Suppose you want to play Minecraft or work on apps like visual studio, MySQL workbench, emacs.app, mysqlworkbench.app, ftb app, sourcetree.app, cleanmymac x, xampp, kdiff3 and parallel desktops but the MacBook does not allow you to open them. All you get in return for trying to launch these applications is an error message saying “The App cannot be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.” This problem arises due to the security protocols that Apple uses to keep its devices safe and sound from harmful viruses and malware.
Don’t worry as this problem can also be solved like any other technical issue and we will provide you with some amazing tips on solving the problem of “App Can’t Be Opened Because Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software.” Stick with us to learn about this in detail “This software needs to be updated. Contact the developer for more information“.
3 Ways to Fix app cannot be opened mac malicious software & it is from an unidentified developer
As per your Privacy settings installed on your Mac, you have to go with the below alternate method to install any app with the Error “app cannot be opened”.
Tip. 1→ Allowing the App in Security & Privacy Tab of the MacBook
When you double-click on the app that you want to open but see an error box saying “App Can’t Be Opened Because Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software”, a setting or confirmation for bypassing this error pops up in the security and privacy tab of your MacBook. To allow the app in the security and privacy tab follow the steps listed here.
Step. 1→ First, use the spotlight search or the Apple Logo menu to open the system preferences window on your MacBook.
Step. 2→ In the system preferences window, click on the “Security & Privacy” icon denoted by a house with a sphere in the middle.
Step. 3→ In the general section, you will see a notification saying “App was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer” at the bottom of the window.
Step. 4→ Click on the “Open Anyway” button next to this notification.
After clicking on this button, Apple will allow the application to run on your MacBook by making an exception in its security protocol. Although this method works perfectly in bypassing the security settings of the Mac, this is a one-time solution and you will be required to use the “open anyway” each time you want to open that particular application on your device.
Tip. 2→ Allow App to Install Using Terminal Command
If you want a permanent solution for the “App Can’t Be Opened Because Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software” error, then using the Terminal Command Line is the method that you are looking for. This method forces the MacBook to allow the apps that are not trusted by Apple to run normally on your device. To use the Terminal Command Line for fixing this issue, go through the instructions given below.
Step. 1→ Launch or open the Terminal Command Line from spotlight search or the dock of your MacBook.
Step. 2→ Type the following command in the Terminal Command Line and press the enter key-
sudo spctl --master-disable
This command is for disabling the security feature of your MacBook that prevents the applications which are not trusted by Apple from opening on your device. Now, Allow apps downloaded from “Anywhere” under the Privacy & Security on Mac’s Settings Preferences.
Step. 3→ Enter your Mac’s password to verify that it’s you who wants to make the changes.
Step. 4→ Close the Terminal app and go to the application that you had trouble opening. Double-click to launch the app.
Step. 5→ A pop-up box will appear on the screen saying “<name of the app> is an app downloaded from the internet. Are you sure you want to open it?”
Step. 6→ Click on the “Open” button at the bottom of the pop-up box to normally launch the application.
From now on the applications you had trouble launching on your MacBook due to the device being unable to check it for malicious software will now be launched like any other app trusted by Apple. This is a permanent solution for fixing this problem but can also put your MacBook at risk of getting damaged by malware once this change is made. So be cautious before downloading the apps from untrusted websites and sources.
Tip. 3→ Right-click on the Installed app in Applications
Another effective yet straightforward method for running applications that have encountered the problem of “App Can’t Be Opened Because Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software” is using the Applications folder of your MacBook to run those apps. For opening the restricted apps by using this method, follow the simple procedure described in this section.
Step. 1→ First, launch the “Application” folder from the spotlight search or from the tab on the left side of the home folder.
Step. 2→ Now scroll down until you find the app that has trouble opening or running on your MacBook.
Step. 3→ Then, use your touchpad or mouse to right-click on the app.
Step. 4→ In the menu that appears on the screen, select the “Open” action.
Step. 5→ A new confirmation window will be visible on your Mac’s screen saying “<name of the app> is an app downloaded from the internet. Are you sure you want to open it?”
Step. 6→ From the three options available in the pop-up box, click on the “Open” button to safely launch the application.
This process is also a one-time solution as you will have to do this entire process each time for launching the app on your Mac. For the apps that you hardly use on your Mac but have trouble opening can be launched by this method.
The “App Can’t Be Opened Because Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software” error is a common problem which arises due to the security and privacy measures taken by Apple for safeguarding your data stored on the MacBook. Many third-party apps and softwares have malwares and viruses hidden in them which can cause harm to your device, hence Apple prevents such apps from launching to protect your computer. However, if you know that a specific application does not have any virus or malware attached to it, you can use the methods or solutions listed in this article for fixing this problem by bypassing Appl
Jaysukh Patel is the founder of howtoisolve. Also self Professional Developer, Techno lover mainly for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and iOS, Jaysukh is one of responsible person in his family. Contact On: jaysukh.pharma@gmail.com [OR] admin@howtoisolve.com
Thank you for this article.. It was quite helpful