How to Enable Kernel Extensions on Mac

What is a kernel extension on Mac

A kernel extension (also known as kext) is a piece of code that loads into the macOS kernel, allowing drivers and various security tools to improve how your Mac's system works.

Advice from us: 

 

If your Mac crashes unexpectedly, it could be related to faulty software. We encourage you to read the tips in our supporting blog to learn more about the dreaded macOS kernel panic and how to troubleshoot it.

Why approving kernel extensions may be necessary

Most Apple devices and apps require kernel extensions to function. So, we encourage you to always approve kext from trusted sources.

A note from our experts: 

 

We recommend all Mac users regularly remove outdated extensions and app data to prevent performance issues caused by software conflicts. MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller can help you find and safely remove redundant extension files, freeing up resources and boosting processing speed.

 

Here’s how to remove outdated extensions with MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. Go to the Smart Uninstaller and press Start Scan.
3. Select all the Apps, Plugins, Extensions or Leftovers you want to remove and press Remove Selected.
4. Press Remove to confirm. 

How to enable and approve kernel extensions on Mac

To enable system extensions on macOS:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. On some Intel models (pre-2020) and silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3 & M4), you may need to enter Recovery mode to adjust your security.
2. Once you unlock more security features, click Allow next to the extension to approve it manually.

In case adjusting your security settings didn’t fix your kernel extension errors, we'll show you more methods to enable the kernel extension on Mac:

• Enter macOS in Recovery mode.
• Approve kernel extensions via System Preferences.
• Enable using Terminal.

A helping hand from us: 

 

If the kernel extension is running but causing significant slowdowns that are affecting your daily activities, we suggest checking out our helpful guide on how to fix kernel_task to resolve your speed issues in no time.

1. Enter macOS in recovery mode

For your Mac to enable kernel extensions, we’ve noticed that some users need to enter macOS Recovery Mode to be able to access advanced security settings. Entering Recovery Mode is different depending on your Mac’s chip—Intel or Silicon. But not to worry, we’ll guide you through both methods below…

Apple Silicon models

Newer Apple models, with silicon technology, can easily be entered into Recovery mode.

Here’s how we recommend safely entering Recovery Mode:

1. Press the Apple Icon and click on Shut Down.
2. Press and hold the power button until the Startup options screen appears.
3. Click on Options > Continue.
4. You may need to enter your Admin password to enter Recovery Mode.

Intel Mac model

If your Mac was made before 2020, it likely uses an Intel processor. In that case, entering macOS Recovery Mode requires a different process—let us show you:

1. Click on the Apple Icon and select Restart Mac.
2. Upon startup, press and hold Command + R.
3. When you see the Apple logo, let go.
4. Once in Recovery Mode, select Utilities > Startup Security Utility.

Important: 

 

Need to adjust security settings for your Mac? Learn how to launch Startup Security Utility on Mac with our step-by-step guide explaining how to access and utilize this handy tool.

2. Approve kernel extension via System Preferences

Are your kernel extensions still blocked or not running correctly on your MacBook? This recurring issue might require you to manually approve the extension in System Preferences. Below, we'll show you how to approve kernel extensions via System Preferences:

1. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
2. Go to the General tab.
3. If settings are locked, click the lock icon and enter your administrator password.
4. Look for a message saying the system software was blocked.
5. Click Allow.

Attention! 

 

Sometimes, your device might not be performing as it should due to its resources being overloaded. Not sure if this is the case for you? Our supporting blog piece will help you identify if syspolicyd high CPU usage is affecting your performance.

3. Enable using Terminal

If you’ve followed all of our steps to enable kernel extension on Mac, but you’re still having no luck, it might be time to use Terminal. For those of you not very familiar with Terminal, we’ll walk you through it below:

1. Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode. Click on Utilities > Terminal.
2. Type the following command: spctl kext-consent disable to allow kexts.
3. Quit Terminal and Restart Mac.  

Enabling kernel extension with MacKeeper’s support

We know how frustrating blocked extensions can be, especially when they stop essential software from working. That’s why the troubleshooting steps we’ve outlined—like adjusting your Mac’s security settings in macOS Recovery—should help you get things back on track.

To prevent an accumulation of clutter and future conflicts, we recommend decluttering your Mac regularly. MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller can safely remove all unnecessary extension files and outdated apps, allowing your MacBook to run with fewer interruptions.