macOS's Gatekeeper security feature prevents installing apps from unidentified developers, frustrating many users. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to safely adjust your Mac's security preferences, allowing installation of apps downloaded outside the App Store. We'll navigate System Settings, explain each option, and ensure you maintain a secure computing environment while regaining the freedom to choose your software. Learn how to regain control and install the apps you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Access Security & Privacy Settings
- Go to System Preferences (or Settings).
- Click on "Security & Privacy".
- Unlock the settings by clicking the lock icon at the bottom and entering your admin password.
Access Security & Privacy Settings -
Change App Installation Source
- Under "Allow apps downloaded from:", select "App Store and identified developers".
Change App Installation Source -
Allow Specific Apps (If Necessary)
- If you see an error message for a specific app, click "Allow" next to it.
Allow Specific Apps (If Necessary) -
Lock Security & Privacy Settings
- Click the lock icon again to prevent further changes.
Lock Security & Privacy Settings
Tips
- Ensure you're downloading apps from reputable sources to avoid malware.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incorrect Security Preferences Selection
Reason: Users might accidentally modify the wrong setting within Security & Privacy preferences, such as those related to downloads or other unrelated features, instead of focusing on the 'Allow apps downloaded from' setting.
Solution: Carefully select the 'Allow apps downloaded from' option and choose the appropriate source (Mac App Store and identified developers or App Store and identified developers).
2. Ignoring System Restart Requirement
Reason: After changing the security settings, some users might not restart their Mac, thus preventing the changes from taking effect and causing installation issues.
Solution: Always restart your Mac after making changes to the 'Allow apps downloaded from' setting in Security & Privacy preferences.
FAQs
Is it safe to change my Mac's security settings to allow apps from outside the App Store?
It's safer than it sounds, but proceed with caution. Only download apps from trusted sources and reputable websites. Always verify the developer's legitimacy before installing. Changing this setting increases your vulnerability to malware, so be vigilant.
What happens if I change the setting back to 'App Store and identified developers' after installing an app from outside the App Store?
The app will likely still work. However, you might receive security warnings when you open it. To avoid these warnings, the app needs to be downloaded again from the same source and re-installed after making the security setting change.