+, is the primary cause of the preboot installation failure.
While the new APFS system is more secure, quicker, and more SSD-compatible than its predecessor, it is incompatible with OS X and macOS versions prior to High Sierra. Furthermore, the Recovery Mode reinstallation of High Sierra fails when an Apple File System partition is present.
If you’re having trouble reinstalling macOS High Sierra because of the “Could Not Create A Preboot Volume For APFS Install” problem, you have two options: either erase the relevant partitions or volumes on your Mac, or install Sierra from the Internet Recovery Partition. Here, I will explain those procedures in detail.
Apple’s file system landscape underwent a significant shift with the introduction of the Apple File System (APFS), replacing the age-old HFS+.
This change, while groundbreaking, also introduced new terms and potential challenges for Mac users. One such term is the “preboot volume.” Let’s dive into understanding what it is and address some common queries related to APFS.
What is Preboot Volume?
A preboot volume, in the context of APFS, is a special volume on macOS devices that aids in booting the system. It contains necessary data, including kernel extensions and driver extensions, that the OS requires before the main system volume is mounted. Essentially, it helps facilitate a quick and secure boot process.
Causes of “Could Not Create A Preboot Volume For APFS Install Error”
The error “Could not create a preboot volume for APFS install” usually arises during macOS upgrades or installations. Some common triggers are:
- Insufficient Drive Space: The system might not have enough space to create the required APFS volumes.
- Disk Corruption: Physical or logical damage to the disk can hinder the creation of APFS structures.
- Faulty Installers: An incomplete or corrupted macOS installer might fail to create necessary volumes.
Method 1: Discard Your Divider (Volume).
Step 1: Toggle the Mac Off button.
Step 2: Enter Recovery Mode by starting your Mac in Safe Mode. Hold down the power button and the command key ( R) until the Apple logo appears.
Step 3: The tools menu will pop up.
Step 4: Go to the Applications menu and pick Disk Utility. Your Mac will display every driver it has.
Step 5: Just pick your internal drive and hit the erase button. The drive will be erased once you press this button.
Step 6: Wrap up Disk Utility.
Step 7: You can go one of two ways now:
Select the internal drive, reopen Disk Utility, and format it as “Mac OS Extended.” Finally, you may reinstall macOS. Alternatively, you can power down your Mac and restart it. To access Internet Recovery Mode, press and hold Option + Command + R.
Choose the Disk Utility option. Locate the drive and rename it “Macintosh HD” after the “Mac OS Extended” file system that you’ll be using to format it. Create a new volume and format it as “Mac OS Extended” if the drive is not visible.
Leave Disk Utility, and set your sights on a clean installation of macOS with the Reinstall button. If you delete this drive, the faulty APFS file system that’s generating the error will be removed, and you’ll be able to reinstall macOS without issue.
Method 2: To access Internet Recovery Mode, press F11.
Step 1: You should restart your Mac.
Step 2: Pressing Command + R + Alt/Option during a reboot will enter Internet Recovery Mode on a Mac.
Step 3: Access the WiFi, then go into Settings.
Step 4: When you select Reinstall OS, your computer will reinstall its factory-installed operating system.
How Do I Create an APFS Volume?
Creating an APFS volume is straightforward with the Disk Utility app:
- Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
- In the sidebar, select an existing APFS container.
- Click the Add Volume button in the toolbar.
- Provide a name for your new volume and, if desired, set a reserve or quota size.
- Choose Add to create the volume.
How Do I Unlock APFS Volume on Mac?
If you’ve encrypted your APFS volume, you may need to unlock it at times:
- Launch Disk Utility.
- Select the locked APFS volume from the sidebar.
- Click the Unlock button (or right-click the volume and select Unlock).
- Enter the password or, if you’re using FileVault, the decryption key. Once provided, the volume will unlock.
How Do I Convert My Mac Disk to APFS?
When you upgrade to macOS High Sierra or later, systems with solid-state drives (SSDs) are automatically converted to APFS. However, for manual conversion:
- Backup all data before proceeding.
- Open Disk Utility.
- Select the drive you want to convert.
- From the Edit menu, choose Convert to APFS.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the conversion.
What is the Volume Limit for APFS?
APFS is designed for scalability. It can support volumes up to 8 exabytes in size. This massive size limit ensures that APFS can cater to both current storage needs and future advancements in storage technology.
In Conclusion
The introduction of APFS and its features like preboot volume marks a commitment by Apple to enhance the performance, security, and stability of macOS systems.
While the transition to new technology sometimes brings challenges, Apple offers tools and features that make managing and understanding these changes easier for users.
As with all system modifications, regular backups and keeping abreast of updates are vital for smooth operations. Thanks For the our article!
