How to Fix zsh: illegal hardware instruction on Mac

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Summary: When using Python on Mac, you may encounter the error “zsh: illegal hardware instruction”. Why does this error occur, and how to fix it? Let iBoysoft give you a full guide.

How to Fix zsh: illegal hardware instruction

 

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Zsh, or Z Shell, is a powerful command-line shell commonly used by macOS users. It's known for its flexibility, scripting capabilities, and improve user experience over Bash. However, some users may encounter a puzzling error message zsh: illegal hardware instruction.

When installing Tensorflow on my MacBook, I keep getting the error zsh: illegal hardware instruction python. How to remove it? -stackoverflow.com

My archive utility nor working so my Terminal advised to change from bash to zsh. But I encountered the message zsh: illegal hardware instruction. -discussion.apple.com

This error often appears when running certain commands or launching Terminal, and it usually indicates a compatibility or configuration problem. In this article, we'll explore what causes this error and how to effectively fix it.

What causes zsh illegal hardware instruction

The "illegal hardware instruction" error typically means that the shell or a command is trying to execute code that your Mac's CPU doesn't support. Several factors can trigger this, including:

  • Faulty .zshrc configuration files: Plugins or syntax errors in your shell profile can cause crashes.
  • Incompatible binaries: Running software compiled for a different architecture (e.g., x86_64 on an Apple Silicon Mac without Rosetta).
  • Corrupted or outdated software: Older apps or tools may break after system updates.
  • Faulty .zshrc configuration files: Plugins or syntax errors in your shell profile can cause crashes.
  • Third-party utilities: Unverified software or command-line tools may introduce instability.
  • Hardware issues: In rare cases, defective RAM or processor faults can lead to such errors.

How to fix zsh illegal hardware instruction

If you are facing this error on macOS, try the following solutions to resolve it:

# Reinstall the problematic software

If the issue occurs while running a specific program or command-line tool:

  • Uninstall the tool completely (e.g., using brew uninstall or removing the binary).
  • Download the latest version, preferably one built for your Mac's architecture.
  • Use Homebrew if possible, as it manages compatibility better on modern macOS systems.

# Launch zsh with a clean Shell profile

Your custom Zsh configuration might be causing the issue. To test that, run Zsh without loading any config files in Mac Terminal.

  1. Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  2. Type "zsh -f" in zsh, then press the Enter key.

You'll be inside a bare-bones Zsh session. If you don't see the "zsh: illegal hardware instruction" error here, your regular Zsh config file (.zshrc) is likely the issue.

# Check and remove faulty zsh configurations

Temporarily disable your custom Zsh settings to troubleshoot and isolate problematic lines.

  1. Open Terminal again.
  2. Type "mv ~/.zshrc ~/.zshrc.backup" and press the Enter key.
  3. Close and reopen Terminal. If the error is gone, the issue was inside your .zshrc file.
  4. To review and edit your .zshrc later, use this command to open it in TextEdit: 
    "open -a TextEdit ~/.zshrc.backup".
  5. Once you've fixed or cleaned it, move it back: "mv ~/.zshrc.backup ~/.zshrc".

# Run Apple Diagnostics

To rule out hardware issues, run Apple Diagnostics:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold D.
  3. Let the tool check your hardware for errors.

# Run the command in Rosetta (Apple Silicon Macs only)

If you're using an M1, M2, or M3 Mac, the software causing the error may be Intel-only. To fix this:

  1. Locate Terminal in Applications > Utilities.
  2. Right-click and choose Get Info.
  3. Check "Open using Rosetta". 
    Run commands in Rosetta
  4. Reopen Terminal and try running the command again.

The "zsh: illegal hardware instruction" error may seem alarming, but it's usually fixable with a few targeted steps. Whether it's due to incompatible software, faulty configurations, or architecture mismatches, the fixes outlined above should help you get your terminal working again.

For better system stability, keep your tools updated, avoid untrusted sources, and regularly review your shell configurations. Please share our post.

FAQs about zsh illegal hardware instructions

QWhat does illegal hardware instruction mean?
A

It means a program tried to run code your CPU can’t execute, often due to incompatible or corrupted software.

QHow to fix zsh operation not permitted?
A

Use sudo if needed, grant Full Disk Access to Terminal in System Settings, or adjust file permissions.

QHow to fix zsh corrupt file?
A

Delete and reinstall the file or tool, check for disk errors with Disk Utility, and ensure no .zshrc misconfigurations exist.