This article shows you how to install non-Apple certified software on a Mac. The macOS Sierra operating system reports most third-party apps as non-certified software, so you'll need to follow the instructions in this guide to install these programs. You can manually authorize each individual installation or disable this security feature to allow any type of software to be installed on the Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Authorize the Installation of a Single Program
Step 1. Download the installation file of the chosen program as you normally would
If you are asked if you want to keep the file or delete it, select the first option. Remember that this installation procedure should only be performed if you are sure that the software developer is safe and trustworthy.
Step 2. Open the program installation file
A pop-up window will appear with an error message similar to the following "Cannot open [filename] because it is from an unidentified developer".
Step 3. Press the OK button
The pop-up window will be closed.
Step 4. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 5. Choose the System Preferences… item
It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 6. Click the Security and Privacy icon
It is located at the bottom of the "System Preferences" window.
Step 7. Click the lock icon
It is located in the lower left corner of the window.
Step 8. Type your account password, then press the Unlock button
In this way you can change the configuration settings of the "Security and Privacy" window.
Step 9. Hit the Open button anyway
It is placed next to the program file name.
Step 10. Press the Open button when prompted
In this way the file will be executed and you can continue with the installation of the program.
Method 2 of 2: Authorize the Installation of any Software
Step 1. Open the "Spotlight" search field by clicking the icon
The latter is characterized by a magnifying glass and is placed in the upper right corner of the screen. To allow any software to be installed on the Mac, you must first reset a configuration option that the macOS Sierra system has deleted.
Step 2. Type the terminal keyword into the "Spotlight" field, then select the "Terminal" icon
from the list of results.
It should appear below the search bar.
Step 3. Type the command
sudo spctl --master-disable
inside the "Terminal" window and press the key Enter.
This is the command to enable the installation option mentioned above.
Step 4. Provide your password
This is the same password you use to log in to the Mac. This way the installation option you need will be reactivated and made visible in the "Security and Privacy" menu.
Step 5. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 6. Choose the System Preferences… item
It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 7. Click the Security and Privacy icon
It is located at the bottom of the "System Preferences" window.
Step 8. Click the lock icon
It is located in the lower left corner of the window.
Step 9. Type your account password, then press the Unlock button
In this way you can change the configuration settings of the "Security and Privacy" window.
Step 10. Select the Anywhere option
It is located under "App Store and identified developers" at the bottom of the window. A pop-up window will appear.
Step 11. Press the Allow From Anywhere button when prompted
In this way you can install any program or software created by developers not certified by Apple without having to manually confirm the operation using the "Security and Privacy" window.
- If you do not install any software produced by non-certified third parties in the next 30 days, the indicated option will be disabled again, so you will have to manually reactivate it.
- Click the lock icon if you have no other changes to make.
Step 12. Install the program you want
You should now be able to install any type of software without encountering any limitations.
Advice
- Some third-party applications are certified and licensed by Apple, but this is a very small number.
- If you have downloaded the installation file of a program, but you cannot open it because the Mac does not allow you to use software from non-certified developers, access the "Downloads" folder using the Finder window, select the file with the right button of the mouse and choose the "Open" option. At this point, enter the password of your user account.
