Gatekeeper is a security feature of macOS that prevents unauthorized applications from running and prevents malware from jeopardizing devices. Gatekeeper on Apple computers is to check the source of the application and make sure that only those from Apple certified developers or reviewed applications can run. When trying to run an unauthenticated MachO file, Gatekeeper prevents it from executing. In some cases, if you need to install third-party or non-App Store software, you can temporarily close Gatekeeper. The first is to enter the command sudo spctl --master-disable through the terminal to disable it, and the second is to click the "Still Open" button to unlock a specific application. After the installation is completed, it is recommended to re-enable Gatekeeper. You can enter sudo spctl --master-enable to restore the protection mechanism through the terminal. Turning off Gatekeeper will reduce system security, so you should operate on the premise of confirming that the software source is trustworthy and restore the protection function as soon as possible.

Gatekeeper on Apple computers is part of the system's security feature, and its role is to prevent unauthorized applications from running and prevent potential malware from jeopardizing your device. In some cases, such as when you want to install software from a third-party or non-App Store, you may need to temporarily close Gatekeeper.

However, please note: Turning off Gatekeeper will reduce the security of the system . It is recommended to operate only on the premise of confirming that the source of the software is trustworthy and restart it after use.

How to turn off Gatekeeper (for macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, etc.)

Method 1: Disable through terminal commands

This is the most direct and common method:

1. Open Terminal and you can find it on Launchpad or search via Spotlight.
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

    sudo spctl --master-disable

3. Enter your user password (the characters will not be displayed when entering), and press Enter.
4. Verify that it is successful: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > General , and you will see that the option "Any Source" has appeared.

In this way, Gatekeeper is shut down and you can freely install software from non-authenticated sources.

Note: Some versions of macOS (especially newer M1/M2 chip Macs) do not display the "Any Source" option by default, and will only appear after executing the above command.

Method 2: Try to click "Still Open" (do not need to completely close Gatekeeper)

If you just want to run a specific third-party app without permanently shutting down Gatekeeper, you can do this:

• When you try to open an unsigned app for the first time, the system prompts "The app is corrupt and cannot be opened."
• Don't close the pop-up window at this time, go to the top menu bar and select Apple Menu > System Settings > Privacy and Security > General .
• A "Always Open" button appears under "Allow apps to download from", and click to unlock this specific app.

This method is safer than shutting down Gatekeeper globally, and it is recommended to use it first.

If you want to re-enable Gatekeeper

After you complete the installation of third-party software, it is recommended to restore Gatekeeper as soon as possible to ensure system security:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Enter the following command:

    sudo spctl --master-enable

3. Enter the password and press Enter, and Gatekeeper can restore the protection mechanism.

Notes and FAQs

• macOS Catalina and later versions are stricter : Starting with Catalina, Apple has strengthened restrictions on unsigned applications, and many old methods are no longer applicable.
• Some third-party installers rely on Gatekeeper to close : for example, some development tools, virtual machine image startup tools, etc.
• TCC database permissions issue : Sometimes, even if Gatekeeper is turned off, it will still prompt that it cannot be opened. At this time, you may need to reset the TCC database or restart the computer.
• SIP Limits on M1/M2 Macs : Ensure that System Integrity Protection (SIP) does not block related changes. SIP is not usually required to be turned off, but if you encounter permission issues, further troubleshooting may be required.

Basically these are the operations. Although the steps are not complicated, they involve system security mechanisms, so be careful to confirm each step. If you only install third-party software once a while, it is recommended to use the "still to open" method instead of closing Gatekeeper globally.

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