Skip to content

What is CoreServiceUiAgent? How to fix issues?

  • by
  • 4 min read

Apple’s macOS has a host of security features that keep it safe from malware and virus infections. However, as good as Apple is when it comes to software optimisations and stability, it isn’t perfect. Random bugs can show up from time to time which can throw a rut in the user experience.

In this article, we’re talking about what is the CoreServiceUiAgent in macOS, what it does and how you can fix any issues that it causes.

Also read: Error: listen eaddrinuse: address already in use: Quick Fix 


CoreServiceUiAgent explained

CoreServiceUiAgent is a GUI agent for Gatekeeper, which is a macOS tool that examines third-party apps for viruses and malware. While it’s usually quite quick, sometimes the process can get stuck while checking an app which can cause your Mac to go unresponsive. 


How to fix CoreServiceUiAgent issues?

If the CoreServiceUiAgent is causing problems for you. Here are seven fixes you can try out. 

Run a malware scan

The first thing that you should do is run a malware scan on your machine. If the antimalware program detects any infected file, remove or quarantine it from your machine right away. Once done, restart your computer and the error shouldnโ€™t appear anymore.


Restart your mac

Restarting might be a cliche at this point in time but it can still fix seemingly random issues across hardware and operating systems. If a key isnโ€™t working as expected, try restarting your Mac to see if that fixes the error. Click on the Apple icon on the top-left and then on Restart.


Force quit the app

Force quitting the problematic app is often the simplest solution in such situations. Simply press and hold the Option + Command + Escape keys to force quit the app and try launching it again. 


Remove suspicious programs

If youโ€™ve started seeing this error after installing a program, the chances are that some of your recently installed programs contain malware. Remove any recently installed programs from your Mac and check to see if that resolves the error.ย 


Use the macOS installer

Using the macOS installer to install .PKG files can also help avoid errors. Here’s how.

Step 1: In the system finder, click Go followed by Go to Folder.

Step 2: Copy-paste the following path and hit Return. 

/System/Library/CoreServices/Installer

Step 3: Double-click Installer.

Step 4: Select the .PKG file of the app you’re trying to install and wait for the installation to finish. 

The app should run without any problems now. 


Allow the app to run from anywhere

Allowing apps to run from anywhere can tone down Gatekeeper’s checks to ensure apps downloaded from third-party sources can run without problems. Here’s how.

Step 1: Head over to System Preferences followed by Security & Privacy.

Step 2: In the General tab, click the lock icon at the bottom to make changes. You’ll be asked for your passcode or TouchID.

Step 3: In the Allow apps downloaded from: section, check the App Store and identified developers option.

Now restart your Mac and the app should work fine. 


Update macOS

Sometimes, the error can pop up because of a faulty macOS update. Check to see if youโ€™re on the latest version available and if youโ€™re not, update to see if that fixes your problem. 

Step 1: Click the Apple logo on the top left corner of your system, followed by About This Mac.

Step 2: Click Software Update.

Step 3: Click Update Now.

If any updates are available, macOS will install and apply them automatically. Now try restarting your Mac to see if the error persists. 

Also read: Fix: Error: Failed to build gem native extension

nv-author-image

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: [email protected].

>