System Extension Blocked - but can't allow extension

I installed macOS 10.13 High Sierra yesterday. This morning, when trying to boot up my VMWare for the first time since the install, I got the following error message:


"System Extension Blocked

A program tried to load new system extension(s) signed by "VMWare". If you want to enable these extensions, open Security & Privacy System Preferences"


The problem is that when I go to Security & Privacy, there is no option to 'Allow' the extension. I have read that this was a known bug in the beta versions of High Sierra, but surely this was fixed before release!?


I am also now getting exactly the same problem with my Symantec anti-virus. Same error message and still no option option to 'Allow' the extension.


I would be grateful to anyone that has been able to resolve this.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS High Sierra (10.13)

Posted on Sep 27, 2017 1:24 AM

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Posted on Oct 13, 2017 10:17 AM

There is a workaround for this. It isn't a great workaround, security-wise, but it does get you back to the behavior of macOS 10.12. Basically, you can turn off the security feature requiring user approval of Kernel Extensions.


First, boot into Recovery Mode by rebooting and pressing and holding command-R as soon as you see the Apple logo. On my machine, I had to hold command-R for quite a while, at least 60 seconds.


Eventually you will see a screen that gives you a couple of options, including reinstalling or running Disk Utility. If you look at the top of the screen, where the Apple menu would ordinarily be, you will see a "Utilities" drop-down menu. Click on that and select Terminal. A window will open up that allows you to type text-based terminal commands.


You will see a "$" prompt in the terminal window. Type the following:


spctl kext-consent disable


then press Return. You should see:


Kernel Extension User Consent: DISABLED

Please restart for changes to take effect.


Then reboot your Mac, and you should be good. You will no longer see the notification panes telling you a Kernel Extension was blocked; they will all be automatically allowed, just as they were in macOS 10.12.


I would recommend waiting until 10.13.1 or 10.13.2 to see if the issue gets fixed, and then undoing this fix by repeating the same steps, but typing


spctl kext-consent enable


instead.


For more information, see the following website:


User Approved Kernel Extension Loading… – Pike's Universum

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System Extension Blocked - but can't allow extension

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