# dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher

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16,682 stars · 1,744 forks · Python · other

## Links

- GitHub: https://github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher
- Homepage: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/
- awesome-repositories: https://awesome-repositories.com/repository/dortania-opencore-legacy-patcher.md

## Topics

`big-sur` `macos` `opencore` `patcher`

## Description

OpenCore Legacy Patcher is a utility designed to enable the installation and operation of modern operating systems on legacy hardware that is no longer officially supported. By interposing a custom bootloader between the system firmware and the kernel, the project facilitates the deployment of current software releases on older devices, bypassing restrictive compatibility checks and hardware identification requirements.

The project distinguishes itself through a comprehensive framework for system interposition and persistent patching. It employs dynamic kernel extension injection and runtime memory modifications to restore essential hardware functionality, such as graphics acceleration and wireless connectivity, which are often missing on unsupported configurations. Additionally, it provides tools for managing bootloader configurations, including the creation of isolated EFI partitions and the generation of custom graphical boot menus, ensuring that modifications remain non-destructive and compatible with standard system updates.

Beyond core boot management, the project includes capabilities for resolving application-level dependencies and visual rendering issues on hardware lacking native acceleration. It supports the deployment of both macOS and Windows on legacy systems by automating driver retrieval, system identity spoofing, and the application of root-volume binary patches. The toolset also incorporates diagnostic logging and security policy management to assist in troubleshooting and maintaining system integrity across various hardware models.

The software is implemented in Python and provides a configuration interface for managing bootloader settings, system volume patches, and hardware compatibility adjustments.

## Tags

### Development Tools & Productivity

- [Bootloader Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/development-tools-productivity/macos-utilities/bootloader-patchers.md) — Injects custom bootloader configurations to enable modern macOS versions on unsupported hardware.
- [Driver Dependency Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/development-tools-productivity/system-dependency-managers/driver-dependency-managers.md) — Downloads and integrates required system support packages to ensure compatibility with newer operating system versions. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/POST-INSTALL.html))
- [Binary Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/development-tools-productivity/desktop-application-utilities/binary-patchers.md) — Modifies application binaries to resolve missing framework dependencies on legacy hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TROUBLESHOOT-NONMETAL.html))

### Hardware & IoT

- [Legacy Hardware Support](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/legacy-hardware-support.md) — Enables modern macOS versions to run on older, unsupported Apple hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/))
- [Compatibility Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/legacy-hardware-support/compatibility-patchers.md) — Provides essential binary patching to enable modern operating systems on unsupported legacy hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/POST-INSTALL.html))
- [OS Installation Support](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/legacy-hardware-support/os-installation-support.md) — Enables the installation of modern operating systems on legacy hardware by bypassing compatibility checks. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html))
- [Hardware Management](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/design-lifecycle-management/hardware-engineering-management/hardware-management.md) — Overrides system defaults to manage hardware components like graphics processors on legacy systems. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TROUBLESHOOT-HARDWARE.html))

### Operating Systems & Systems Programming

- [Multi-Stage Bootloaders](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/boot-startup-management/multi-stage-bootloaders.md) — Intercepts the system startup sequence to inject custom configurations and hardware patches before the operating system kernel initializes.
- [Graphics Acceleration Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/hardware-interfacing-drivers/hardware-acceleration/graphics-acceleration-patchers.md) — Restores critical graphics acceleration and display controls on hardware lacking native support. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TROUBLESHOOT-HARDWARE.html))
- [Driver Injection](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/hardware-interfacing-drivers/hardware-drivers/driver-injection.md) — Restores essential hardware functionality like graphics and networking on legacy devices via system volume patching.
- [System Volume Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance/system-administration-utilities/system-modification-frameworks/system-volume-patchers.md) — Modifies system files and kernel extensions to maintain hardware functionality across operating system updates.
- [Hardware Acceleration](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/hardware-interfacing-drivers/hardware-acceleration.md) — Unlocks hardware acceleration and wireless connectivity by patching drivers for legacy components. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/))
- [Graphics Drivers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/hardware-interfacing-drivers/hardware-drivers/graphics-drivers.md) — Injects legacy graphics drivers to enable hardware acceleration on unsupported hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/SEQUOIA-DROP.html))
- [Kernel Extension Injectors](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/hardware-interfacing-drivers/hardware-drivers/graphics-drivers/kernel-driver-injection/kernel-extension-injectors.md) — Loads custom drivers into the kernel at startup to enable hardware support on unsupported configurations. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TERMS.html))
- [Kernel Extension Loaders](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/hardware-interfacing-drivers/hardware-drivers/graphics-drivers/kernel-driver-injection/kernel-extension-loaders.md) — Loads custom drivers into the kernel at startup to provide hardware support missing from the native operating system.
- [Boot Configuration Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/boot-startup-management/boot-plugin-managers/boot-configuration-patchers.md) — Modifies the system boot configuration and injects files to enable the installation and operation of modern operating systems on unsupported hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/HOW.html))
- [Memory Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/process-and-memory-management/memory-management-systems/memory-patchers.md) — Modifies system data in memory during the boot process to enable modern operating system versions on unsupported hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/START.html))
- [Kernel Patching Utilities](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance/system-administration-utilities/system-modification-frameworks/kernel-patching-utilities.md) — Modifies system kernel data in memory during the boot sequence to bypass hardware restrictions and enable unsupported configurations.
- [Non-Destructive Boot Loaders](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/firmware-boot-interfaces/non-destructive-boot-loaders.md) — Applies system modifications in memory during the boot process to ensure that no permanent changes are made to the underlying firmware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/))
- [Boot & Startup Management](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/boot-startup-management.md) — Interposes a boot manager between firmware and the operating system to initialize hardware and prepare the environment for the kernel. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TERMS.html))
- [System Extension Injectors](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/platform-development-integration/native-system-extensions/system-extension-injectors.md) — Loads kernel extensions into memory during startup to provide hardware support missing from the operating system. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/PATCHEXPLAIN.html))
- [System Administration and Maintenance](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance.md) — Automates the reapplication of patches and driver updates after system upgrades on legacy hardware.
- [Customized Installation Media](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance/base-image-distributions/customized-installation-media.md) — Formats external storage media and writes operating system files to create a bootable drive for system installation. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/INSTALLER.html))
- [Hardware Drivers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/hardware-interfacing-drivers/hardware-drivers.md) — Automates the retrieval and installation of manufacturer-specific drivers for legacy hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/WINDOWS.html))
- [Boot Device Selectors](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/boot-startup-management/boot-device-selectors.md) — Modifies partition settings and boot configurations to automatically load the patch environment during the system startup sequence. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/BOOT.html))
- [Boot Configuration Installers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance/base-image-distributions/customized-installation-media/boot-configuration-installers.md) — Writes the generated boot configuration to a selected storage drive or partition to facilitate the startup process on legacy hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/BUILD.html))
- [Recovery Modes](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance/system-administration-utilities/system-recovery-tools/recovery-modes.md) — Provides tools to boot into recovery environments on unsupported hardware configurations. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TROUBLESHOOT-MISC.html))
- [Boot Environment Selectors](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/boot-startup-management/boot-environment-selectors.md) — Displays a graphical menu during startup to choose between the standard system loader and the injected patch environment. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/BOOT.html))
- [Boot Menu Configurators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/boot-startup-management/boot-menu-configurators.md) — Customizes startup settings, including the visibility of the boot selection menu, to streamline the system initialization process. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/POST-INSTALL.html))
- [Internal Disk Boot Configurators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/kernel-core-internals/boot-startup-management/disk-image-bootloaders/internal-disk-boot-configurators.md) — Configures the system to boot the operating system directly from internal storage, removing the requirement for external installation media. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/POST-INSTALL.html))
- [Integrity Protection Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance/file-system-management/file-system-integration/integrity-protection-managers.md) — Adjusts security policy settings to allow modifications to system files required for hardware compatibility. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TROUBLESHOOT-MISC.html))

### DevOps & Infrastructure

- [Unsupported Hardware Deployments](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/deployment-management-strategies/execution-platforms-and-targets/deployment-environments/hardware-specific-installations/unsupported-hardware-deployments.md) — Deploys modern operating systems on older hardware by bypassing restrictive compatibility checks.
- [Windows Deployment Utilities](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/windows-deployment-utilities.md) — Enables modern Windows installations on older hardware lacking native UEFI support. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/WINDOWS.html))
- [Hardware-Specific Boot Configurators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/hardware-configuration-tools/hardware-specific-boot-configurators.md) — Generates a customized boot configuration tailored to specific hardware models to enable the installation of modern operating systems. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/BUILD.html))

### Security & Cryptography

- [Hardware Identity Spoofers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/hardware-identity-spoofers.md) — Alters system identification strings and device properties to trick the operating system into loading compatible drivers for legacy hardware.
- [Hardware Identity Spoofers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/hardware-identity-spoofers/hardware-identity-spoofers.md) — Modifies hardware identification strings to trick the operating system into loading compatible drivers. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TROUBLESHOOT-HARDWARE.html))
- [Bootloader Configuration Interfaces](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/hardware-security/bootloader-management/bootloader-configuration-interfaces.md) — Provides a configuration interface for managing bootloader settings and memory patches to bypass hardware restrictions.
- [EFI Partition Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/hardware-security/bootloader-management/efi-partition-managers.md) — Maintains a dedicated storage volume for custom boot configurations to prevent standard system installers from overwriting the patch environment.
- [Bootloader Management](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/hardware-security/bootloader-management.md) — Creates dedicated storage volumes for bootloaders to prevent operating system installers from overwriting existing boot configurations. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/WINDOWS.html))
- [Bootloader Update Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/security-cryptography/hardware-security/bootloader-management/bootloader-update-managers.md) — Rebuilds and installs the bootloader configuration to the internal disk to ensure compatibility with newer operating system versions. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/UPDATE.html))

### Software Engineering & Architecture

- [System Volume Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/binary-patching-utilities/system-volume-patchers.md) — Applies persistent modifications to system-level files on the storage drive to restore hardware functionality after the operating system has loaded.

### System Administration & Monitoring

- [Update Control Managers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/system-administration-monitoring/update-control-managers.md) — OpenCore Legacy Patcher facilitates the installation of operating system updates while maintaining compatibility with unsupported hardware configurations through automated patch reapplications. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/UPDATE.html))
- [Processor Configuration](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/system-administration-monitoring/power-optimization-utilities/cpu-power-management/processor-configuration.md) — Configures boot parameters to manage secondary processors and prevent instability on legacy hardware. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/TROUBLESHOOT-HARDWARE.html))

### User Interface & Experience

- [Cross-Device Input Sharing](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/form-and-input-management/input-handling/cross-device-input-sharing.md) — Enables cross-device input and file sharing features on legacy hardware via boot-time patches. ([source](https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/UNIVERSALCONTROL.html))