N-able N-central Agent won't install on macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and above

Last Modified

Mon Nov 28 15:15 GMT 2022

Description

Apple removed the GateKeeper option from the Security & Privacy system preferences in macOS 10.12 Sierra.

Environment

  • N-able N-central
  • macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and higher

Solution

When you try to install an application that is not distributed through the App Store on macOS 10.12 and higher, you may get a warning dialogue box and the install will fail. This feature is called GateKeeper, and starting in macOS 10.12 Sierra, it is not displayed by default in the Security & Privacy system preferences.

To override your security settings and open the app anyway:
  1. In the Finder, locate the app or file you want to open.
    Don't use Launchpadto do this as itdoesn't allow you to access the shortcut menu.
  2. Control-click the app/file icon, then choose Open from the shortcut menu.
  3. Click Open.
    The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can open it in the future by double-clicking it just as you can any registered app.
NOTE: You can also grant an exception for a blocked app by clicking the "Open Anyway" button in the General pane of Security & Privacy preferences. This button is available for about an hour after you try to open the app.

This button only appears if you have selected to Allow apps downloaded from App Store and identified developers. If you have App Store or Anywhere selected on this screen, the prompts will not show to unblock the installation.


You can also use a Terminal command to set GateKeeper to permit installation.

If the Partner is using a Customer/Site Specific Agent installer, the following Warning message message will be displayed: "Register the N-able N-central Agent" can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.

The package is custom generated on N-able N-central, so it cannot be signed with a N-able certificate. To overide the Warning message, there are two choices:

1. Use the Customer/Site specific Agent installer (unsigned) package and click Open, when the warning message is displayed.

2. Use a generic Agent installer (signed) package and the message won't be displayed.