---
tags:
  - macOS
  - Tahoe
  - apps
  - installation
  - non-admin
title: Downloading and Installing Apps on macOS Tahoe
---

# 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**.

## Related Guides
*   Master Guide to macOS Tahoe
*   Getting Started with Finder on macOS Tahoe