Mac Repeated Kernel Panics — Your Computer Restarted Because of a Problem

Repeated macOS kernel panics that restart the Mac with the message 'Your computer restarted because of a problem' indicate hardware or kernel extension issues. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Multiple kernel panics within a short period indicate a persistent issue. The panic log is stored in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/. Third-party kernel extensions (kexts) are a leading cause. Hardware issues like failing RAM or GPU can cause repeated panics. macOS Monterey+ uses System Extensions instead of kexts for most drivers. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Third-party kernel extensions (kexts) crashing. Failing RAM modules causing memory corruption. Overheating due to dust buildup or thermal paste degradation. Corrupted macOS installation files. Incompatible external hardware or peripherals. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift on Intel, hold power on Apple Silicon then select Safe Mode) to disable third-party kexts. Check panic logs: open Console app > Diagnostic Reports > look for kernel panic entries. Run Apple Diagnostics: restart and hold D (Intel) or hold power button (Apple Silicon). Remove third-party kexts from /Library/Extensions/ if identified in panic logs. Reset NVRAM (Intel): restart and hold Option+Command+P+R for 20 seconds. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Mac Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.