Mac mini M2 reinstall fails because the internal SSD is missing
A with no installed cannot install from a USB because the internal disk does not appear in the install target list. shows only the bare internal Apple SSD, with no volumes or under it.
Erasing the whole Apple SSD fails because the disk cannot be unmounted. The error says the disk is in use by process 0, the kernel, and the device cannot be opened.
Booting without the USB sends the Mac into . The practical question is whether anything can fix the install path besides DFU recovery.
Key points
- The has no system installed and is being installed from a USB .
- The internal disk does not appear as an install target for .
- shows only the Apple SSD, with no child volumes or .
- Erasing the SSD fails because the kernel is using the disk.
- Without the USB , the Mac boots into .