Can a standard user install apps without the admin password?
(I found old answers on this, but I don't know if they are up to date information.)
It depends on the app. A standard user can't put apps in the Applications folder but some apps can just be downloaded into a user's folder and run from there. Apps that use an installer file may want to put files into system-wide folders, and a standard user account won't allow that.
Haply wrote:
Ok thanks. What about installing apps from the app store? Do you need admin password for that?
As I recall no, Apple are presumably treating apps from the App store as trustworthy.
It may not apply to you, but if this is as part of a larger organisation e.g. business or school then you could setup an internal App distribution system. These manage the installation process for you and allow non admin level users to select choices and the management system uses its own privileges to enable the installation of things that otherwise would need an admin level user to authorise.
Most MDM - Mobile Device Management systems have some capabilities to do this e.g. Jamf but I use Munki which is free and in the opinion of many superior for this function.
You can always sign into as a standard user and see how that goes. I know when I use a standard user desk top that some things it will pop up with needed the Admin permission before proceeding. Sometimes you do want to use a Standard User because the Admin is the most likely to be compromised. At least that is what I have read. Probably not able to install apps but with you having a standard user to use, no harm in attempting it.
Ok thanks. What about installing apps from the app store? Do you need admin password for that?
Can a standard user install apps without the admin password?
