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Install guide

How to install OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Follow this order: create the macOS installer, build OpenCore, boot from EFI, install macOS, then apply the root patches your Intel Mac needs.

Download 2.5.1 Check compatibility
The OCLP app is the starting point for creating installers and building OpenCore.

Recommended USB size

Use a 32GB USB drive for Sonoma and Sequoia installers. A 16GB drive often cannot hold the installer and patches together.

Build for the target Mac

If you build OpenCore on a different machine, select the target Model Identifier in Settings before you build.

Plan for post-install patches

Many unsupported Intel Macs need root patches after the new macOS install boots.

On this page

Before you install

Make a full backup, confirm your Model Identifier on the compatibility page, and use a USB drive large enough for the target macOS.

Stable 2.5.1 is the default package. Continue only after your Mac looks acceptable for the macOS version you want.

Download 2.5.1 Compatibility list

Installation steps

  1. Step 1

    Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher

    Get stable 2.5.1 from the download page and open OpenCore-Patcher.pkg on a supported base OS.

  2. Step 2

    Create the macOS installer

    Choose Create macOS Installer, download the target macOS installer, then write it to a USB drive. OCLP formats the entire selected USB drive.

  3. Step 3

    Build and install OpenCore

    Select Build and Install OpenCore, build the hardware-specific configuration, then install OpenCore to the USB EFI or target drive.

  4. Step 4

    Boot through EFI

    Restart while holding Option, select EFI Boot with the OpenCore icon, then choose Install macOS in the OpenCore picker.

  5. Step 5

    Finish macOS setup

    Install macOS like a normal install. If setup loops after a reboot, hold Option again, select EFI Boot, and choose the macOS Installer or target disk entry.

  6. Step 6

    Apply post-install volume patches

    After the installed system boots, run OCLP and install root patches for graphics, WiFi, Bluetooth, camera, USB, Touch Bar, and other affected hardware.

Choose Create macOS Installer when preparing USB media.
OCLP can list available macOS installers for download.
Build OpenCore after the installer is ready.
When the build completes, install OpenCore to the selected EFI target.

Disk and erase warnings

On a brand-new disk, open Disk Utility, choose View > Show All Devices, and format the entire disk so the internal EFI partition exists. On T1 Macs installing Sonoma or newer, erase only the operating system volume if you need to keep T1 functionality.

Backup required

USB creation and macOS installation can erase disks. Verify every selected disk before formatting.

Select the downloaded installer before writing it to USB.
OCLP formats the selected USB drive during installer creation.
Hold Option and select EFI Boot to start through OpenCore.
After EFI Boot, choose the macOS installer or installed macOS volume in OpenCore.

Post-install root patching

Post-install volume patches restore hardware support that newer macOS versions no longer provide on older Macs. Root patches can cover graphics, WiFi, Bluetooth, Touch Bar or T1 drivers, built-in camera drivers, USB 1.1 drivers, and other compatibility pieces.

  • macOS updates wipe root patches. Reinstall them after every update.
  • Some Sequoia systems may need MetallibSupportPkg during root patching.
  • AMD legacy GCN GPUs on Ventura or newer may need Apple's Kernel Debug Kit through KDKSupportPkg.
Check patch status after the installed system boots.
Reboot after root patching completes.
Post-install guide

Install support pages

Update guide

Prepare OCLP, OpenCore, and root patches before macOS updates.

macOS versions

Choose the right target before creating a USB installer.

Troubleshooting

Resolve common boot, app, root patch, and update issues.

Uninstall

Revert root patches and remove OpenCore when you need a clean exit.