Unable to Install VoodooHDA

[Tech5G5G]

Hello,

After a recent upgrade to macOS Tahoe, my audio stopped working. I know this is because Apple removed support for the AppleALC kext, so I found VoodooHDA as an alternative.

I am having trouble getting it working though. I set my csr-active-config to 03080000 and tried to install it normally and then use this installer https://github.com/chris1111/VoodooHDA-Tahoe, but it never showed the System Extension Updated popup.

I looked at the output of csrutil status and found that it said that SIP was still enabled, so maybe this is the issue?

 

Device Specs:

CPU: 1.5 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7

GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 1536 MB

RAM: 16 GB 3733 MHz LPDDR4X

Laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Wifi/BT Card: Intel Wifi & Intel Bluetooth

Touchpad/Keyboard: Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard

[Tech5G5G]

15 hours ago, verdazil said:

No.

Uninstall anything related to VoodooHDA that you previously installed. Restart your computer and reinstall the package.

I tried this but it didn't work.

[chris1111]

If you look at csrutil status and found that SIP was still enabled, you have to make sur in config.plist 

NVRAM:7C436110-AB2A-4BBB-A880-FE41995C9F82:Delete:csr-active-config

Edited September 24, 2025 by chris1111

[Max.1974]

On 9/22/2025 at 11:48 PM, Tech5G5G said:

Hello,

After a recent upgrade to macOS Tahoe, my audio stopped working. I know this is because Apple removed support for the AppleALC kext, so I found VoodooHDA as an alternative.

I am having trouble getting it working though. I set my csr-active-config to 03080000 and tried to install it normally and then use this installer https://github.com/chris1111/VoodooHDA-Tahoe, but it never showed the System Extension Updated popup.

I looked at the output of csrutil status and found that it said that SIP was still enabled, so maybe this is the issue?

 

Device Specs:

CPU: 1.5 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7

GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 1536 MB

RAM: 16 GB 3733 MHz LPDDR4X

Laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Wifi/BT Card: Intel Wifi & Intel Bluetooth

Touchpad/Keyboard: Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard

 

 

 

The best would be if you compiled your Kext with Xcode and the Source Code, but test this .pkg that I use on my Lenovo T14 and E470, it works on both. Interesting that the patch doesn't work on Desktop with the same Kext. If that's your case, you need to compile. Compilation is very important. If it doesn't work we'll try, ok? Before running the installer that I attached, however, run these commands (copy to Terminal and run), them, restart:

 

sudo rm -rf /Library/Extensions/VoodooHDA.kext 
sudo rm -rf /Library/LaunchAgents/org.voodoo.driver.plist
sudo rm -rf /Library/Application\ Support/VoodooHDA
sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions/VoodooHDA.kext
sudo rm -rf /Library/Extensions/VoodooHDA.kext

or unique command: 

 

sudo rm -rf /Library/Extensions/VoodooHDA.kext /Library/LaunchAgents/org.voodoo.driver.plist /Library/Application\ Support/VoodooHDA /System/Library/Extensions/VoodooHDA.kext && sudo kextcache -i /

 

 

After restart, install this pkg: 

 

VoodooHDA-Laptop.pkg.zip

 

Good Lucky  

Check you BIOS if Audio is enable too. 

And give the permissions, you also need to disable GateKeeper

Edited September 24, 2025 by Max.1974

[Max.1974]

Alternatively you can try this: 

 

 

 

But I recommend change for compiled kext from your machine. 

[LockDown]

Don't reinstall the same package. Try a different one. System pref will prompt if it detects a new vodoohda hash

[Tech5G5G]

2 hours ago, chris1111 said:

NVRAM:7C436110-AB2A-4BBB-A880-FE41995C9F82:Delete:csr-active-config

I already have this in my plist, so I'm not sure why it still shows SIP is enabled.

[Tech5G5G]

1 hour ago, Max.1974 said:

The best would be if you compiled your Kext with Xcode and the Source Code, but test this .pkg that I use on my Lenovo T14 and E470, it works on both. Interesting that the patch doesn't work on Desktop with the same Kext. If that's your case, you need to compile. Compilation is very important. If it doesn't work we'll try, ok? Before running the installer that I attached, however, run these commands (copy to Terminal and run), them, restart:

Thank you for your detailed response!

After removing the mentioned folders and restarting, I disabled GateKeeper and installed the package. I didn't receive the enable kernel extension message as a popup or in the Privacy & Security section of the Settings app. After a restart, the VoodooHDA preference pane still showed VoodooHDA as disabled. 

So, I tried the other method (compiling and using that instead), but it still didn't work.

I tried using kmutil to load the kext manually but it outputted that the kext's signature was invalid.

I tried booting into the macOS Recovery OS and disabling SIP (csrutil disable), and it did show it was disabled, but then I restarted into macOS and saw that csrutil status still showed that SIP was enabled. 🤷‍♂️

[Tech5G5G]

5 minutes ago, verdazil said:

@Tech5G5G, show what the command outputs in the terminal

csrutil status

 

System Integrity Protection status: enabled.

[XanthraX]

As the ultimate alternative, they are external sound adapters on USB. Most of them work OOTB.

Edited September 24, 2025 by XanthraX

[deeveedee]

@Tech5G5G I find that it is best to post your compressed Open Core EFI (the full OC folder) when asking questions like this.  It's not that we don't trust you - it's just that users make mistakes.  If you haven't found a solution, please post your Open Core EFI to avoid a prolonged guessing game.

 

Also post the results of the command 'nvram -p | grep csr'

 

EDIT: One other thing - with my hack here, I need to load AppleALC.kext (in OC/Kexts) AND VoodooHDA.kext 3.0.2 (in /Library/Extensions) for working VoodooHDA.  This is because on my hack, without AppleALC.kext, AppleGFXHDA binds to device HDAS (HDEF) and blocks VoodooHDA.  I'm using AppleALC.kext as an AppleGFXHDA "blocker."  AppleALC does not interfere with VoodooHDA in Tahoe, because there is no AppleHDA.  Use IORegistryExplorer to examine your HD Audio device).  You should see VoodooHDA binding to your HD Audio like this:

 

EDIT2: My VoodooHDA install steps are posted here.  Delete VoodooHDA.kext from /Library/Extensions before following my steps.

 

EDIT3: You can learn more about my use of AppleALC as an "AppleGFXHDA blocker" here.

Edited September 24, 2025 by deeveedee

[verdazil]

11 hours ago, Tech5G5G said:

System Integrity Protection status: enabled.

That's why it doesn't work.

It should be like this

 

Spoiler

 

Set up the correct SIP disable

[Tech5G5G]

2 hours ago, deeveedee said:

@Tech5G5G I find that it is best to post your compressed Open Core EFI (the full OC folder) when asking questions like this.  It's not that we don't trust you - it's just that users make mistakes.  If you haven't found a solution, please post your Open Core EFI to avoid a prolonged guessing game.

Here's my EFI (it's a modified version of surface-pro-7-opencore) https://drive.google.com/file/d/19O3ZPNzFw9UoprfncyNoIEfwZhxJ_xZP

 

2 hours ago, deeveedee said:

Also post the results of the command 'nvram -p | grep csr'

csr-active-config	%f3%9d%00%d3M4

Set to data, 850A0000 (OpenCore)

Edited September 24, 2025 by Tech5G5G
Remove emoji

[fantomas]

reset nvram

[Tech5G5G]

I found the issue. My csr-active-config was set incorrectly. I tried setting it through a normal text editor which doesn't work. I set it through Xcode, enabled VoodooHDA in settings, and now my audio and mics work flawlessly! Thank you everyone for your help and I'm very sorry for wasting your time on a very stupid mistake which could've been easily avoided. From now on, I will use a normal plist editor.

[Max.1974]

2 hours ago, Tech5G5G said:

I found the issue. My csr-active-config was set incorrectly. I tried setting it through a normal text editor which doesn't work. I set it through Xcode, enabled VoodooHDA in settings, and now my audio and mics work flawlessly! Thank you everyone for your help and I'm very sorry for wasting your time on a very stupid mistake which could've been easily avoided. From now on, I will use a normal plist editor.

Nice enjoy it my friend, so glad to help!! No worry about it  

Open your plist with Xcode or Xplist or ProperTree and change <00000000> to <03080000> 

 

[Max.1974]

Another recommendation to remove  AudioDxe.efi  driver,  its not recommended for most of new hacks, and  FirmwareSettingsEntry.efi its not recommend too. 

 

[jlrycm]

1 hour ago, Max.1974 said:

Another recommendation to remove  AudioDxe.efi  driver,  its not recommended for most of new hacks, and  FirmwareSettingsEntry.efi its not recommend too. 

 

AudioDxe is helpful if you like to hear the famous boot chime.

[deeveedee]

7 hours ago, Tech5G5G said:

Thank you everyone for your help and I'm very sorry for wasting your time on a very stupid mistake ...

Never a waste of time for someone who's an eager learner and appreciative, like you.  Glad you figured it out.

 

EDIT: @Tech5G5G When I was first learning CLOVER boot-loader, I was asking a user named RehabMan for help.  I was using vi editor to edit the config.plist.  After he reprimanded me for not using a plist editor, I haven't made the mistake again.  Sometimes, the best lessons learned are learned the hard way.

Edited September 25, 2025 by deeveedee

[Max.1974]

3 hours ago, jlrycm said:

AudioDxe is helpful if you like to hear the famous boot chime.

 

I liked, but after thousand years im so tired that im disable it...  

Old man stuff hahah !! 

[fgxr8]

Hi all I am having the same issue tryign to get sound in tahoe

 

it even says install and resrt kext in secuty options

the voodoo preferanc epane shows up

i have completely disabled sip

[deeveedee]

@fgxr8 Welcome!  When you read each post in this thread, what did you learn that might suggest the cause?  If you aren't able to figure out the problem, did you find the posts in this thread that explained what information you should be providing (posting) in order for us to help you?  I'm not trying to be difficult - it's just that it appears that you've posted without first reading this thread.

Edited September 26, 2025 by deeveedee

[fgxr8]

On 9/26/2025 at 11:31 AM, deeveedee said:

@fgxr8 Welcome!  When you read each post in this thread, what did you learn that might suggest the cause?  If you aren't able to figure out the problem, did you find the posts in this thread that explained what information you should be providing (posting) in order for us to help you?  I'm not trying to be difficult - it's just that it appears that you've posted without first reading this thread.

 

i completely disabled sip (using the opencore configurations 2 different codes not using both at same time, just using 1 at a time) and also used command csrutil disable 

Quote

Mac-Pro ~ % csrutil status

System Integrity Protection status: disabled.

reset nvram

i did get the dialog to allow kexts in settings so it means it did install

i get the voodoo preferance pane showing (but says no device)

i disabled gatekeeper

removed all previous voodoo entries 

 

currently getting sound from my videocard-->monitor-->speakers

 

 

 

heres my efi if you can have a look please

EFI.zip

Edited September 28, 2025 by fgxr8

[deeveedee]

@fgxr8 Thanks for posting your EFI.  My observations of your EFI are below.  

 

Could you please post the result of running this command?  This way we can see if VoodooHDA.kext is loading.

kextstat | grep -i voodoo

 

Also post the result of this command

nvram -p | grep csr

 

My observations

• You are enabling Kernel > Add > Item7 (AppleALC.kext).  My hack needs AppleALC.kext with VoodooHDA.kext in Tahoe, but maybe this causes problems for your hack?  I'm not sure if this would be an issue for you when running macOS Tahoe with VoodooHDA.kext, but try setting MaxKernel = 24.99.99 (Sequoia) for AppleALC.kext, so that AppleALC.kext is not injected in Tahoe.  See my note about your AppleALC.kext version below.

Also (not related to audio) ...

• Your ACPI > Add > Item4 (SSDT-UIAC.aml) doesn't do anything, because you're not injecting USBInjectAll.kext. You can disable this ACPI > Add.

 

Other observations - I'm not sure how your hack is booting Tahoe with the old VirtualSMC.kext.  The constants for Tahoe weren't added until version VirtualSMC.kext 1.3.7.

• Some of your kexts are old and may not load in Tahoe.  Kexts that need to be updated are
  • AppleALC.kext (1.9.2).  Upgrade to version 1.9.5.  If adding MaxKernel = 24.99.99 to Kernel > Add > Item7 doesn't fix the problem and we haven't figured it out, it just may be that you need AppleALC.kext with VoodooHDA.kext in Tahoe and your old version of AppleALC.kext isn't working in Tahoe.
  • IntelMausiEthernet.kext (2.5.3d3).  Upgrade to 2.5.5d0 from here.
  • VirtualSMC.kext (1.3.4).  Upgrade to 1.3.7.

Edited September 28, 2025 by deeveedee

[fgxr8]

43 minutes ago, deeveedee said:

@fgxr8 Thanks for posting your EFI.  My observations of your EFI are below.  

 

Could you please post the result of running this command?  This way we can see if VoodooHDA.kext is loading.

kextstat | grep -i voodoo

 

Also post the result of this command

nvram -p | grep csr

 

My observations

• You are enabling Kernel > Add > Item7 (AppleALC.kext).  My hack needs AppleALC.kext with VoodooHDA.kext in Tahoe, but maybe this causes problems for your hack?  I'm not sure if this would be an issue for you when running macOS Tahoe with VoodooHDA.kext, but try setting MaxKernel = 24.99.99 (Sequoia) for AppleALC.kext, so that AppleALC.kext is not injected in Tahoe.  See my note about your AppleALC.kext version below.

Also (not related to audio) ...

• Your ACPI > Add > Item4 (SSDT-UIAC.aml) doesn't do anything, because you're not injecting USBInjectAll.kext. You can disable this ACPI > Add.

 

Other observations - I'm not sure how your hack is booting Tahoe with the old VirtualSMC.kext.  The constants for Tahoe weren't added until version VirtualSMC.kext 1.3.7.

• Some of your kexts are old and may not load in Tahoe.  Kexts that need to be updated are
  • AppleALC.kext (1.9.2).  Upgrade to version 1.9.5.  If adding MaxKernel = 24.99.99 to Kernel > Add > Item7 doesn't fix the problem and we haven't figured it out, it just may be that you need AppleALC.kext with VoodooHDA.kext in Tahoe and your old version of AppleALC.kext isn't working in Tahoe.
  • IntelMausiEthernet.kext (2.5.3d3).  Upgrade to 2.5.5d0 from here.
  • VirtualSMC.kext (1.3.4).  Upgrade to 1.3.7.

 

Executing: /usr/bin/kmutil showloaded

No variant specified, falling back to release

 

 

csr-active-config %03%08%00%00

 

getting those from the commands you posted

 

will update all the kexts now and report back