Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Reverse-i-search (ctrl+r) not working after MacOS Monterey update - bsdthread_register error

Reverse-i-search not working after MacOS Monterey update due to bsdthread_register error.

Quick Answer: Try reinstalling Go or updating to the latest version.

The reverse-i-search (ctrl+r) function has stopped working on MacOS Monterey, causing frustration for users who rely on this feature. The error message 'fatal error: runtime: bsdthread_register error' is being displayed in both the Mac terminal and iTerm2, with zsh as the shell.

This issue affects users who have updated to MacOS Monterey and are experiencing difficulties with their reverse-i-search functionality. The error message indicates a problem with thread registration, which can be caused by various factors such as outdated libraries or conflicting system settings.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary cause of this error is likely related to the update of MacOS Monterey, which may have introduced changes to the system's library files or configuration. It's possible that an outdated version of a critical library was not updated during the upgrade process.
  • Another potential cause could be conflicts between different shell versions or configurations. iTerm2 and other third-party terminals may use custom settings or libraries that are incompatible with MacOS Monterey's default shell, zsh.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Update to a compatible version of iTerm2

  1. Step 1: Open iTerm2 and go to the 'Settings' menu.
  2. Step 2: Select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
  3. Step 3: In the 'Terminal' tab, click on 'Advanced' at the bottom left corner.
  4. Step 4: Check if there are any custom settings or libraries that may be causing conflicts with MacOS Monterey's default shell. If so, disable them and try restarting iTerm2.
  5. Step 5: If the issue persists, consider updating to a newer version of iTerm2 that is compatible with MacOS Monterey.

Update MacOS Monterey to the latest version

  1. Step 1: Open the 'Software Update' preferences in System Preferences.
  2. Step 2: Click on 'Update Now' to begin the update process.
  3. Step 3: Wait for the update to complete and restart your Mac when prompted.
  4. Step 4: After restarting, try using the reverse-i-search function again to see if it's working properly.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the issue with reverse-i-search not working on MacOS Monterey, try updating to a compatible version of iTerm2 or updating MacOS Monterey to the latest version. If the problem persists, consider seeking further assistance from Apple support or a qualified IT professional.

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