How To Allow Software On Mac

by

Mac OS is known for its robust security measures and one of them is Gatekeeper. This Mac security feature vets every application you try to install to ensure it’s safe and from a verified source. While this is generally good for security, sometimes it can prevent you from installing legitimate software. This blog post will guide you on how to allow software on your Mac.

Temporarily Override Gatekeeper

If you’re confident about the software’s source and its security, you can override Gatekeeper temporarily. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Finder on your Mac, then locate the app you want to open. Don’t use Launchpad to do this. Launchpad doesn’t allow you to access the shortcut menu.
  2. Press the Control key, then click the app icon, then choose Open from the shortcut menu.
  3. Click Open.

The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can open it in the future by double-clicking it, just like any registered app.

Allowing Apps from Anywhere

If you often need to run apps from third parties, you can change your Gatekeeper settings to accept any app, regardless of the source. Here’s how:

  • Open Terminal. You can do this by using Spotlight Search (Command + Space) and typing ‘Terminal’ or by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  • In Terminal, enter the following command: sudo spctl –master-disable
  • Press Enter. You’ll be asked to enter your password. Please note, your keyboard won’t show the password as you type.
  • Now, head to System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Under the General tab, you’ll see an ‘Anywhere’ option under ‘Allow apps downloaded from’.
  • Select ‘Anywhere’ to allow apps from any source.

Please be careful when using this setting as it makes your Mac vulnerable to potentially harmful software. We recommend only using it when necessary and reverting to the default ‘App Store and identified developers’ setting when you’re done installing your software.

Concluding Thoughts

Mac’s security features are excellent for keeping your system safe, but they can sometimes be too restricting. Use these methods wisely to balance the need for safety and flexibility. Always ensure you trust the software and its source before overriding any security settings.