Mac Kernel Panic — Repeated Restarts with 'Your Computer Restarted' Message

Fix Mac kernel panic causing repeated automatic restarts with the message 'Your computer restarted because of a problem' on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. 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: A kernel panic is macOS's equivalent of a Windows blue screen — a fatal system crash. The Mac restarts automatically and shows 'Your computer restarted because of a problem' on login. Kernel panic logs are stored in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ with .panic extension. On Apple Silicon, kernel panics may show a black screen with a multilingual restart message. Repeated kernel panics indicate a serious hardware or driver issue that needs immediate attention. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Faulty or incompatible kernel extension (kext) from third-party software (antivirus, VPN, audio drivers). RAM hardware failure causing random data corruption. Peripheral device (USB hub, Thunderbolt dock) sending bad data to the kernel. macOS system file corruption requiring a reinstall. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Boot into Safe Mode: Apple Silicon: hold power button > Options > hold Shift > Continue in Safe Mode. Intel: hold Shift during boot. Check panic logs: /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ — look for the driver/kext name that caused the panic. Remove recently installed third-party software, especially antivirus, VPN, and audio/video tools. Disconnect all external peripherals and test — add them back one at a time to identify the culprit. Run Apple Diagnostics: Apple Silicon: hold power button + hold D. Intel: hold D during boot. 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.