If there is a kext with the same name in Library and System, which one takes precedence?

If there is a KEXT with the same name in System/Library/Extensions and Library/Extensions in Catalina, please tell me which is preferred.

My KEXT can no longer be installed in System/Library/Extensions, so I am trying to install it in Library/Extensions.

I want to know which one works if I already have it installed in System / Library / Extensions.

Replies

Can you explain why you’re using a KEXT that’s named the same as a system KEXT?

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Quinn “The Eskimo!”
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware

let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"

Thanks for getting back to me.


My KEXT was installed in System/Library/Extensions.

In 10.15, when installing to System/Library/Extensions, an error occurs and installation is not possible.

Therefore, it was changed to Library/Extensions.

As a result, a situation occurs in which KEXT with the same name exists in System/Library/Extensions and Library/Extensions.

But only KEXTs built-in to macOS are installed in

/System/Library/Extensions/
. What built-in KEXT are you trying to override?

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Quinn “The Eskimo!”
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware

let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"

Up to 10.14, I could install my own KEXT which is not built-in to macOS.

I can't install my own KEXT with Catalina.

Therefore, I changed the installation location to Library/Extensions.


Regards,

eskimo

/Library/Extensions/
has been the correct place for third-party KEXTs for many releases. I’m surprised that
/System/Library/Extensions/
worked for you up until 10.14. I would have expected SIP to deny your installation.

Regardless, other than the enforcement of the new directory requirements, what’s the actual problem here?

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Quinn “The Eskimo!”
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware

let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"

I am concerned that the old KEXT in /System/Library/Extensions/ will work when the /Library/Extensions/ KEXT is new.


Regards,

eskimo

When you say “old KEXT”, do you mean “old KEXT placed there by Apple”, or “old version of my KEXT that’s somehow managed to find its way into

/System/Library/Extensions/
”?

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Quinn “The Eskimo!”
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware

let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"

“old KEXT” is “old version of my KEXT that’s somehow managed to find its way into

/System/Library/Extensions/
”.

I want to know whether /System/Library/Extensions/ or /Library/Extensions/ KEXT works on the system.


Regards,

eskimo

The OS install process will generally remove any third-party KEXTs from

/System/Library/Extensions/
. Unless this is one of the KEXTs bundled with the OS itself. Is that what’s happening here?

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Quinn “The Eskimo!”
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware

let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"