All Mac OS versions run on a technology called Gatekeeper, It’s designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on your Mac. If the software you are trying to open is not certified you will see a message like this “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”

Top Examples

• “mysqlworkbench” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

Note: Allowing apps to be installed manually brings potential risk from malware. Programs like Source Tree are legit, however try to make sure you are downloading the latest version of the software and from an authorized website before proceeding.

Bypass “Can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”

Most applications can be easily opened by this method:

Apple has removed the option allow all third Party Applications.

Since the release of the Mac OS Catalina apple has removed the option in the Security and Privacy settings to allow programs from “Anywhere” to be downloaded. From now on only individual programs can be given permission to be installed.

Most Common “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.” Errors

• “java 8 update 251” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “jdk 8 update 251.pkg” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “runescape” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “mongodb compass” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “mysql-8.0.20-macos10.15-x86_64.pkg”
• “Creative Cloud Installer”
• “JetBrains ToolBox”
• “googlesoftwareupdate.bundle”
• “Visual Studio Code”
• “Amazon Software downloader”
• “League of Legends”
• “FireFox software Update”
• “ultimaker cura”
• “Install Spotify”
• “mysqlworkbench”
• “Airmail Beta”
• “Bitwig Studio”
• “Origin”
• “atom”
• “sky go installer”
• “skype”
• “macperformance”
• “appium”
• “nox app”
• “install”

“mysqlworkbench” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

“mysqlworkbench” refers to MySQL Work Bench is a legitimate program and it should not be considered malware. It is a unified visual tool for database architects, developers, and DBAs. MySQL Workbench also provides data modeling, SQL development, user administration, backup, and much more. MySQL Workbench compatible with most version of Mac OS X, including the latest version Mac OS 10.15.5

“sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

Sourcetree most definitely is not malicious. It interacts with your Git repositories and visualizes and manages your repositories through Sourcetree’s simple Git GUI. It is a Free Git client that is compatible with both Mac OS 10 and Windows 10. Make sure you have downloaded the latest version of SourceTree for Mac

“java 8 update 251” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

“Java 8 Update 251” (8u251) refers to the latest version of Java 8.0. This is not malicious software however you cannot download the software from the app store therefore the pop up message will show up in all cases. If you are interested in what the latest updates includes you can check out the official update release for Java here.

mysql-8.0.21-macos10.15-x86_64.pkg

The latest MySQL package for mac is appearing to have the same problem. Installing it directly from the official MySQL page will still lead to the same message “mysql-8.0.21-macos10.15-x86_64.pkg” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

Alternative messages

Some users have been receiving a similar message “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware”. It is again related to gatekeeper technology where the application is not verified by apple. Many reputable applications have such a message when trying to install on a mac.

Cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer mac

In this case MacOS is not mentioning that this application is potentially dangerous. This is somewhat confusing as many unidentified developer apps for Mac do receive a message that it cannot be checked for malicious software. If you do however get this message you can still bypass and open the app with the same instructions above.