Mac - Install Software from Unidentified Developers

Owned by Former user (Deleted)
Last updated: Feb 17, 2015 by Karen Park
1 min read

Downloading and installing apps from unidentified developers:

Much like with Windows, OS X has some security features built in that warn the user when downloading content from the web.  Like Windows 8, OS X has a specific setting that will completely block a program from being installed if it is not from a "verified developer".  If you receive a message saying "(software) can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer", follow this procedure:

  1. Make sure the program being installed is from a trusted source and that it is the program that is intended to be downloaded.
  2. Navigate to System Preferences by either searching for it in spotlight or clicking on the apple icon in the upper left hand corner of your Mac and selecting System Preferences.
  3. Once in System Preferences, click on Privacy & Security.
  4. On the General tab you will see a section toward the bottom called Allow applications downloaded from:
    1. Switch that option to Anywhere in order to be able to install unidentified applications.
    2. If the selections are grayed out, you to click on the golden lock in the lower left hand corner and enter your computer password.