Solution for macOS Installation Stuck at Kernel Panic

Steps to Fix:

1. Update OpenCore and Kexts:

   • Ensure you’re using the latest OpenCore version, as it includes essential fixes for compatibility.
   • Update all kexts to their latest versions, especially VirtualSMC, Lilu, WhateverGreen, and AppleALC.

2. Verify SMBIOS Settings:

   • Check that your SMBIOS is set to a compatible model. For newer Intel processors, models like MacPro7,1 or iMacPro1,1 are generally compatible.
   • Generate fresh SMBIOS serials with GenSMBIOS to avoid conflicts that could trigger a panic.

3. Configure Kernel Quirks:

   • In config.plist, go to Kernel > Quirks and set:
     • AppleXcpmCfgLock to true (only if CFG Lock cannot be disabled in BIOS).
     • DisableIoMapper to true, especially if you’re not able to turn off VT-d in BIOS.
   • Enable ProvideCustomSlide under Booter > Quirks to address memory issues.

4. Adjust Boot Arguments:

   • Use the -v boot argument in config.plist under NVRAM > boot-args to enable Verbose Mode, which will display detailed logs during boot and can help pinpoint the source of the panic.
   • Add -no_compat_check to disable macOS version checks, which sometimes cause panics on unsupported hardware.

5. Check Kexts for Compatibility:

   • Graphics Kexts: If using AMD or unsupported Intel graphics, WhateverGreen.kext is essential. If you’re using unsupported GPUs, use -wegnoegpu in boot arguments to disable them temporarily.
   • Ethernet Compatibility: If your Ethernet kext isn’t functioning correctly, try alternative kexts like IntelMausi.kext or SmallTreeIntel82576.kext for Intel Ethernet.

6. BIOS Configuration:

   • In your BIOS, disable the following:
     • Secure Boot
     • CFG Lock (if available)
     • VT-d (only if your Ethernet or other devices don’t rely on it)
     • Serial Port (if unused, disabling can sometimes help with macOS stability)

7. Test with Minimal Kexts:

   • Temporarily remove non-essential kexts (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi-related kexts) from your EFI to rule out conflicts. Gradually reintroduce them once the OS boots successfully.

Additional Tip:

If the panic message persists, take note of the last few lines in Verbose Mode as they usually indicate the failing kext or driver. This can often give clues on whether the issue is with specific hardware compatibility or EFI misconfiguration.

Following these steps should help bypass the kernel panic and let you proceed with the macOS installation.