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Downloading and Installing Apps on macOS Tahoe

Installing software on macOS is different from Windows. While there is an App Store, many applications are distributed as disk images directly from the web.

1. The Mac App Store

The simplest way to install apps is via the App Store.

  1. Open the App Store from the Dock or Launchpad.
  2. Find the app you want.
  3. Click Get (or the price).
  4. Authenticate with Touch ID or your password.
  5. The app installs automatically to your Applications folder.

2. Installing from the Web (DMG Files)

Most third-party apps (like Chrome, VS Code, or Discord) come as a Disk Image (.dmg).

  1. Download: Download the file from the developer's website.
  2. Open: Double-click the .dmg file. It will "mount" like a USB drive and open a window.
  3. Drag and Drop: You will usually see the app's icon and a shortcut to the Applications folder. Drag the app icon onto the Applications folder.
    • Note: Do not run the app directly from the disk image window. It won't save your settings.
  4. Eject: After copying, right-click the "drive" icon on your Desktop (or in the Finder sidebar) and select Eject. You can then delete the .dmg file.

3. Installing Without Administrator Privileges

If you are using a shared computer (like at school or work) and do not have the administrator password, you cannot write to the main /Applications folder. However, you can often still install apps for your own use.

The ~/Applications Trick

macOS checks two places for apps: the system folder (/Applications) and the user folder (/Users/yourname/Applications).

  1. Create the Folder:
    • Open Finder.
    • Go to your Home folder (Press Command + Shift + H).
    • Right-click and create a new folder named Applications (if it doesn't exist).
  2. Install:
    • Open the .dmg file as usual.
    • Do not drag the app to the shortcut provided in the window (that points to the system folder).
    • Instead, open a new Finder window, go to your new ~/Applications folder, and drag the app icon there.
  3. Run: The app is now installed for your user account only. Spotlight will find it, and it will work normally.

4. Gatekeeper: "Unidentified Developer"

Sometimes when you open an app downloaded from the web, macOS warns you that it cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.

  1. Click OK to dismiss the warning.
  2. Open System Settings.
  3. Go to Privacy & Security.
  4. Scroll down to the Security section.
  5. You will see a message saying the app was blocked. Click Open Anyway.
  6. Enter your password (if required) and click Open.
  • Master Guide to macOS Tahoe
  • Getting Started with Finder on macOS Tahoe
Created: March 17, 2026 • Last Modified: February 24, 2026