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Error: 'Your security preferences allow installation of only apps from the Mac App Store and identified developers'.

ISSUE
Mac users attempting to install software may encounter an error message stating, "Your security preferences allow installation of only apps from the Mac App Store and identified developers." This error occurs when trying to install an application not downloaded from the Mac App Store or not signed by an Apple-identified developer, and the current security settings do not permit its installation.

RESOLUTION

To install the software without changing security settings:

  1. Go to the downloads folder that contains the installation file.
  2. Hold the Ctrl key, then double-click on the installation file.
  3. When prompted, click the Open button.

CAUSE
This error is caused by macOS security preferences set to restrict the installation of applications to those obtained from the Mac App Store and those created by identified developers. This setting is designed to protect users from inadvertently installing potentially harmful software. The minimum supported macOS version for the software in question is 10.13 (High Sierra) or later, and the error indicates that the installation file needs to meet the security criteria set by the system preferences.

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