How to Allow Standard User to Install Programs on Mac
In the world of Mac computing, most users are accustomed to the idea that only the administrator account has the authority to install software. However, there are situations where a standard user might need to install programs on their Mac. This could be due to various reasons, such as limited access to the administrator account or the need to install software for personal use. In this article, we will guide you through the process of allowing a standard user to install programs on a Mac.
Step 1: Open System Preferences
The first step is to open the System Preferences on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen, selecting “System Preferences,” and then choosing the appropriate option from the list that appears.
Step 2: Access Security & Privacy
Once you are in the System Preferences, locate and click on the “Security & Privacy” option. This will open a new window where you can manage various aspects of your Mac’s security settings.
Step 3: Click on the Privacy Tab
In the Security & Privacy window, you will see several tabs at the top. Click on the “Privacy” tab to access the privacy settings for your Mac.
Step 4: Unlock the Privacy Settings
Next, you need to unlock the privacy settings to make changes. Click on the lock icon in the bottom-left corner of the window and enter your administrator password when prompted.
Step 5: Select the “Installers” Privacy Preference
In the Privacy tab, you will see a list of various app categories on the left side. Scroll down and click on “Installers” to access the settings for installing programs.
Step 6: Allow Standard User to Install Programs
By default, the “Installers” privacy preference is set to “App Store and identified developers.” To allow a standard user to install programs, click on the lock icon again and enter your administrator password. Then, click on the “+” button to add the standard user account to the list of allowed users.
Step 7: Save Changes
After adding the standard user account, click on the lock icon once more to save the changes. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password again.
Step 8: Test the Changes
Now that you have allowed the standard user to install programs, you can test the changes by trying to install a program as a standard user. The installation process should proceed without any issues.
By following these steps, you can easily allow a standard user to install programs on your Mac. This can be particularly useful in situations where multiple users need to install software on the same computer. Remember to always exercise caution when granting additional permissions to standard users to ensure the security of your Mac.
