MyKextInstaller is an application designed to simplify the manual installation of kernel extensions (kexts) on macOS. While initially created to restore audio on system versions where original support was removed (such as macOS Tahoe Beta 2), it has evolved into a versatile and practical solution for general kext management.
This application automates critical tasks like copying files to the appropriate directories, configuring permissions, and updating system caches. This eliminates the complexity of the manual process, reduces reliance on alternative tools, and gives users more autonomy over the kexts they wish to install.
To restore audio on your macOS system using MyKextInstaller, follow these steps:
-
Download MyKextInstaller:
- Download the MyKextInstaller file.
-
Download AppleHDA.kext:
-
Download AppleHDA. You can use the macOS Sequoia version or earlier versions.
-
Alternatively, you can find
AppleHDA.kextat the following path:/Library/Developer/KDKs/KDK_26.0_25A5279m.kdk/System/Library/Extensions.
-
Tip
Starting from version 1.4 of MyKextInstaller, the AppleHDA kext is installed automatically.
-
Configure SIP (System Integrity Protection):
-
Verify AppleALC.kext:
- Make sure
AppleALC.kextis enabled in theKernelsection of yourconfig.plistin OpenCore, as it was before. If you don't know how, check here.
- Make sure
-
Download and install the KDK (Kernel Development Kit):
- Install the appropriate KDK for your macOS version.
-
Install AppleHDA.kext with MyKextInstaller:
- Open MyKextInstaller. The application will ask you to locate the kext you want to install. For convenience, copy
AppleHDA.kextto your Desktop.
- Open MyKextInstaller. The application will ask you to locate the kext you want to install. For convenience, copy
-
Restart your system:
- After installing the kext, restart your system and check if the audio is working correctly.
- Any instructions related to disabling SIP in Recovery Mode apply to systems where SIP is still enabled in
config.plist.
MyKextInstaller uses a Helper Tool to perform tasks that require elevated privileges (root).
- Versions 1.4 to 1.6: The helper was installed using SMJobBless, ensuring compatibility with earlier versions of macOS such as Big Sur and Monterey.
- Starting with version 1.7: It began using the SMAppService API, the modern approach recommended by Apple for managing auxiliary services.
- This migration aligns the application with the security architecture of macOS 13 Ventura or later.
Yes, when it is part of a trustworthy application.
MyKextInstaller meets the main security requirements defined by Apple:
- It uses an official Apple API (SMAppService).
- The Helper Tool is signed with the same Developer ID as the main application.
- The App is notarized by Apple.
- Installation and execution of the helper are controlled by macOS (launchd).
- The Helper Tool can only be installed with explicit user authorization.
- The execution scope of the helper is limited to the tasks defined by the application.
The Helper Tool is used exclusively to perform operations that require elevated privileges, such as:
- Kext installation
- Kext removal
- Rebuilding system caches
- Restoring system snapshots
- Mounting partitions
Important
The Helper Tool is not authorized nor implemented to perform any task outside the scope of MyKextInstaller.
Technically, any software can be malicious. However:
- Using SMAppService does not grant extra privileges by itself.
- It does not bypass macOS security mechanisms.
- The helper does not have automatic access to user data.
- Any sensitive action remains subject to system security policies.
- SMAppService registers a Helper Tool (Launch Daemon) with the system.
- This helper is installed with elevated privileges (root), but it can only be started when requested by the main application (MyKextInstaller).
- launchd manages the execution of the helper, ensuring it runs on demand and within the authorized scope.
- The helper does not remain active all the time. It only runs when needed.
Why does SMJobBless show the developer name in system notifications while SMAppService shows the app name?
- Context: It was the legacy API used to install Privileged Helper Tools.
- Displayed identity: In system notifications, the developer name associated with the Developer ID was shown.
- Reason: The focus was on ensuring the tool was signed by a verified developer. The system highlighted the legal entity responsible for the code.
- Message displayed by SMJobBless:
- Background app activity The software from “Developer Name” can be run in the background. Manage background activity in Login Items and Extensions.
- Message displayed by SMJobBless:
- Context: It is the modern API that replaces SMJobBless for service registration.
- Displayed identity: System notifications now show the application name requesting the service.
- Reason: Apple shifted to an app-centric user experience.
- Users recognize the app they are interacting with more easily than the developer's registered name.
- This makes messages clearer for example:
- Message displayed by SMAppService:
- Background app activity The MyKextInstaller app can run in the background for all users. Do you want to allow this?
- The link to the Developer ID remains active for internal validation, but the UI prioritizes the app's identity.
- When using SMJobBless, the system displays a prompt asking for the user’s password to install the Helper Tool.
- Once the installation is authorized, the application is automatically added to System Settings > Login Items, becoming enabled without any further action required.
- With SMAppService, however, after installation the application is not automatically enabled in the Login Items. In this case, the user must activate it manually.
- Service Management Framework – Overview of the framework
- SMJobBless – Legacy function for privileged helpers
- SMAppService – Modern API for service registration
- Migration Guide – Updating to the New Service Management API