Troubleshoot Real-time Virus Protection for macOS 10.14 and Lower

Note: The below instructions only apply to Intel-based Macs running macOS Mojave (10.14), High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), and El Capitan (10.11).

 

Some MacKeeper users have reported issues enabling Real-time Antivirus Protection on older operating systems (macOS 10.11-10.14). Our engineers have shared how to fix this.  

 

Geek corner: The issue is caused by misconfigured system folders. To be specific, System Integrity Protection (SIP) prevents Kernel Extension (KEXT) from loading, and KEXT is a must for real-time protection to launch.  

Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode

  1. Save all your necessary info, then shut down your Mac
  2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and R keys
  3. Release the keys once you see the Apple logo
  4. Enter your Mac password and click Continue, if prompted
Recovery Mode on Mac

See this screen with a list of utilities? Great, let’s move on.  

Use the Terminal  

  1. Click Utilities from the top menu and select Terminal
  2. Copy the command: chflags restricted /Volumes/*/private/var/db/KernelExtensionManagement
  3. Paste it in the Terminal, then press the Enter key
  4. Type reboot in the Terminal and press Enter again
  5. Wait for your Mac to reboot.

Unblock system extension

Once you reboot your Mac following the steps above, you might also see this window:

Open Security Preferences

If you do, simply click Open Security Preferences and hit Allow in the bottom left.  

Allow to download apps

Done! You’re all set to enable Real-time Antivirus protection. Just select Antivirus in MacKeeper and follow the on-screen instructions, or check a detailed guide in the Antivirus tutorial.  

Great! MacKeeper downloaded.

Now let’s install it on your Mac.

Here's your download. Just click it to get started!

1. Open

Click above to open the MacKeeper file from your Downloads

first install step

2. Install

Select Continue to begin the installation

second install step

3. Complete

Hit Install to complete the installation

second install step

4. Enjoy!

MacKeeper is all set to optimize your Mac

second install step