Installing Software/Apps on Mac from Other Sources
Installing applications on a Mac is usually straightforward, especially when you download them from the Mac App Store. However, many useful programs are distributed directly through a developer’s website instead of Apple’s store. These applications can often be installed safely, but macOS may display security warnings because the software was downloaded from outside the App Store.
If you are new to Mac, these warnings can be confusing. You may see messages saying that Apple cannot check an app for malicious software or that the developer cannot be verified. This does not automatically mean the application is unsafe. It means macOS is applying its security checks to software obtained from another source.
In this guide, you will learn how to install software on a Mac from other sources, how to open a downloaded application, what to do when macOS blocks it, and how to check an application before allowing it to run.
How to Install Software on Mac From Other Sources?
You can install software on a Mac from another source by downloading the application from the developer’s official website, opening the downloaded installer or disk image, and following the installation instructions. Depending on the application, you may need to drag the app into the Applications folder or run an installer package.
If macOS prevents the application from opening, you can usually review the warning through System Settings > Privacy & Security and allow the application if you trust its source.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
Step 1: Find the Software From a Trusted Source
The first step is to find the application you want to install. When installing software outside the Mac App Store, the safest approach is to download it directly from the software developer’s official website.
Open Safari, Chrome, or another browser on your Mac and visit the developer’s website. Look for a page labeled Download, Get the App, Downloads, or something similar.
Pay attention to the version you download. Many applications provide separate versions for Apple silicon Macs, such as Macs with M1, M2, M3, M4, or newer chips, and Intel-based Macs. Some applications provide a universal version that works with both types of Mac.
Avoid downloading applications from unfamiliar download portals, pop-up advertisements, or suspicious websites. A website offering a popular application for free may sometimes bundle unwanted software with the download.
Step 2: Download the Application
After finding the official download page, select the version that matches your Mac. The downloaded file will normally appear in your Downloads folder unless your browser is configured to save files somewhere else.
The file could have an extension such as .dmg, .pkg, or .zip. These formats are commonly used for Mac software, but they work differently.
A DMG file is a disk image that normally opens a window containing the application and installation instructions. A PKG file is an installer package that guides you through an installation process. A ZIP file is a compressed archive that needs to be opened before you can access the application.
Do not be concerned if the downloaded file does not immediately look like a normal application. The format depends on how the developer distributes the software.
Step 3: Open the Downloaded File
Open Finder from the Dock and select Downloads from the sidebar. Locate the file you just downloaded.
If it is a ZIP file, double-click it to extract its contents. You may then see the application inside the newly created folder.
If it is a DMG file, double-click it. macOS will mount the disk image and usually open a new Finder window. You may see the application’s icon along with an Applications folder.
If the download is a PKG file, double-click it to start the installer. macOS will display the installation wizard and guide you through the required steps.
At this point, do not delete the downloaded file until you have confirmed that the application has installed and works correctly.
Step 4: Move the App to the Applications Folder
Many Mac applications distributed through a DMG file use a simple drag-and-drop installation method.
You may see the application’s icon next to an Applications folder icon. Drag the application onto the Applications folder. This copies the app to your Mac’s main application directory.
Once the copying process finishes, open Finder and select Applications. Look for the application you just installed.
Some applications do not use the drag-and-drop method. If you downloaded a PKG installer, the installer normally places the required files in the appropriate locations automatically.
Keeping applications in the Applications folder makes them easier to find and helps macOS manage them properly.
Step 5: Try Opening the Application
Once the application is installed, open Finder > Applications and locate it. Double-click the application to launch it.
When software comes from outside the Mac App Store, macOS may display a security message before allowing it to open.
For example, you might see a message stating that the application was downloaded from the internet or that Apple cannot verify the developer.
Read the warning carefully before continuing. If you downloaded the application from the developer’s legitimate website and you trust the software, you can proceed according to the security options macOS provides.
Do not bypass a security warning simply because an application refuses to open. First make sure that you intentionally downloaded the application and that the download came from a trustworthy source.
Step 6: Allow a Trusted App That macOS Blocked
Sometimes macOS blocks an application even though you intentionally downloaded it. If you are confident that the application is legitimate, open Apple menu > System Settings.
Select Privacy & Security from the sidebar. Scroll down until you find the security section. If macOS recently blocked an application, you may see information about that application and an option to allow it to open.
Review the application name carefully. If it is the program you intentionally downloaded, follow the available instructions to allow it.
You may then need to return to Finder > Applications and open the application again.
This process is preferable to changing your Mac’s security settings globally because it lets you address the specific application that was blocked.
Step 7: Enter Your Mac Password if Required
Some software installers need permission to make changes to your Mac. When this happens, macOS may ask for your administrator password or another form of authentication.
This is normal for certain installers, particularly software that needs to install system components, drivers, extensions, or other supporting files.
Only provide your password when you understand which application is requesting permission. Check the name of the application and make sure you started the installation yourself.
If an unfamiliar program suddenly requests administrator access, stop the installation and investigate the software before continuing.
Step 8: Complete the Installation
If you are using an installer package, follow the instructions shown on the screen. You may need to agree to a software license, choose an installation location, or confirm that you want to install the application.
Some applications may also ask you to sign in with an account or enter a license key after installation.
When the installer finishes, you should see a confirmation message. Close the installer and open the application from the Applications folder.
If the application works correctly, you can usually eject the mounted DMG by clicking the Eject icon next to it in Finder. You can also remove the downloaded DMG file if you no longer need it.
Step 9: Keep the Software Updated
Installing software from another source also means that you may need to manage its updates differently.
Applications installed from the Mac App Store can generally be updated through Apple’s software update mechanisms. Applications downloaded directly from developers may have their own update system.
Open the application’s settings or preferences and look for an option such as Check for Updates, Software Update, or Automatically Keep Updated.
It is important to keep third-party applications updated because newer versions can include security fixes, compatibility improvements, and bug fixes.
How to Uninstall the Application When You No Longer Need It
When you want to uninstall an application, open Finder > Applications and locate the program.
For many ordinary Mac applications, you can drag the application to the Trash or select it and choose the appropriate removal option.
Some applications install additional components and provide their own uninstaller. If the developer supplies an uninstaller, using it may remove associated files more completely.
After removing the application, empty the Trash if you are certain you no longer need the deleted files.
Faqs
Can I install Mac software without using the App Store?
Yes. macOS allows software to be installed from other sources, including applications distributed directly by their developers. You should download software from a source you trust and pay attention to macOS security warnings.
Why does my Mac say that it cannot verify the developer?
This message can appear when an application comes from outside the Mac App Store and macOS cannot verify the developer through its normal security checks. Check where you downloaded the application before deciding whether to allow it to open.
Is installing a DMG file the same as installing an application?
Not exactly. A DMG file is usually a disk image that contains the application or installer. You normally open the DMG first and then install or copy the application from it.
Where should I install downloaded Mac applications?
For most applications, the Applications folder is the appropriate location. If a developer provides different installation instructions, follow those instructions.
What should I do if macOS blocks an application?
First verify that you downloaded the application from the developer’s legitimate website and that you intended to install it. You can then check System Settings > Privacy & Security for information about the blocked application and available options.
Can I install Windows software directly on a Mac?
Usually, no. Traditional Windows programs designed as .exe files are not normally compatible with macOS. You need a Mac-compatible version or an appropriate compatibility or virtualization solution.
Should I disable Mac security settings to install an application?
You generally should not disable your Mac’s security protections just to install one application. Instead, verify the software’s source and use the security options macOS provides for trusted applications.
Summary
Installing software on a Mac from outside the Mac App Store is relatively simple once you understand the different download formats and macOS security warnings. Start by obtaining the application from the developer’s official website, then open the downloaded DMG, PKG, or ZIP file according to its format.
For many applications, installation involves dragging the app into the Applications folder. Others use a guided installer. If macOS blocks a trusted application, review the warning and check Privacy & Security in System Settings before deciding whether to allow it.
The most important habit is to verify where your software comes from. Downloading directly from a legitimate developer and keeping applications updated can help you avoid unwanted software while keeping your Mac secure.