How to Install Apps Outside the App Store on Mac

The Mac App Store has thousands of apps, but many popular programs — like Google Chrome, Zoom, Microsoft Office, and others — need to be downloaded directly from their developer's website. macOS includes a security feature called Gatekeeper that protects you from installing malicious software, but you need to know how to work with it properly when installing legitimate apps from the internet.

To install an app from outside the App Store, first go to the developer's official website using your web browser. For example, to install Google Chrome, go to google.com/chrome. Look for a download button and click it. The file will download to your Downloads folder and will typically be a .dmg file (disk image) or a .pkg file (installer package).

For .dmg files: Double-click the downloaded file to open it. A window will appear showing the app icon and usually an arrow pointing to the Applications folder. Drag the app icon to the Applications folder to install it. Then close the window and eject the disk image by right-clicking it on your desktop and selecting "Eject." The app is now in your Applications folder and ready to use.

For .pkg files: Double-click the downloaded file to run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts, clicking "Continue" and "Install" when asked. You may need to enter your Mac's password to authorize the installation.

When you open an app downloaded from the internet for the first time, macOS may show a warning saying the app "cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer" or that it "was downloaded from the internet." This is Gatekeeper protecting you. To open the app, right-click (or Control-click) the app icon and select "Open" from the menu. A new dialog will appear with an "Open" button — click it. You only need to do this the first time you open the app.

If you get a message that the app "is damaged and can't be opened," this often means the app is from a developer that Apple has not verified. Go to System Settings, click "Privacy & Security," and scroll down to the "Security" section. You may see a message about the blocked app with an "Open Anyway" button. Click it to allow the app.

Stay safe by only downloading apps from official developer websites. Avoid downloading software from unfamiliar third-party sites, as these may include malware or unwanted bundled programs. When in doubt, search for the app's official website and download directly from there.