How to Install Programs on a Macbook Not Through the App Store

Description: Millions of people worldwide adore Apple products. But the impossibility to download third-party apps is a problem for many users. There’s a solution.

How to Install Programs on a Macbook Not Through the App Store

If you’ve used Linux or Windows for a long time and then decided to switch to macOS, you may face many difficulties. Let’s put aside the time you need to get used to the new operating system and understand certain small details. You got accustomed to Windows policies, allowing users to download programs from the Internet and install them. Apple holds a different view on it; macOS users can download apps from the App Store only. However, this statement is only partly true. The App Store can boast of a variety of apps and programs, but the best ones are paid. Not all people want to pay, and some of them even don’t have extra money to spend on software. We’ll help you to install any program on your Macbook without the need to pay for it in the App Store. 

Who may need this information? These are probably the college students lacking money to purchase software or having the needs the App Store can’t satisfy. We want you to know apps you download from the official store are safe. You can’t be sure of third-party apps safety; therefore, you have to be extremely careful. If you’re studying in college and need extra money to purchase something (let it be an app from the store), you can find a side hustle and earn the money you need. The opportunity to download free psychology essay examples makes studying in college and university much easier. By the way, psychology isn’t the only discipline covered by such services. Use the Internet wisely, and you’ll find history, accounting, and even law essays examples to download for free.

Check this short but informative tutorial on installing apps, not from the App Store.

Usually, people who try to install third-party software see a pop-up window that says, “The App can’t be opened because it’s from an unidentified developer.” You shouldn’t be afraid of it and think that the software has malware. Follow the steps below, and you’ll never see this warning again.

  • Check the developer

Let’s imagine that you plan to download an app from the Internet. The first and foremost requirement for you is to enable your antivirus software. We hope you use the licensed app and keep it updated. Then, check the websites that offer you an opportunity to download them. We advise you to find reviews on them: the fastest way to identify scams is to check the online reputation. Negative opinions are rapidly spreading; if there are a lot of such reviews, find another website. It may take you a lot of time, but you’ll be sure of downloading software from a reliable developer and provider.

  • Change the settings

The next thing you should do is to start LaunchPad and open System Preferences. Here is where all necessary settings are located. There are a lot of tabs, but you have to open “General.” Click on the padlock icon and enter the Admin password to prove you’re an owner and can make changes. At the bottom of this window, you’ll see the setting, “Allow apps downloaded from:”

  • App Store. The system will open apps from the store only.
  • App Store and identified developers. Your Mac has a list of identified developers. If you try to install and open the app, but this developer isn’t on your list, you’ll see a warning. But you can still open it from the shortcut menu and include it in the list of exceptions.
  • Anywhere. All you’ll see is that the app you try to open is downloaded from a third-party source. Confirm you want to open it, and that’s all.

Since we aim to download all apps from the Internet, you need to choose the third option.

Also Read: How to Fix Kodi No Streaming Available?

  • Install the software you need

That’s all. Now you can download any apps you want and install them on your Mac. Let us repeat it, ensure safety before doing something, please. If you want to restore the settings, repeat the steps above again and choose the necessary option.

  • A Faster Way to Open Any App You Need

The tutorial we’ve posted above works well with all macOS versions. However, the newest ones have the opportunity to do the same in a few clicks. First, open the Applications folder or use the Finder to see the location of the software you need. Next, press CTRL+Click to see the shortcut menu. Press Open, and you’ll see the dialogue window about the unidentified provider. Then choose Open again. 

Remember that Apple Support is ready to help users solve problems round the clock. However, you’re solely responsible for the security of your system, the safety of your data. No one can guarantee that your laptop won’t suffer after installing the unknown app. However, if you don’t have any alternatives, do it.