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How to add an application on managed Mac computers if I can't find it in Self-Service

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7.0 - Updated on 2025-02-21 by Noah McGee

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1.0 - Authored on 2023-12-14 by David Schwartz

If a needed application is not available via the Self Service App, you may be able to add it without the assistance of a technician nor an administrator account. Many modern Mac applications can be run from your own personal Home folder without being prompted for an administrator password.

Some applications do require an administrator account. You can request help adding an app by completing a request form.

Here's an example using Slack, copied into the Home folder of our mascot Oski.

Just ignore the big blue smiling face arrow pointing to the computer's shared /Applications folder (which would require a password to copy and for future updates); it goes right into Oski's own personal folder:

Slack to Oski Home

Many other applications will work the same way; if your Home folder doesn't already have a folder there named "Applications," simply create a new Untitled folder and change its name to "Applications" to use.

Thunderbird to Oski Home Folder

 

Unsure of how to locate your Home folder? Here is one way:

 

Some applications may require macOS "Transparency, Consent, and Control" permission to work, even from the Home folder. These permission are one-time only and do not prevent the apps from updating in the future without additional password prompts. Please contact the ITCS Service Desk for assistance with this one-time system approval step.