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How do I remove legacy system extensions? I have removed the software but continue to get Apple warnings? Where do I look what do I delete?

How do I remove legacy system extensions? I have removed the software but continue to get Apple warnings? Where do I look what do I delete?

iMac Pro, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 23, 2020 3:43 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 23, 2020 4:14 PM

Ahoy!


I have found the easiest way is to open Terminal.app and run the following command:

kextstat | grep -v com.apple


That will show you all of the Kernel Extensions (kext) that are running that are not from Apple.


When you find the kext you want to remove, run the following command:

kextfind -loaded -not -b -s com.apple


That will show you the exact location of where each kext is stored on your system. You can then either run the command:

sudo rm /path/to/the/extension

*Note: this command requires your administrative password to run. As you enter the password, there will be no visual indication in Terminal that you are typing.


Or you can navigate to the enclosing folder and delete it by dragging to the trash. To do that, do the following:

  1. Copy the whole path to the offending kext (highlight the path then ⌘-C or ⌃-Click/right click then select Copy)
  2. With Finder active you can press ⌘-⇧-G and paste in the path (⌘-V) and press Return (⏎)
  3. Drag the file to the Trash or highlight the file and press ⌘-⌫



That should resolve your issue.


For reference: If you need help with the symbols above, check out this support article. 👍🏻

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 23, 2020 4:14 PM in response to AlJB1

Ahoy!


I have found the easiest way is to open Terminal.app and run the following command:

kextstat | grep -v com.apple


That will show you all of the Kernel Extensions (kext) that are running that are not from Apple.


When you find the kext you want to remove, run the following command:

kextfind -loaded -not -b -s com.apple


That will show you the exact location of where each kext is stored on your system. You can then either run the command:

sudo rm /path/to/the/extension

*Note: this command requires your administrative password to run. As you enter the password, there will be no visual indication in Terminal that you are typing.


Or you can navigate to the enclosing folder and delete it by dragging to the trash. To do that, do the following:

  1. Copy the whole path to the offending kext (highlight the path then ⌘-C or ⌃-Click/right click then select Copy)
  2. With Finder active you can press ⌘-⇧-G and paste in the path (⌘-V) and press Return (⏎)
  3. Drag the file to the Trash or highlight the file and press ⌘-⌫



That should resolve your issue.


For reference: If you need help with the symbols above, check out this support article. 👍🏻

Jun 23, 2020 3:58 PM in response to AlJB1

Hello.


You should always wait a few iterations of a new OS to get the bugs worked out, that's likely a year from now!


No need to worry, but to see them, just don't upgrade to 10.16 if the developers don't have updates...


About this Mac>System Report>Software>Extensions, click on Obtained from Header, all that aren't Apple are Legacy.

Jun 23, 2020 5:27 PM in response to AlJB1

You say you deleted the software - that sounds like (1) you know the program causing the problem and (2) you deleted the application but not the extension. The good news is that since you know the program you should be able to remove the extension 1 of 2 ways. First, go to the program’s Web site and see if there are instructions for uninstalling the program. If not it is likely that there’s an uninstaller program available. Many times the program installer is also an uninstaller, or the application’s folder contains an uninstaller, or the readme file explains how to fully uninstall the program. You may actually have to solve the problem by reinstalling the program! Of course the other option is to email the company/author of the program.

How do I remove legacy system extensions? I have removed the software but continue to get Apple warnings? Where do I look what do I delete?

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