Common Issues with pCloud Drive on macOS

Here you are, either curious, or a bit worried.

Is it because an error message has appeared on your screen? Perhaps the installation failed, the app won’t launch, or the virtual drive isn’t mounting properly.

No worries, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find the most common issues our users may come across, when installing pCloud Drive on macOS, and their solutions.

Or you might, as well, be wondering “Why on Earth do I have to reduce the security on my Mac?”

Once again, no need to worry. Here’s why…

Why Does pCloud Drive Require Reduced Security on macOS?

During the installation of pCloud Drive, macOS may prompt you to enable Reduced Security in Recovery Mode. This is because pCloud Drive utilises a third-party kernel extension (kext) to operate as a virtual external drive.

Why Is This Necessary?

By default, Apple restricts third-party software from modifying system settings to ensure security.
pCloud Drive requires a kernel extension to mount itself as a virtual drive, allowing seamless access to your cloud files without consuming local storage space.
Enabling Reduced Security permits macOS to recognise and use pCloud Drive’s system extension.

Is It Safe?

Yes! While the term “Reduced Security” might sound alarming, it does not compromise your Mac’s overall protection. This setting only allows verified and signed applications, like pCloud Drive, to load system extensions.

If you decide to stop using pCloud Drive in the future, you can easily restore the full security mode in Recovery Mode, with no impact on your system.

Common Issues and Their Solutions

Below are the most common issues encountered during or immediately after the installation process, along with step-by-step solutions. Click each section to expand for detailed instructions.

The “Original Item Can’t Be Found” Error

This macOS issue is not specific to pCloud Drive and often occurs due to network changes or interruptions.

How to Resolve:

1. Relaunch Finder:

Press `Option + Command + Escape` or go to the Apple menu > Force Quit, select Finder, and click Relaunch.

2. Remove and Add Back pCloud Drive:

Open Finder, right-click pCloud Drive in the sidebar, and select Remove from Sidebar.
Reopen pCloud Drive from the menu bar.

3. Disable and Re-enable the pCloud Finder Extension:

Go to System Preferences > Extensions, disable the pCloud Finder extension, and then re-enable it.

4. Quit pCloud Processes:

Open Activity Monitor, search for “pCloud,” and quit all related processes. Then, re-enable the drive.

5. Restart Your Mac:

Restart your device to refresh the system.

If the issue persists, please contact our Support Team and provide details about the steps you’ve taken, as well as information about any antivirus software, proxy servers, or VPNs you may be using.

The “Installation Failed Due to No Permissions for the .pkg File” Error

This error occurs when the installation file is located in a folder without administrative permissions.

How to Resolve:

1. Move the Installation File:

Transfer the installation package to a folder with the necessary permissions, such as Downloads or Applications.

2. Run the Installer Again:

Attempt to run the installer after moving the file.

3. Adjust Security Settings:

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General.
Ensure that you allow apps from “App Store and identified developers.”
If macOS blocks the installation, look for an option to allow it under “Allow apps”.

Unsupported MacOS Version

1. How to Resolve:

Uninstall and Re-install macFUSE:
Open System Settings, locate macFUSE, and uninstall it.
Download and install the latest version from the official macFUSE website.

2. Reinstall an Older Version of pCloud Drive (if needed):

Uninstall the current version of pCloud Drive.
Download and install the previous version from this link.
Log in to the app and enable the drive.
Once the drive is functioning, update to the latest version via the About tab in the app.

3. Additional Steps for macOS Monterey or Sonoma:

For these versions, additional compatibility steps may be required, such as updating the kernel extension.
If issues persist, contact our Support Team for further assistance.

pCloud Drive Requires a System Extension to Mount the Virtual Drive

If you’ve completed the installation but pCloud Drive fails to enable or display your files in Finder, your macOS may be blocking the kernel extension.

How to Resolve:

For macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Newer Versions:

1. Restart your Mac in Recovery Mode (press `Command + R` at startup).

2. Open Terminal and enter:

kmutil trigger-panic-medic --volume-root /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD

If your disk has a different name, replace “Macintosh HD” with the correct name.

3. Take a screenshot of the output.

4. Restart your Mac and approve all system extensions in Security & Privacy.

5. If the issue persists, send the screenshot from step 3 to our Support Team for further assistance.

For macOS Catalina and Older Versions:

1. Open Terminal and enter:

ls -lO /private/var/db/KernelExtensionManagement

Take a screenshot of the output, as it may be needed for troubleshooting.

2. If the `restricted` flag is missing, enter:

sudo chflags restricted /private/var/db/KernelExtensionManagement

3. Restart your Mac, open pCloud Drive, and approve the system extension in Security & Privacy.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, contact our Support Team with the screenshot for further assistance.

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Setting up pCloud Drive on macOS might take a few extra steps because of Apple’s security settings, but don’t worry – it’s worth it! Once everything’s up and running, you’ll enjoy smooth and easy access to all your cloud files right from your Mac.

We hope this guide has made the process easier for you. If you hit any snags or have questions along the way, our Support Team is here to help! Just reach out and let us know – we’d love to hear from you. When you do, please share details like: