Upgrading your Hackintosh from Big Sur to Monterey or a higher version

Upgrading your Hackintosh from Big Sur to Monterey or a higher version can sometimes be tricky, and it may require some adjustments. Here are steps to help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Backup Important Data:

   • Before attempting an upgrade, ensure you have a backup of all your important data. This will protect your files in case anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.

2. Prepare Your System:

   • Make sure that your Hackintosh is running the latest version of OpenCore or Clover bootloader, as outdated bootloaders can cause issues during upgrades.

3. Check Compatibility:

   • Verify that your installed kexts, drivers, and configurations are compatible with the macOS version you want to upgrade to. Visit the Hackintosh community forums to see if others have successfully upgraded with your hardware setup.

4. Update Kexts and Drivers:

   • Ensure that all your kexts (kernel extensions) and drivers are up-to-date. Outdated or incompatible kexts can lead to boot failures.
   • You may need to search for updated versions of kexts specific to your hardware.

5. Update Config.plist:

   • Review your config.plist file for any changes required by the new macOS version. This may include changes to boot arguments, SMBIOS settings, or other parameters.

6. Kernel Extensions (Kexts):

   • Make sure you have the necessary kexts installed for your hardware, especially those related to CPU power management and graphics. Some kexts might need updating or patching for compatibility with newer macOS versions.

7. Kernel and ACPI Patches:

   • Check if your bootloader's config.plist contains any custom kernel or ACPI patches that need to be adjusted for the new macOS version.

8. SMBIOS Profile:

   • Ensure your SMBIOS profile is compatible with the target macOS version. Consider using a profile that closely matches your hardware.

9. Boot in Verbose Mode:

   • Boot your Hackintosh in verbose mode (use the -v boot argument) to see if there are any error messages during the boot process. This can help identify the cause of the freeze.

10. Safe Mode (Single User Mode):

    • Try booting into single-user mode (use the -s boot argument) to see if you can identify and fix any issues from there.

11. Logs and Diagnostic Tools:

    • Examine system logs (accessible through recovery mode) for any error messages that might indicate the source of the problem.
    • Utilize diagnostic tools like Hackintool or DPCIManager to check for hardware or driver issues.

12. Installation from Scratch:

    • If all else fails, consider performing a clean installation of the desired macOS version and then migrating your data from your previous installation.

13. Community Support:

    • Seek help from the Hackintosh community forums or Reddit groups, where experienced users can provide guidance and solutions for specific issues.

Remember that Hackintoshing can be complex, and not all hardware configurations are compatible with every macOS version. If you continue to face issues, consider consulting with experienced Hackintosh users who may have encountered similar problems with your specific hardware setup.