How to fix 'click lock to make changes' button?

I'm running Yosemite on a 2013 Mac Air and want to make some changes in my system preferences. However when I click the "click lock to make changes" button it just says authenticating and a prompt to input a password never shows up. I tried waiting it out but it continues to say "authenticating" without anything happening. It's a bit frustrating and I can't find the answer to this exact problem anywhere. I've tried restarting my computer as well as attempting different fixes found across the webs of problems that were similar in nature to no avail. I am the admin and only user on my computer. If anyone could help, it'd be greatly appreciated 🙂

Posted on Oct 19, 2014 3:15 AM

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4 replies

May 16, 2015 5:37 PM in response to Antym

It seems I have the same issue. Reinstalled Yosemite (without wiping drive), problem persists.

  • I also can't install anything that requires an Installer app (Silverlight, etc.)
  • Can't authenticate in System Preferences. After clicking the lock, it gets stuck on "Authenticating." No windows popup

However, these do work in safe mode. (Press shift before booting for safe mode)

User uploaded fileUser uploaded file

System info:

OSX Yosemite 10.10.3 (14D136)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012)

2.9 GHz Intel Core i7

Intel HD Graphics 4000 1024 MB


Update:

Found thread on this topic:Cant unlock Preference Panes Yosemite

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How to fix 'click lock to make changes' button?

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