---
title: "Migrate from launch agent to machine runner 3 on macOS"
description: "Steps to migrate from using launch agent to the machine runner 3 preview"
platform: "Cloud, Server"
doc_version: "unversioned"
last_updated: "2026-10-14"
---

> For current CircleCI product defaults, deprecated patterns, and Cloud/Server differences, see [AGENTS.md](https://circleci.com/docs/AGENTS.md).
>
> For the complete documentation index and site structure, see [llms.txt](https://circleci.com/docs/llms.txt).

# Migrate from launch agent to machine runner 3 on macOS

This page describes how to migrate an existing launch agent installation to machine runner 3. Machine runner 3 includes improved network resiliency, and a simpler installation management strategy, utilizing operating system packages.

Migrating from launch agent to machine runner 3 is a straightforward process. The prerequisites remain the same. First, uninstall and remove launch agent, then, install the machine runner 3 agent. The configuration file is 1:1 compatible between the agents so no modifications are needed during the migration

## 1\. Uninstall launch agent service

The first step is to uninstall launch-agent. If the agent has been installed as a `launchctl` service, run the following commands to stop as well as uninstall the service, and delete the service file.

```shell
sudo launchctl unload '/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.circleci.runner.plist'
sudo rm -f '/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.circleci.runner.plist'
sudo rm -rf '/opt/circleci'
```

## 2\. Install the macOS Machine Runner 3.0

Follow the instructions in [Install Machine Runner 3 on macOS](https://circleci.com/docs/runner/install-machine-runner-3-on-macos/#install-circleci-runner) to install machine runner 3 using a Homebrew package.

## Additional resources

*   [Machine Runner 3 Configuration Reference](https://circleci.com/docs/runner/machine-runner-3-configuration-reference/)
    
*   [Machine Runner 3 Manual Installation Reference](https://circleci.com/docs/runner/machine-runner-3-manual-installation/)