GUIDE How to Update OpenCore EFI for macOS Tahoe

How to Update OpenCore EFI for macOS Tahoe​

This guide describes how to Update OpenCore EFI for upgrading or installing macOS Tahoe. By following this guide, you'll be able to boot the macOS Tahoe on your non-Apple target computer and would be able to upgrade or can perform a clean install. This guide supports both, Intel and AMD Desktops and Laptops. The upgrade and clean installation has been covered in a separate thread.

STEP 1: Create OpenCore EFI​

If you do not have an existing OpenCore EFI, you'll have to create an OpenCore EFI to start. Those who already have an existing working OpenCore EFI for their particular hardware that works with macOS version prior to Tahoe, can skip this step. To create an OpenCore EFI for your hardware, follow the guide linked below:

STEP 2: Backup OpenCore EFI​

Before you proceed with making the changes in the EFI for the upgrade or clean install purposes, its highly recommended to backup existing working OpenCore EFI with the previous macOS version. To backup OpenCore EFI, follow the guide linked below:

GUIDE Thread 'How to Backup Clover or OpenCore EFI'

Jun 27, 2025

How to Backup Clover or OpenCore EFI​

This guide describes how to backup Clover or OpenCore EFI for a latter use. By following this guide, you'll be able to backup Clover or OpenCore EFI for a latter use. The guide supports both, Clover and OpenCore bootloaders along with Legacy and UEFI boot.

STEP 1: Creating a Backup​

Legacy
1. Create a directory with the name Working EFI Backup to your preferred location.
2. Mount your ESP.
3. Copy the EFI from the ESP and place it to the same location that your created before for latter usage.


NOTE: To make the...

• EliteMacx86
• backup backup efi clover efi hackintosh opencore usb
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Basics

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STEP 3: Update OpenCore Bootloader​

Whether you're running Clover or OpenCore, you must update your existing bootloader to the latest possible version. Please note that as this is a new macOS version, the existing bootloader may not work properly, therefore you must use the latest commits of Clover or OpenCore for a hassle-free upgrade experience. If you're using Clover, you must update it to (5162) or later, and if you're using OpenCore, you must update it to (v1.5.0) or later. If you have used Xcode and know how to build kexts from source, build from the latest commit. Users who are new to Xcode can find the pre-built version of OpenCore and Clover in the attachment. This is mandatory for booting macOS Tahoe and must not be skipped, ensuring the upgrade is smooth and doesn't break the system and enter into a boot loop state or result in an unbootable system.

To update the bootloader, follow the guide linked below:
https://elitemacx86.com/threads/how-to-update-opencore-bootloader.1371/

STEP 4: Update Kexts​

Unlike the bootloader, you must update the kexts too. The essential kexts are Lilu, VirtualSMC, WhateverGreen, and AppleALC. If you're using some other kext and an update is available, you should update that too. If you have used Xcode and know how to build kexts from source, build from the latest commit. Users who are new to Xcode can find the pre-built version of the essential kexts in the attachment. This is mandatory for the smooth upgrade ensuring the update doesn't break the system and enter into a loop state or result in an unbootable system.

To update the kexts, follow the guide linked below:

GUIDE Thread 'How to Update Kexts on macOS'

Sep 9, 2023

How to Update Kexts on macOS

This guide covers updating Kexts on macOS using several methods and is supported by both i.e. Clover and OpenCore Bootloader. By following this guide, you'll be able to update the kexts on your non-Apple computer for its seamless operation.

Depending on the Bootloader you have and the method you want to use, choose one from the list for updating the kexts.

What is Kext?​

A kext is a Kernel Extension, like the one we know as drivers on Windows or Linux. Normally, the stock kexts are shipped with macOS Installer itself and the...

• EliteMacx86
• Replies: 2
• Forum: General

STEP 5: Update Kernel Patches​

If you're using an AMD System, you'll also need to update the Kernel Patches. Do not use these Kernel Patches if you're using an Intel based CPU.

STEP 6: Update SMBIOS​

With the release of macOS Tahoe, Apple has again dropped support for their obsolete Mac models (up to Coffee Lake) and therefore you'll need to update the SMBIOS data to 2020 and later. To update the SMBIOS data, follow the guide linked below:

STEP 7: Fix USB Ports​

With macOS Tahoe, Apple has changed the key for USB ports detection. Therefore, you must update the keys in your existing mapped kext, without having to remap the ports again. To fix your USB ports, follow the guide linked below:

https://elitemacx86.com/threads/how-to-fix-usb-ports-on-macos-tahoe.2359/

STEP 8: Configure EFI​

As macOS Tahoe is just released and in beta phase, a number of third party kexts to enable the functionalities on non-Apple computers are not updated yet and therefore most of them are not compatible with macOS Tahoe. To overcome this issue, you'll have to make some changes in the EFI.

1. Open your config.plist
2. Enable only mandatory set of kexts to boot the system. Only minimal set of kexts should be enabled to avoid any issues.
3. Disable Graphics related kexts if you're using one of them (WEG, NootedRed, NootRX) as it may not work with every system.
4. Save config.plist.

Now, you have the OpenCore EFI ready which can be used for direct upgrade from prior macOS version to macOS Tahoe or can perform a clean install.