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OpenCore Legacy Patcher FAQ
Short answers to the questions people search most, each linking to the full explanation.
On this page 5 sections
Basics
What is OpenCore Legacy Patcher?
A free, open-source app by Dortania that lets Intel Macs Apple no longer supports run macOS Big Sur through Tahoe, using the OpenCore bootloader and root patches. How it works.
Is OpenCore Legacy Patcher free?
Yes. Download it only from GitHub. Download.
Is it safe?
The official app is signed and notarized and does not touch firmware; it lowers some SIP protections. Full answer.
Is it legal?
It runs Apple's own macOS on Apple hardware, which Apple's license covers; Apple just does not support it. More.
Is OCLP a Hackintosh?
No. It only runs on real Macs. Why.
Who makes it?
Dortania and contributors, led by Mykola Grymalyuk (khronokernel) and DhinakG. This site is independent.
Which Macs and versions
Which Macs does OCLP support?
86 model identifiers: the 2007 iMac, most 2008–2017 Intel Macs, and the 2019 iMac. Check yours.
Does it support macOS Tahoe?
Yes, from version 3.0.0 (newest build: 3.0.0-rc.5). macOS Tahoe.
Does it support macOS 27?
No, and there are no plans: macOS 27 is Apple silicon only. Details.
Does it support T2 Macs (2018–2020)?
No. T2 Macs.
Does it work on Apple silicon Macs?
There is nothing to patch; they run every current macOS.
Can it install Catalina or Mojave?
Not supported by Dortania; use dosdude1's patchers. Older macOS.
What is the latest macOS for a 2012 MacBook Pro?
From Apple, Catalina. With OCLP, Tahoe 26.7.2. MacBook Pro 2012.
How much memory do I need?
At least 3 GB for Sonoma and newer (Dortania); 8 GB is comfortable.
Installing
What size USB drive do I need?
32 GB is recommended. USB installer.
Can I install without a USB drive?
Only if the Mac already runs Big Sur or newer. Without USB.
Can I use OCLP on Windows?
No, it is a Mac app. Options.
Will I lose my data?
Not if you install over the existing macOS without erasing. Back up anyway.
How long does it take?
About 1.5 to 3 hours, mostly downloading and installing.
What is EFI Boot?
The entry in Apple's startup manager that starts OpenCore. Boot picker.
What are root patches?
Drivers Apple removed, restored after the install. Root patching.
Using and updating
Can I use Software Update?
Yes for minor updates; re-patch afterwards. Use a USB installer for major upgrades. Updating.
Why did Wi-Fi or graphics stop after an update?
Updates remove root patches. Run Post-Install Root Patch.
Should I turn off automatic updates?
Turn off automatic downloads; Dortania strongly recommends it.
Does iCloud work?
Yes. Apple Intelligence and iPhone Mirroring do not. What works.
Where are OCLP's logs and settings?
Logs: ~/Library/Logs/Dortania. Settings: /Users/Shared/.com.dortania.opencore-legacy-patcher.plist.
Removing
How do I uninstall OCLP?
Revert root patches, remove OpenCore from the EFI partition, and run the uninstaller package, or reinstall native macOS. Uninstall.
Can I go back to the macOS my Mac came with?
Yes, by erasing and reinstalling it; restore files from a backup.
Does removing the app remove the patches?
No. The uninstaller removes only the app and its helper.
Keep going
Something wrong or out of date on this page? Email hello@oclp.dev and we will fix it (see our corrections policy).