OpenCore Legacy Patcher for MAC
Free tool to install and run newer macOS versions on older, unsupported Macs, with system updates, Wi-Fi and graphics acceleration.
OpenCore Legacy Patcher Overview
OpenCore Legacy Patcher brings new life to Macs that Apple no longer supports. It lets you install and run newer versions of macOS on machines as old as 2007, using the OpenCore boot manager and the Lilu framework from the Acidanthera project. Its patches are applied in memory at start-up, so no firmware is changed, and once your Mac is set up, system updates can be installed from System Settings with only a couple of extra steps. It also restores support for older graphics cards, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, and can unlock features such as Sidecar, AirPlay to Mac, Night Shift and Universal Control, even on supported Macs.
OpenCore Legacy Patcher is a free, community project by Dortania, released under a BSD-style licence and offered as is. The stable version, 2.5.1, supports macOS Big Sur through macOS Sequoia; support for macOS Tahoe is being tested in the 3.0.0 release candidates. Only clean installs and upgrades are supported, so follow the official guide step by step and back up your Mac first.
Key Features
OpenCore Legacy Patcher keeps older Macs up to date.
- Newer macOS: run Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma and Sequoia on unsupported Macs.
- Wide support: Macs as old as 2007, from Penryn processors onward.
- Over-the-air updates: install macOS updates from System Settings.
- No firmware patching: changes are made in memory and are never permanent.
- Graphics acceleration: for both Metal and non-Metal graphics cards.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: support for older wireless chips, including Personal Hotspot.
- Security kept: System Integrity Protection, FileVault 2 and Secure Boot.
- New features: Sidecar, AirPlay to Mac, Night Shift and Universal Control.
What’s New in Version 2.5.1
OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.5.1 is a small fix release.
- Fixed the "Root Volume Dirty" message appearing after unpatching in some cases
- Reworded "Root Volume Dirty" so it is clearer what it means
OpenCore Legacy Patcher FAQ
Is OpenCore Legacy Patcher free?
Yes. It is a free, open-source community project by Dortania, released under a BSD-style licence.
What does OpenCore Legacy Patcher do?
It lets you install and run newer versions of macOS on Macs that Apple no longer supports, and restores support for their graphics, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Which macOS versions can it install?
The stable version 2.5.1 supports macOS Big Sur through macOS Sequoia. Support for macOS Tahoe is being tested in the 3.0.0 release candidates.
Which Macs are supported?
Macs as old as 2007, from Penryn processors onward. The Supported Models page of the official guide lists each model.
Does it change my Mac's firmware?
No. Its patches are applied in memory by the OpenCore boot manager at start-up and are never permanent.
Can I still get macOS updates?
Yes. Updates can be installed from System Settings with a couple of extra steps compared with a supported Mac.
Is it safe to use?
Many people use it, but it is offered as is, with no guarantee. Follow the official guide carefully and back up your Mac before you start.
Can I patch a Mac that was set up with another patcher?
No. Only clean installs and upgrades are supported; installs patched with tools such as Patched Sur cannot be used, though you can reinstall macOS and keep your data.
Which file should I download?
OpenCore-Patcher.pkg, the app installer recommended for all users. The other files are an uninstaller and extra resources the app downloads itself when needed.
Where does the OpenCore Legacy Patcher download on opencore-legacy-patcher.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official releases on GitHub at https://github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/releases/latest. opencore-legacy-patcher.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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