| Previous | Next |
| kOSMetaClassInternal | kOSMetaClassNoInit |
kOSMetaClassHasInstances
kOSMetaClassHasInstances means that a kernel extension cannot be unloaded while live objects still derive from Libkern C++ classes it registered. The constraint protects the kernel from removing class metadata and code that existing instances still need for their lifetime, dispatch, and destruction.
This is a lifecycle condition, not a request to force an unload. A successful diagnosis identifies the owning kext, the registered class hierarchy, and the objects whose references or service attachments keep those instances alive. The fix belongs in teardown and reference management, not in suppressing the return value.
What to inspect
- Find the kext's registered classes and the service or user-client objects derived from them.
- Check outstanding retains, work loops, command objects, and provider/client attachments.
- Ensure teardown completes before requesting unload and that all asynchronous completions have been drained.
- Keep the event distinct from a code-signing or policy refusal to load a kext.
References
- Apple XNU: OSReturn.h
- Apple XNU: OSMetaClass.cpp
- Apple: deprecated kernel extensions and alternatives
Looking for a different code? Search another status or error code.