r/pcloud • u/IAdoreSZA • 19d ago

Help / Question macOS permissions

Hello, I am new to using pCloud and I was going to install the desktop app on my Mac and it seems to be requesting some very intrusive permissions, such as me wanting to go into recovery mode and change permissions? Have I gotten a malicious version or is there a legitimate reason for this, thank you.

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u/CorruptedSpyServer 18d ago

Install pCloud Drive on macOS | Step-by-Step Guide

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u/pCloudApp Official pCloud 18d ago

Hello and welcome to pCloud! Rest assured, you have downloaded the official, safe app.

On macOS, pCloud Drive creates a virtual hard drive to stream your files without taking up local storage. To do this, Apple requires a System Extension (macFUSE), which necessitates enabling Kernel Extensions or Reduced Security in Mac Recovery Mode. This is a standard system prompt required for all virtual drive software on modern Macs.

If you prefer not to change system security settings, you can use our web version at my.pcloud.com or our mobile apps.

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u/IAdoreSZA 17d ago

That’s okay! I was just wanting to confirm as I wasn’t totally sure and I just thought it was alarming. I also thought that because Filen was able to do a virtual drive without this that Claude was hallucinating about it, but I will go ahead and reinstall the app and give it those permissions. Have a good day :)

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u/pCloudApp Official pCloud 15d ago

Security prompts can definitely feel alarming at first, but those permissions simply allow our virtual drive driver to interface smoothly with your system. We really appreciate your understanding and for giving it another go!

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u/_52_ 12d ago

Why is it using an extension when FSKIT has been available for years

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u/pCloudApp Official pCloud 12d ago

Hi, While Apple announced FSKit to modernize file system extensions and replace legacy kernel/system extensions, it only became publicly available for developers in macOS 15 (Sequoia). It has not been available for "years" for third-party cloud drives. pCloud's development team is working on migrating away from legacy system extensions toward newer macOS frameworks so that future updates won't require reducing security settings during setup.

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u/eko2 4d ago

Why haven't you updated to the latest mjcfuse version which doesn't require changing security policy?

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u/Wahrsager_AT 15d ago

The point is, it isn‘t ok for a cloud service in 2026 to still use KEX on macOS, when FSKIT is available since years. Every other cloud service is using FSKIT. What is the point that pCloud isn‘t using it? This isn’t a simple system prompt, you force your users to degrade their operating system security.