Mac users occasionally encounter the frustrating “Kernel Driver Not Installed (RC=-1908)” error, often disrupting work or play. If you’re facing this issue, fear not.
Our comprehensive guide is here to help, with a deep dive into the reasons behind this error and a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve it.
Causes of “Kernel Driver Not Installed (RC=-1908)” Error
Outdated Software: An outdated MacOS or VirtualBox can often lead to this error.
Unloaded Kernel Extension: Sometimes, due to security policies, the kernel extension required by VirtualBox might not be loaded properly.
Incomplete Installation: Incomplete or incorrect installation of VirtualBox can also trigger the “Kernel Driver Not Installed (RC=-1908)” error.
Solutions of “Kernel Driver Not Installed (RC=-1908)” Error
Here are some of the solutions to fix this error:
Solution 1. Update Your System and VirtualBox
Step 1: Click the Apple menu and choose “About This Mac”.
Step 2: Click on “Software Update” to check for any available updates. If an update is available, install it.
Step 3: Open VirtualBox, go to the “VirtualBox” menu, select “Check for Updates” and install any updates if available.
Solution 2. Load the Kernel Extension Manually
Step 1: Open “System Preferences” on your Mac.
Step 2: Go to “Security & Privacy”.
Step 3: In the General tab, you should see a message about system software from Oracle being blocked.
Step 4: Click “Allow” to unblock the software, then restart your Mac and VirtualBox.
Solution 3. Reinstall VirtualBox
Step 1: To uninstall VirtualBox, open Terminal and type: “sudo VirtualBox_Uninstall.tool –uninstall” and press Enter.
Step 2: Enter your password when prompted.
Step 3: Once the uninstallation is complete, download the latest version of VirtualBox and install it.
Conclusion
The “Kernel Driver Not Installed (RC=-1908)” error on Mac may seem daunting, but understanding its causes such as outdated software, unloaded kernel extension, or incomplete installation can empower you to resolve it.
Updating your system, manually loading the kernel extension, and reinstalling VirtualBox are effective solutions to eliminate this error. Dive into a hassle-free Mac experience with these easy troubleshooting steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions to this topic:
Q1. What does the “Kernel Driver Not Installed (RC=-1908)” error mean?
A1. This error typically occurs when the VirtualBox software on your Mac can’t find or access the kernel driver it needs to run virtual Machines. It’s usually due to software updates, security settings, or installation issues.
Q2. I updated my system and VirtualBox, but I’m still getting the error. What should I do?
A2. If updating didn’t solve the problem, try loading the kernel extension manually or reinstalling VirtualBox. These steps should help fix the error.
Q3. I can’t find the message about blocked software in “Security & Privacy”. What should I do?
A3. This could be due to the security settings on your Mac. If you’re unable to load the kernel extension manually, reinstalling VirtualBox may be the best solution.
Q4. Can this error affect other applications on my Mac?
A4. While this error specifically relates to VirtualBox, it could cause overall system instability if not addressed. Fixing it promptly is recommended for optimal performance.
Q5. How often should I update VirtualBox and my MacOS?
A5. To prevent issues like the “Kernel Driver Not Installed (RC=-1908)” error, it’s good practice to update your software whenever updates are available. This will ensure maximum compatibility and security.
