MacOS Sierra has a feature called “Gatekeeper” that will present a message that says “{appname} can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer” if you try to run an application that is outside of the app store or from a developer that is not familiar.
If you know what you’re doing and don’t like to be bothered with this message, you can disable the Gatekeeper feature using these steps.
Option 1 – Permanently Disable Gatekeeper
- From “Utilities“, open “Terminal“.
- Type the following, then press “Enter“:
sudo spctl --master-disable
- Type your administrator password, then press “Enter“.
- Select the “Apple” menu, then choose “System Preferences…“.
- Open “Security & Privacy“.
- In the “Allow apps downloaded from:” area, select “Anywhere“.
Option 2 – Disable On Specific App
- Hold the “Control” key and click the app icon.
- Select “Open“. The warning will still appear, but you will be allowed to proceed with opening the application.
Option 3 – Disable On Specific App From Prefs
- After attempting to open the file, Select the “Apple” menu, then choose “System Preferences…“.
- Open “Security & Privacy“.
- Select the lock at the bottom of the screen to allow editing of settings.
- Type your admin password if prompted.
- In the “Allow apps downloaded from:” area, select “Open Anyway“.
synetiv says
Thank you!!
GLENN says
Option 1 finally corrected inability to download Adobe of all applications…thanks
h MacKiernan says
This method does not permanently disable gatekeeper
Every time I reboot, it’s re-enabled and I have to go through this every single time to install ‘untrusted’ apps.
Michael says
Thank you!
Jonathan White says
Exactly what I needed. Thanks!