Enable System Extensions on Mac

System extensions come bundled with some macOS applications and add useful functionality to your Mac. Some apps, such as VPN clients, won’t function properly until necessary extensions have been enabled, so it’s important to allow them when prompted.

In this article, I’ll show you how to enable system extensions on Mac and change your security policy to allow traditional kernel extensions as well.

Before we begin:

You can safely remove old macOS extensions and make room for new ones with MacKeeper’s handy Smart Uninstaller. It quickly removes unwanted software from your Mac and takes care of all the hard work for you.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Select Smart Uninstaller in the MacKeeper sidebar.
3. Click Start Scan to find all apps and extensions.
4. Choose the items you want to remove, then click Remove Selected.
5. Click Remove to confirm.

What are system extensions on Mac?

System extensions on Mac are essentially small programs that extend the functionality of your computer. There are three main types—driver extensions, network extensions, and endpoint security extensions—and they are bundled with all kinds of macOS applications.

In earlier versions of macOS, system extensions were known as kernel extensions (KEXTs). They operate at a system level, giving developers full access to your Mac’s hardware. Some apps still use these, though Apple has been pushing safer system extensions since macOS 10.15 Catalina.

Should you enable system extensions on Mac?

In most cases, when you are prompted to enable system extensions on Mac, there’s a good reason for it. Extensions are typically used to enable certain features inside an application you’re installing, like communication with an external device or configuration of your network, as is the case with a VPN.

As is the case with any piece of software, you shouldn’t enable system extensions you don’t recognize, or those that cause a “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error. However, extensions required by a piece of software you want to use are usually safe to enable.

Is it safe to enable system extensions on MacBook?

Unlike old Mac extensions, modern system extensions run in user space outside the kernel. They don’t have complete control over your machine’s hardware like they used to, therefore, cannot compromise macOS security or system stability.

I recommend that you don’t allow unrecognized or unnecessary system extensions on Mac. If you are prompted to enable an extension at random or have one that enables functionality you won’t use, it’s best to leave it disabled or uninstalled to minimize the risk of potential issues.

How to allow system extensions on macOS

Some macOS extensions require you to change your Mac’s security policy, like so:

1. Boot your Mac into Recovery mode.
2. Select your startup disk, then sign in as an administrator.
3. Go to Utilities > Startup Security Utility.
4. Select Reduced Security, then click OK.
5. Restart your Mac.

After changing your Mac’s security policy, which is usually required if you have an Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, or M4) machine, you can enable system extensions through the System Settings (previously called System Preferences) app in macOS.

A note from our experts: 

To make room for new software and extensions and to safely clear system storage on Mac, I recommend using MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller. Not only does it make removing unwanted apps incredibly easy, but it also eliminates associated files that are usually left behind. Try this:

1. Open MacKeeper and select Smart Uninstaller.
2. Click Start Scan.
3. Choose the software and other items you want to uninstall, then click Remove Selected.
4. Click Remove to confirm.

1. Open System Settings and navigate to Privacy & Security

Open the System Settings app, which can usually be found on your Mac’s dock. If you’ve removed it from there, you can open it from the Applications folder. Next, select Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

2. Locate and allow blocked system extension

Scroll down to Security. If you see a message prompting you to enable a recently installed system extension, click Allow. Otherwise, click Enable System Extensions, then toggle the extension you want to activate.

3. Restart your Mac to apply changes

Most system extensions won’t work properly until your Mac reboots, so after enabling the extensions you want to use, Restart your Mac. If you skip this step, it could make your software unstable or cause a kernel panic if the extension you’re trying to use has kernel access.

4. Verify that extension is enabled

To verify that an extension is enabled after restarting your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open System Settings, then go to Privacy & Security.
2. Scroll down the Security, then choose Enable System Extensions.
3. Check that the toggle next to the extension you want to use is now on.

Alternatively, you can try using the feature that the extension relates to within the connected application. If it works, the extension has been enabled successfully. If it doesn’t or you’re prompted to enable the extension again, it’s still disabled, and you’ll need to repeat the installation steps above.

Conclusion

It’s easy to enable modern system extensions and traditional kernel extensions on your Mac, and in most cases, it’s perfectly safe to do so. In fact, some extensions are required to allow certain macOS apps to function properly, so we recommend that you follow the steps above to enable them when necessary.

Remember, it’s easy to remove old software and extensions from your Mac with MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller. It does all the hard work so you don’t have to, and it ensures that no leftovers are missed when removing unwanted apps, plugins, widgets, and more.