How to bypass “Will damage your computer” Mac malware warning

You may have encountered the error message as a Mac user: “[Application/file] will damage your computer. you should move it to the trash.” The pop-up text may vary, but the crux of it is that it keeps coming up. It’s annoying even if you downloaded the file or the application from a legitimate source.

Alternatively, you might encounter this error message when your MacBook tries to run an application that Apple can’t verify. Software that is older and predates Apple’s security checks often triggers the pop-up. However, if it persists no matter what and your system is slower, the app is likely harmful.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through ‘Will damage your computer” Mac removal and other useful tips and tricks. Stay tuned!

What is "[App] will damage your computer. you should move it to the trash."

The infamous error message on Mac: “Will damage your computer,” is an alert pop-up because Apple cannot verify the download’s legitimacy. Since the company implements advanced security features, no file or app slips the inspection. Thus, you’ll face a pop-up with the exact or similar message:

Encountering a malware warning on your Mac warrants alertness but doesn't inherently mean shady things are up. Such warnings often arise when downloading apps outside the official Apple Store or from lesser-known developers, potentially lacking Apple's authentication.

However, the risk is real. Third-party software, especially without proper signing certificates, can pose genuine threats. Malicious programs, disguised as regular downloads, might compromise your MacBook's security. As a result, cybercrooks may steal your data or exploit its resources for illicit activities like cryptocurrency mining.

Additionally, alongside the malware warning, users may encounter alerts stating that certain software "will damage your computer." This indicates potential harm flagged by Apple's security protocols, prompting you to reconsider installation and seek safer alternatives. So, I advise you to double check the recent download that Apple dislikes.

Why “[Application] will damage your computer” keeps popping up on Mac?

Several factors trigger the MacOS ‘will damage your computer’ error plague. That’s what the annoyance boils down to:

• Outdated software. Sometimes, applications designed for versions of macOS that predate the Sierra update (version 10.12) can trigger this error message on newer MacBooks. While the software itself might be harmless, it may not be compatible with the latest security features.
• Absence of Apple signature. Apple’s specialized Gatekeeper security verifies applications using a unique certificate signature from trusted developers. If the application lacks this signature, you’ll see this error message. This doesn’t necessarily mean the app is malicious, but it raises a red flag. For Apple, anyway.
• Unauthorized source. Gatekeeper also maintains a list of trusted developers who meet Apple’s security criteria. Applications from unverified third-party developers, even if they’re legitimate, can trigger this error because they lack the certification.
• Potential malware. While Gatekeeper is mostly pesky with its signature hunt, it may also warn you about malware. In the case of Mac “Will damage your device” messages, it’s a rarer scenario, but it highlights the importance of caution with unverified software. Hard to differentiate without a third-party app like a robust antivirus.
• Compatibility issues. There’s a possibility the application might have compatibility issues beyond just the macOS version. This could be due to conflicts with other software on your system or hardware limitations.

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How to get rid of ‘Will damage your computer’ on Mac

A successful “Will damage your computer” Mac bypass relies on dancing around the Gatekeeper’s signature demand. The warning won’t go away unless you resolve Apple’s not finding the certificate within the software. There are several ways to do it, which you’ll find below.

1. Override security settings

First of all, it’s best to scan the file or software with a reliable antivirus like TotalAV to make sure the warning is a bluff. Otherwise, you risk sabotaging your data and device. Once you’re entirely sure the file contains no surprises, you can override system security settings. Here’s a breakdown of it:

1. Right-click on the app in Finder
2. Select Get Info
3. Click on the Override Malware Protection or Bypass Malware
4. Type in and enter your admin password
5. Check the Open Anyways and relaunch the app

2. Disable Mac Gatekeeper app verification

Overall, I wouldn’t advise disabling your Apple Gatekeeper, but one may just let a single software through. Again, ensure it’s not infected or potentially harmful to your Mac. The best way to ensure it is with a verified third-party app that deploys real-time protection, like TotalAV. Here’s how to disable the Gatekeeper signature check:

1. Launch the Terminal
2. Type in sudo spctl --master-disable into the Terminal
3. Run the command and enter your admin password upon request
4. Head to System Preferences in the Apple Menu, then to Security & Privacy
   
   
5. Select the yellow lock to allow making change
6. In the General tab locate the Allow apps downloaded from and click on Anywhere
7. You can now download and install the app on your Mac

3. Disable Gatekeeper for the chosen app

While bypassing Gatekeeper's security checks to launch a specific application is tempting, doing so weakens your Mac's defenses. Without an antivirus or another protective application, at least. Gatekeeper verifies app legitimacy through developer signatures – if an app lacks this signature, it might be untrusted. Thus, the 'Will damage this computer' Mac error. Here's how to temporarily bypass Gatekeeper for a single application:

1. Launch the Terminal
2. Type in this command: xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/app/
3. Replace /path/to/app/ with the actual path to the application download. Alternatively, you can also drag and drop the icon to autofill the path
4. Relaunch the app

4. Remove suspicious downloads on Mac

If you think or have confirmation that the app or file triggering ‘Will damage your computer’ Mac message is infected, delete it right away. Even ones that cause suspicions, like a faulty file name or no recollection of downloading it in the first place.

Here’s how to remove shady files:

1. Navigate to Go at the top and click on Go to Folder in the dropdown menu
2. Put in /Library/LaunchAgents
3. Look through and select suspicious files, something like 'com.adobe.fpsaud.plist'
4. Move all selected files to Bin
   
5. Right click on the Bin icon and select Empty Trash

Here’s how to remove shady apps:

1. Quit all running applications
2. Open Finder
3. Click on Applications
   
   
4. Identify the suspicious apps
5. Right-click on them and choose Move to Trash
6. Select Empty Trash by right-clicking on the Bin icon

5. Rely on an antivirus software

While the antivirus won’t remove the recurring pop-up, it checks the file or software bugging Apple to see if it isn’t malicious. The key is choosing a reliable service. My tests showcase that TotalAV is one of the top picks for MacBooks, scanning every download thoroughly.

1. Pick a robust antivirus and create an account. My #1 recommendation is TotalAV
2. Download the app from official source and proceed to install it
3. In the antivirus application, navigate to scanning options
4. Launch a full system scan
5. If the antivirus finds any suspicious files or apps, allow their extermination

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What to do if I got a "NBP will damage your computer" warning?

NBP.app is a fresh new Mac adware that pops up recurrently, disrupting daily tasks. Unlike the usual “[Application] will damage your computer” Mac message, NBP is actual malware. Apart from the pop-up, you may also experience slower loading times, unexpected redirects, and an increased number of ads.

If you got it, your best shot is to remove it with an antivirus program. Otherwise, try eliminating suspicious files, extensions, or apps that conceal the adware. But first, you must identify which one it is, which can be time-consuming. An antivirus like TotalAV deletes the corrupted file or application within seconds after a full-system scan concludes. Moreover, the software keeps vigilance afterward so you don’t catch anything similar again.

Stay safe with the best Mac antivirus

Is the warning "terraform will damage your computer" on Mac dangerous?

No, the “Terraform will damage your computer” pop-up isn’t dangerous. It’s just Apple actively blocking Terraform software, likely because Gatekeeper finds no certificate signature. If anything, it’s just frustrating. To bypass it, disable Gatekeeper for the duration of installation.

Is the warning “Vagrant will damage your computer" on Mac dangerous?

No, this warning isn’t dangerous since Vagrant is a legitimate application. However, if Apple doesn’t detect the necessary certification, you’ll keep facing the “Vagrant will damage your computer” error message. Worse yet, you won’t be able to install the application. Disabling Gatekeeper will let you install Vagrant but don’t keep it off for long to dodge breaches.

Is the warning "“Atom” will damage your computer. you should move it to the trash." dangerous?

No, the error message "“Atom” will damage your computer” signifies no danger. The problem with the Atom is the software needs to run on an older version than what you download. The best fix for it is to install the application with Gatekeeper disabled and set the Atom version to 1.60.

How to protect your Mac from viruses?

Apple takes security seriously, but the measures installed on devices remain just that – measures toward safer browsing. Plenty lies in our hands if we want to protect our gadgets or data. For this, exercising caution online and relying on professional stand-alone services is wise. Here’s a list of tips:

• Avoid unreliable downloads. Whether it’s a file, software, or an extension, ensure you get it from a reliable and, better yet, official source. Otherwise, you risk malware if it’s some suspicious third-party vendor or website.
• Don’t rush to open email attachments. Quite often, nasty surprises lurk in phishing emails. Cybercrooks hide malware or adware in links or document attachments in such links, so triple check that the email is legitimate before clicking around.
• Turn on the Mac firewall. Your device has a firewall, which helps when you connect to public Wi-Fi, download suspicious files, or head to potentially harmful websites. Having it on can be handy, and you can easily enable it by opening System > Settings > Network and clicking Firewall.
• Keep MacOS up to date. An outdated version of your operating system creates a serious vulnerability point. Consider it a delicious snack for nefarious hackers. Thus, ensure that updates are allowed to install or auto-updates are allowed, and don’t postpone them.
• Don’t click on unusual links. Even legitimate websites can fall prey to cybercriminal activities. This means that a cookie consent button or an ad hides a potential malware infection. Don’t click just anything. Interact with what matters to you, and check the link beforehand.
• Rely on a trustworthy antivirus. The most straightforward and most efficient protection lies in the hands of an antivirus. Services like TotalAV provide real-time filtering of your online activities, including downloads or visits. Besides, if anything slips through, they find malware instantly during scans. It offers much more than just protection, such as parental controls or device performance boosting.

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Bottom line

Apple devices pack robust protective features, yet no operating system is foolproof. Despite Apple’s stringent software development policies, users sometimes opt for third-party applications better suited to their needs. However, the “Will damage your computer” Mac warning is tiresome. While effective in safeguarding MacBooks, it hinders the installation of legitimate programs because they lack Apple signing certificates.

The best way to protect your MacBook and ensure that the “Will damage your computer” bypass runs no risks is to use an antivirus. After thorough testing, I determined TotalAV the best antivirus for Mac. It offers a nearly 100% malware removal rate along with a streamlined app fit for beginners and cybernauts alike. And the pricing doesn’t bite either.

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FAQ

Is it safe to ignore the warning "Mac app will damage your computer"?

It depends whether the warning is due to lack of Apple certificate signature or potential malware. The Mac "Will damage your computer" will prevent app installation, which you can allow if you disable Gatekeeper. But since it's a risk, best ensure it's no virus with an antivirus service like TotalAV.

How can I bypass “Will damage your computer?” on a Mac?

The best “Will damage your computer” Mac bypass is through disabling Apple Gatekeeper. However, it's best to double check whether the file or application truly isn't harmful. You can do so by running a scan with an antivirus, such as TotalAV. Additionally, the service keeps your Mac safe later on.

Will updating my macOS version resolve the "Will damage your computer" warning issue?

Even after updating MacOS the "Will damage your computer" keeps popping, unfortunately. That's not an OS-related issue, but the application lacking Apple certificate signature. What helps is disabling Gatekeeper for the duration of program installation and then switching it on right after.

What to do if I get a pop-up window saying “type character.system” will damage your computer?

You can either delete the file or app, or disable Gatekeeper for a bit as the “type character.system” pops up. In either case, the safest option is running a full-system scan with an antivirus like TotalAV to ensure there is no malware and you can proceed accordingly.

Is the warning 'Hatchway will damage your computer' dangerous?

Yes, because Hatchway is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that targets Mac devices. Though you can identify the file that may contain this malware, an antivirus is a better way of dealing with it. Install a reliable service like TotalAV, launch a full-system scan and exterminate suspicious files.