MacBook Pro restarting due to "a problem"

The restarts are most likely caused by one of the kernel extensions you have installed.

Uninstall all of them using the uninstaller provided by the developer or following their instructions.

Once uninstalled, test.

My guess is it is the PIA kext, but the other two are completely useless, so uninstall all of them. If it still panics, then it is a hardware problem.

Sungroupie wrote:

Thanks for your reply TheLittles. I've uninstalled AVG, Malwarebytes and PIA. Also asked my wife to shut down her laptop and night versus just putting it to sleep. If she still experiences restart and freeze issues I'll pursue your other recommendations.

I would also recommend running EtreCheck one more time to make sure ALL of the remnant files have been successfully removed from your launch folders. It is not unusual for Antivirus apps to leave files/extensions on your computer to run in the background if not properly uninstalled. The EtreCheck report should not be showing anything related to those applications.

"Thanks for your reply TheLittles. I've uninstalled AVG, Malwarebytes and PIA. Also asked my wife to shut down her laptop and night versus just putting it to sleep. If she still experiences restart and freeze issues I'll pursue your other recommendations."

-------

You are welcome.

I would recommend you keep use of Malwarebytes for Mac, scanning it every-so-often. You can uninstall it after the scan. There is no need for the paid-for version. Scanning is quick on a Mac --you can remove items from the quarantine.

If you get this message back on your Mac, take a photo using the Camera app on your iPhone, or provide a screenshot. As I said: Block out any personal information (ie.e. names and serial numbers) by covering them with red-colored rectangles, and such, through use of the Photos app.

Sungroupie wrote:

... of no help nor are Malwarebytes and AVG scans.

Antivirus software is not part of the solution, but is quite possibly part of the problem.

Sungroupie wrote:

Thanks leroydouglas - I've uninstalled both AVG and Malwarebytes. Just hope Apple does the job!

Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls

Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

Protecting against malware in macOS

Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

Security and your Apple Account Security and your Apple Account - Apple Support

Apple Platform Security - Apple M5 2026 Apple Platform Security - Apple Support

and https://help.apple.com/pdf/security/en_US/apple-platform-security-guide.pdf

"MacBook Pro restarting due to 'a problem':"

--------

A. Error Message:

Q1. "Nearly every morning when my wife boots up her MacBook Pro she gets a message saying her computer restarted overnight due to a "problem."

A1. Provide a photo of this message. Block out any personal information (ie.e. names and serial numbers) by covering them with red-colored rectangles, and such, through use of the Photos app.

B. CPU Usage is High:

Q2. "Also her laptop occasionally freezes up during the day as she's scrolling through a webpage. Rebooting is of no help nor are Malwarebytes and AVG scans."

A2. Manage your Apps, Storage, Processes:

• Uninstall AVG. Security software can get in the way on a Mac. So, uninstall AVG, using an uninstaller --just dragging & dropping it to the Trash will not rid of it all; coaches and such will reside. CPU Usage is high, and AVG can cause this, through multitasking.
• Remove Login Items --Use Safe Mode: Boot in Safe Mode, and then remove all Login Items, seeing if this no longer occurs. In Safe Mode, Login Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in Safe Mode, remove these item, and then boot up normally, attempting another login.

Booting in Safe Mode: How to Use Safe Mode on your Mac - Apple Support.

Removing Login Items: Change Users & Groups Login Items Preferences on Mac - Apple Support

• Clear the Caches (System Data): You may need to clear caches. Caches are created remembrance of application usage, so that they open quicker and easier). It may be a bug in the OS. So, white signed in to the macOS, see about clearing them. It can take some time. Use my User Tip:How to Use Finder to Clear “System Data" on a Mac - User Tip

re: < Antivirus software: Apple, AVG, and Malwarebytes >

I would start by not only disabling AVG, but uninstall it all together.

For your third party app, look for an official in-app uninstaller—if in doubt search the developers website or contact their: Support/Help/FAQ/Uninstaller

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

You do not need to be running Malwarbytes all the time. Same applies as above.

Third party AntiVirus is not recommended— it typically does nothing but add issues to the macOS and competes directly with Apple’s own built in security:

macOS antivirus - Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

Typically if the Mac presents a problem— there is either a panic report or a problem report. Post that here...in the additional txt box.

verify your software is up to date—

The current stable release of Tahoe including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 26.5.2

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support