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Kernel PanicCritical

Your Computer Restarted Because of a Problem

What this error means

A kernel panic is macOS's equivalent of a critical system error that forces your Mac to restart. When this happens, you'll see a message saying "Your computer restarted because of a problem."

Kernel panics indicate that macOS encountered a problem it couldn't recover from, often related to hardware, drivers, or system extensions.

Common causes

  • 1Faulty or incompatible RAM
  • 2Failing storage drive
  • 3Incompatible kernel extensions (kexts)
  • 4Hardware issues (logic board, GPU)
  • 5Overheating
  • 6Software conflicts after updates

How to fix it

Step 1: Update macOS and Apps

Go to System Settings → General → Software Update. Install any available updates, as they often include fixes for known kernel panic causes.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

  1. Shut down your Mac completely
  2. Turn it on and immediately hold the Shift key (Intel) or hold Power button until you see startup options (Apple Silicon)
  3. For Apple Silicon: Select your disk, then hold Shift and click "Continue in Safe Mode"
  4. If Safe Mode works fine, the issue is likely a third-party extension

Step 3: Check for Problematic Extensions

  1. Open Terminal
  2. Run: kextstat | grep -v com.apple
  3. This shows third-party kernel extensions
  4. Remove any recently installed ones that might be causing issues

Step 4: Run Apple Diagnostics

  1. Shut down your Mac
  2. Turn on and hold D key (Intel) or hold Power button until options appear (Apple Silicon)
  3. Select "Apple Diagnostics" if prompted
  4. Let the test complete and note any error codes

Step 5: Reset SMC and NVRAM

For Intel Macs, resetting the SMC and NVRAM can resolve kernel panics:

  • NVRAM: Restart and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds
  • SMC: Shut down, then hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds

When to seek help

Seek professional help if:

  • Kernel panics happen multiple times per day
  • Apple Diagnostics reports hardware errors
  • The panic occurs even in Safe Mode
  • You see the same panic log repeatedly

Frequent kernel panics often indicate failing hardware that needs repair or replacement.

Need more help?

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Fix Mac Kernel Panic - Computer Restarted Because of a Problem