Update guide

How to update OpenCore Legacy Patcher and macOS

Updating an OCLP Mac means updating three things: the app, the OpenCore bootloader, and root patches. macOS updates can wipe patches, so plan the order before clicking update.

Three-part update

Update the OCLP app, rebuild and install OpenCore, then reinstall root patches after macOS updates.

Major upgrades

The source update guide recommends USB installers for major upgrades, such as Sonoma to Sequoia.

Automatic updates

The FAQ strongly recommends disabling automatic updates on OCLP systems.

Update the app, OpenCore, and patches

  1. Step 1

    Update the application

    Latest OCLP versions can notify you about updates and show the changelog. You can also manually download the latest release.

  2. Step 2

    Update OpenCore

    After updating the app, rebuild OpenCore and install it to the internal disk or selected boot volume.

  3. Step 3

    Update or reinstall root patches

    Root patches are wiped by macOS updates and should be reinstalled after the updated system boots.

OCLP can notify you when an app update is available.
After updating the app, rebuild OpenCore and review patches.

Major macOS upgrades

For major upgrades such as Sonoma 14 to Sequoia 15, update OCLP, rebuild OpenCore to the internal disk, create a USB installer, install macOS without using Disk Utility if you want to keep data, and reinstall root patches afterward.

Use USB for major upgrades

Major upgrades may work through System Settings, but the source guide says that path is not recommended.

Check the booted OpenCore and patcher versions before updates.
Confirm root patch status after macOS updates.

Minor macOS updates

For dot updates, update OCLP, rebuild OpenCore, start the update from System Settings, then reinstall root patches after the Mac finishes updating. If your system requires KDKSupportPkg or MetallibSupportPkg, keep an internet connection available.

  • Sequoia systems with Ivy Bridge, Haswell, or NVIDIA Kepler graphics may require MetallibSupportPkg.
  • Macs with AMD legacy GCN GPUs on Ventura or newer may require KDKSupportPkg.
  • If OCLP only patches WiFi first, reboot, connect to the internet, and run root patching again.

Disable automatic updates

The FAQ explains that staged automatic updates can modify the system volume before installation completes, leading to system version mismatch errors and broken root patching.

  • Ventura and newer: System Settings > General > Software Update > info button next to Automatic Updates > disable Download new updates when available.
  • Big Sur and Monterey: System Preferences > Software Update > Advanced > disable Download new updates when available.