Set App Defaults Mac

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  1. Set App Defaults Mac Shortcut
  2. Set App Defaults Mac Chrome

Reset Safari and restore the default settings by clearing history, clearing the cache, and deleting or disabling plugins and extensions. Set preferences, the macOS user defaults system works with both the OS and with individual applications. Syntax defaults host Actions Options defaults help Actions: read domain key Print defaults to standard output read-type domain key Print the plist type write domain key 'value' Save a default value write domain 'plist' Save plist (a property list) as a default: rename domain. Easily Change Default Apps in macOS Sierra. With these methods, you can easily change the default apps on Mac to any third party app that you prefer using. Changing default apps in macOS Sierra can help you automatically open files, and documents in the app of your choice. There are a number of third party apps for Mac, that are very powerful.

Computers are fully embedded into our lives, both at work and at home. Checking email, organizing calendars, reading documents, shopping online, and surfing the web — all form the backdrop of our everyday. These activities are so commonplace and accessible that it’s easy to overlook the finer points of how your computer performs each task and what apps it uses to help you get the job done.

Apps are computer programs designed to interact with files and create a seamless transition for everything from booting up your Mac to working online. All computers come with a host of apps already installed. For example, computers running macOS come with Safari, made by Apple. This browser is already installed and ready to access the internet.

In other words, Safari is set to “default” browser, which means whenever you click a link to a website, it’ll always open it up using Safari. However, there are lots of other compatible browsers for Mac, and you might find yourself wondering how to change default browser on macOS or looking to fine-tune other default settings.

Why Should I Change Default Applications?

Most of the time, default apps have the basics covered, however you may be itching for a change because they may not be providing the features you need. If you find another app better suited to your needs, it’s best to make the change permanent.

By changing default apps to the ones you prefer, you’ll have more control over how you work with your files and be able to skip the headache of re-opening files with a new app every time, saving you precious minutes. Thankfully, changing default settings is fairly easy.

Changing default apps for specific file types

One upgrade you might consider right away is to change the default PDF viewer on Mac to something like PDFpen, or another advanced PDF reader. PDFs are one of the most common files types encountered daily. Used in contracts, university reading packages, or fillable forms, PDFs are popular for a good reason: any computer can open and read a PDF, and the format holds its layout. No matter what programs were used to create it, a PDF will generally look the same on everyone’s computer.

PDFpen is a great addition to your Mac. It has all the basic tools for editing and note-taking, but is also packed with advanced options for the increasingly paperless world: redaction features, signatures, notations, filling out or editing sections, and even highlighting and searching for certain terms within the document.

Here’s how to change default PDF viewer on Mac to PDFpen:

  1. In your Finder locate a .pdf file and right-click on it
  2. Select Get Info from the dropdown menu
  3. Expand the Open With section and select PDFpen
  4. Once selected, click the Change All button below the dropdown menu. A pop-up will appear asking if you’re sure, click Yes.

Now the change should be implemented for all .pdf files. Test it by returning to the Finder and opening any .pdf. If it launches in PDFpen. you know it has worked. Further, you can use the same steps to set other defaults apps for different kinds of files: instructing all .jpeg files to open with CameraBag Pro, for example.

If you ever need to know how to make Preview default app again, just repeat the steps above but select Preview instead of PDFPen when you reach the Open With selection.

Changing your default browser

You already know what is the default browser for Mac OSX: Safari. And while Safari is a generally excellent option, there are other great browsers for Mac — one of the most popular being Google Chrome. Along with its reputation for being faster than other browsers, Chrome seamlessly syncs with services you may have been using all the time, such as Gmail, Chromecast, or GCal.

Knowing how to change default browser on Mac will never be a challenge. It’s arguably the easiest change to make because all browsers compete to report usage, so whenever they detect they are not being used every time they produce a pop-up asking to be default. This may seem like it makes directions for how to change default browsers obsolete, usually downloading the browser you want and opening it for the first time will set you on the path to default status. But occasionally a careless mis-click will find you on the wrong end of an unwanted Yahoo search bar.

To make Chrome default browser on Mac, begin by downloading Chrome if you haven’t already. Then follow the directions below according to which operating System your Mac is currently running.

How to make Chrome default browser on macOS Mavericks or earlier:

  1. Launch Safari by clicking the compass icon
  2. Click on the Safari menu in the top-left corner and select Preferences
  3. Navigate to General
  4. Choose Chrome as the default by selecting it from the menu
  5. Close Preferences
  6. Quit Safari

If you don’t see a default option in Preferences, don’t panic. You may need to use different instructions if your Mac is running on El Capitan or Yosemite.

How to make Chrome default browser on El Capitan or Yosemite:

  1. Launch System Preferences from the Dock or Finder
  2. Select General from the top left of the window
  3. Find the dropdown next to “Default web browser”
  4. Choose the web browser you'd like to use as the default and close System Preferences

Your preferences will be automatically saved. You can test it by performing a search in Spotlight and clicking a web result. If the site opens in Chrome, you’ll know you have successfully set Chrome as default browser.

Change your default email app

We spend so much time checking, writing, and organizing emails that having an email client designed to save you time is key. With this in mind, you may want to further customize your Mac by selecting a better email client. Much like a PDF reader opens .pdf files and a browser allows you to surf the web, your email client sets up a place for you to easily check and respond to your emails.

While many check their emails in browsers for convenience if they move between computers, a better, more secure option is Canary Mail.

Canary Mail focuses on security and this is what makes it outstanding. In addition, its concept and design are no-nonsense. Canary works with all the email providers you already have and has tools for dealing with volumes of unwanted emails or unused threads in bulk. It also uses algorithms to learn what you need and optimizes your productivity.

Right now, Mail is likely the default email app on your Mac. The steps below outline how to change default program on Mac to a third-party one. If you have some email client already downloaded, you can still use the steps below to change the default email client from Mail. Just sub the name of your app in place of Canary. Just in case, Canary Mail download is available here.

Switch the default email client from Mail to Canary:

  1. Launch Mail by clicking the icon in the Dock or searching for it with Finder
  2. At the top of the screen, click Mail in the menu bar and then Preferences
  3. Select the dropdown next to Default Mail Reader
  4. Choose Canary as the default

This change should take immediate effect.

Switching and customizing your default apps will improve your interactions with your Mac, enhancing how you experience the activities you spend time doing everyday by making them faster and easier.

Once you know how to switch the default apps, you may find yourself customizing other aspects of your computer use. PDFpen and Canary Mail are both offered as free trials from Setapp — a platform for over 150 unique and useful Mac apps — so there is no risk to trying something new. If you don't like it, you can always go back and change the default again at any time.

So whether you are running a faster browser, highlighting and making notes in the margin for school, or simply clearing out junk-mail now that you can change default application on macOS you can take control of the finer points of how your Mac runs. Small daily tasks will wrap up faster and look better.

Setapp lives on Mac and iOS. Please come back from another device.

Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.

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This article lists and describes the different settings you can control on macOS devices. As part of your mobile device management (MDM) solution, use these settings to allow or disable features, set password rules, allow or restrict specific apps, and more.

These settings are added to a device configuration profile in Intune, and then assigned or deployed to your macOS devices.

Note

Mac

The user interface may not match the enrollment types in this article. The information in this article is correct. The user interface is being updated in an upcoming release.

Before you begin

Create a macOS device restrictions configuration profile.

Note

These settings apply to different enrollment types. For more information on the different enrollment types, see macOS enrollment.

Built-in Apps

Settings apply to: All enrollment types

  • Block Safari AutoFill: Yes disables the autofill feature in Safari on devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow users to change autocomplete settings in the web browser.

  • Block use of camera: Yes prevents access to the camera on devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow access to the device camera.

    Intune only manages access to the device camera. It doesn't have access to pictures or videos.

  • Block Apple Music: Yes reverts the Music app to classic mode, and disables the Music service. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow using the Apple Music app.

  • Block spotlight suggestions: Yes stops Spotlight from returning any results from an Internet search. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow Spotlight search to connect to the Internet, and get search results.

  • Block file transfer using Finder or iTunes: Yes disables application file sharing services. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow application file sharing services.

    This feature applies to:

    • macOS 10.13 and newer

Cloud and storage

Settings apply to: All enrollment types

Set App Defaults Mac Shortcut

  • Block iCloud Keychain sync: Yes disables syncing credentials stored in the Keychain to iCloud. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow users to sync these credentials.

  • Block iCloud Desktop and Document Sync: Yes prevents iCloud from syncing documents and data. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow document and key-value synchronization to your iCloud storage space.

  • Block iCloud Mail Backup: Yes prevents iCloud from syncing to the macOS Mail app. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow Mail synchronization to iCloud.

  • Block iCloud Contact Backup: Yes prevents iCloud from syncing the device contacts. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow contact sync using iCloud.

  • Block iCloud Calendar Backup: Yes prevents iCloud from syncing to the macOS Calendar app. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow Calendar synchronization to iCloud.

  • Block iCloud Reminder Backup: Yes prevents iCloud from syncing to the macOS Reminders app. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow Reminders synchronization to iCloud.

  • Block iCloud Bookmark Backup: Yes prevents iCloud from syncing the device Bookmarks. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow Bookmark synchronization to iCloud.

  • Block iCloud Notes Backup: Yes prevents iCloud from syncing the device Notes. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow Notes synchronization to iCloud.

  • Block iCloud Photos backup: Yes disables iCloud Photo Library, and prevents iCloud from syncing the device photos. Any photos not fully downloaded from iCloud Photo Library are removed from local storage on devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow syncing photos between the device and the iCloud Photo Library.

  • Block Handoff: This feature allows users to start work on a macOS device, and then continue the work they started on another iOS/iPadOS or macOS device. Yes prevents the Handoff feature on devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow this feature on devices.

    This feature applies to:

    • macOS 10.15 and newer

Connected devices

Settings apply to: All enrollment types

  • Block AirDrop: Yes prevents using AirDrop on devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow using the AirDrop feature to exchange content with nearby devices.
  • Block Apple Watch auto unlock: Yes prevents users from unlocking their macOS device with their Apple Watch. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow users to unlock their macOS device with their Apple Watch.

Domains

Settings apply to: All enrollment types

  • Unmarked Email Domains: Enter one or more Email domain URLs to the list. When users send or receive an email from a domain other than the domains you added, the email is marked as untrusted in the macOS Mail app.

General

Settings apply to: All enrollment types

  • Block Lookup: Yes prevents user from highlighting a word, and then looking up its definition on the device. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow the definition lookup feature.

  • Block dictation: Yes stops users from using voice input to enter text. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow users to use dictation input.

  • Block content caching: Yes prevents content caching. Content caching stores app data, web browser data, downloads, and more locally on devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might enable content caching.

    For more information on content caching on macOS, see Manage content caching on Mac (opens another website).

    This feature applies to:

    • macOS 10.13 and newer

  • Block screenshots and screen recording: Device must be enrolled in Apple's Automated Device Enrollment (DEP). Yes prevents users from saving screenshots of the display. It also prevents the Classroom app from observing remote screens. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow users to capture screenshots, and allows the Classroom app to view remote screens.

Settings apply to: User approved device enrollment, Automated device enrollment (supervised)

  • Defer software updates: Yes allows you to delay when OS updates and non-OS updates are shown on devices. This setting doesn't control when updates are or aren't installed. When nothing is selected, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    By default, the OS might show updates on devices as Apple releases them. By default, software updates aren't delayed. If you configure this setting, then OS and non-OS software updates are delayed, depending on the options you select. The drop-down does exactly what you choose. It can delay both, delay neither, or delay one of them.

    For example, if a macOS update gets released by Apple on a specific date, then that update naturally shows on devices around the release date. Seed build updates are allowed without delay.

    • Delay visibility of software updates: Enter a value from 0-90 days. By default, updates are delayed for 30 days. This value applies to the Defer software updates options you select. If you only select Operating system updates, then only OS updates are delayed for 30 days. If you select Operating system updates and Non operating system updates, then both are delayed for 30 days.

      When the delay expires, users get a notification to update to the earliest version available when the delay was triggered.

      For example, if a macOS update is available on January 1, and Delay visibility is set to 5 days, then the update isn't shown as an available update. On the sixth day following the release, that update is available, and users can install it.

      This feature applies to:

      • macOS 10.13.4 and newer

Settings apply to: Automated device enrollment

  • Disable AirPlay, view screen by Classroom app, and screen sharing: Yes blocks AirPlay, and prevents screen sharing to other devices. It also prevents teachers from using the Classroom app to see their students' screens. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow teachers to see their students' screens.

    To use this setting, set the Block screenshots and screen recording setting to Not configured (screenshots are allowed).

  • Allow Classroom app to perform AirPlay and view screen without prompting: Yes lets teachers see their students' screens without requiring students to agree. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might require students to agree before teachers can see the screens.

    To use this setting, set the Block screenshots and screen recording setting to Not configured (screenshots are allowed).

  • Require teacher permission to leave Classroom app unmanaged classes: Yes forces students enrolled in an unmanaged Classroom course to get teacher approval to leave the course. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow students to leave the course whenever the student chooses.

  • Allow Classroom to lock the device without prompting: Yes lets teachers lock a student's device or app without the student's approval. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might require students agree before teachers can lock the device or app.

  • Students can automatically join Classroom class without prompting: Yes lets students join a class without prompting the teacher. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might require teacher approval to join a class.

Password

These settings use the Passcode payload (opens Apple's web site).

Important

On macOS devices running 10.14.2 to 11 (except all versions of macOS 10.15 Catalina), users are prompted to change the device password when the device updates to a new major OS version. This password update happens once. After users update the password, any other password policies are enforced.

Also, any time the password policy is updated, all users running these macOS versions must change the password, even if the current password is compliant with the new requirements. For example, when your macOS device turns on after upgrading to Big Sur (macOS 11), users need to change the device password before they can sign in.

Settings apply to: All enrollment types

  • Require password: Yes requires users to enter a password to access devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might not require a password. It also doesn't force any restrictions, such as blocking simple passwords or setting a minimum length.

    • Required password type: Enter the required password complexity level your organization requires. When left blank, Intune doesn't change or update this setting. Your options:

      • Not configured: Uses the device default.
      • Alphanumeric: Includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numeric characters.
      • Numeric: Password must only be numbers, such as 123456789.

      This feature applies to:

      • macOS 10.10.3 and newer

    • Number of non-alphanumeric characters in password: Enter the number of complex characters required in the password, from 0-4. A complex character is a symbol, such as ?. When left blank or set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Minimum password length: Enter the minimum length the password must have, from 4-16 characters. When left blank, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Block simple passwords: Yes prevents using simple passwords, such as 0000 or 1234. When the value is blank or set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow simple passwords.

    • Maximum minutes of inactivity until screen locks: Enter the length of time devices must be idle before the screen is automatically locked. For example, enter 5 to lock devices after 5 minutes of being idle. When the value is blank or set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Maximum minutes after screen lock before password is required: Enter the length of time devices must be inactive before a password is required to unlock it. When the value is blank or set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Password expiration (days): Enter the number of days until the device password must be changed, from 1-65535. For example, enter 90 to expire the password after 90 days. When the password expires, users are prompted to create a new password. When the value is blank or set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Prevent reuse of previous passwords: Restrict users from creating previously used passwords. Enter the number of previously used passwords that can't be used, from 1-24. For example, enter 5 so users can't set a new password to their current password or any of their previous four passwords. When the value is blank, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Maximum allowed sign-in attempts: Enter the maximum number of times that users can consecutively try to sign in before the device locks users out, from 2-11. When this number is exceeded, the device is locked. We recommend not setting this value to a low number, such as 2 or 3. It's common for users to enter the wrong password. We recommend setting to a higher value.

      For example, enter 5 so users can enter the wrong password up to five times. After the fifth attempt, the device is locked. If you leave this value blank, or don't change it, then 11 is used by default.

      After six failed attempts, macOS automatically forces a time delay before a passcode can be entered again. The delay increases with each attempt. Set the Lockout duration to add a delay before the next passcode can be entered.

      • Lockout duration: Enter the number of minutes a lockout lasts, from 0-10000. During a device lockout, the sign in screen is inactive, and users can't sign in. When the lockout ends, user can try to sign in again.

        If you leave this value blank, or don't change it, then 30 minutes is used by default.

        This setting applies to:

        • macOS 10.10 and newer

  • Block user from modifying passcode: Yes stops the passcode from being changed, added, or removed. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow passcodes to be added, changed, or removed.

  • Block Touch ID to unlock device: Yes prevents using fingerprints to unlock devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow users to unlock the device using a fingerprint.

  • Block password AutoFill: Yes prevents using the AutoFill Passwords feature on macOS. Choosing Yes also has the following impact:

    • Users aren't prompted to use a saved password in Safari or in any apps.
    • Automatic Strong Passwords are disabled, and strong passwords aren't suggested to users.

    When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow these features.

  • Block password proximity requests: Yes prevents devices from requesting passwords from nearby devices. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow these password requests.

  • Block password sharing: Yes prevents sharing passwords between devices using AirDrop. When set to Not configured (default), Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, the OS might allow passwords to be shared.

Privacy preferences

Set App Defaults Mac Chrome

On macOS devices, apps and processes often prompt users to allow or deny access to device features, such as the camera, microphone, calendar, Documents folder, and more. These settings allow administrators to pre-approve or pre-deny access to these device features. When you configure these settings, you manage data access consent on behalf of your users. Your settings override their previous decisions.

The goal of these settings is to reduce the number of prompts by apps and processes.

This feature applies to:

  • macOS 10.14 and newer
  • Some settings apply to macOS 10.15 and newer.
  • These settings only apply on devices that have the privacy preferences profile installed before being upgraded.

Settings apply to: User approved device enrollment, Automated device enrollment

  • Apps and processes: Add apps or processes to configure access. Also enter:

    • Name: Enter a name for your app or process. For example, enter Microsoft Remote Desktop or Microsoft 365.

    • Identifier type: Your options:

      • Bundle ID: Select this option for apps.
      • Path: Select this option for non-bundled binaries, which is a process or executable.

      Helper tools embedded within an application bundle automatically inherit the permissions of their enclosing application bundle.

    • Identifier: Enter the app bundle ID, or the installation file path of the process or executable. For example, enter com.contoso.appname.

      To get the app bundle ID, open the Terminal app, and run the codesign command. This command identifies the code signature. So you can get the bundle ID and the code signature simultaneously.

    • Code requirement: Enter the code signature for the application or process.

      A code signature is created when an app or binary is signed by a developer certificate. To find the designation, run the codesign command manually in the Terminal app: codesign --display -r - /path/to/app/binary. The code signature is everything that appears after =>.

    • Enable static code validation: Choose Yes for the app or process to statically validate the code requirement. When set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

      Enable this setting only if the process invalidates its dynamic code signature. Otherwise, use Not configured.

    • Block Camera: Yes prevents the app from accessing the system camera. You can't allow access to the camera. When set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Block Microphone: Yes prevents the app from accessing the system microphone. You can't allow access to the microphone. When set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

    • Block screen recording: Yes blocks the app from capturing the contents of the system display. You can't allow access to screen recording and screen capture. When set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Block input monitoring: Yes blocks the app from using CoreGraphics and HID APIs to listen to CGEvents and HID events from all processes. Yes also denies apps and processes from listening to and collecting data from input devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or trackpad. You can't allow access to the CoreGraphics and HID APIs.

      When set to Not configured, Intune doesn't change or update this setting.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Speech recognition: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access the system speech recognition, and allows sending speech data to Apple.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing the system speech recognition, and prevents sending speech data to Apple.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Accessibility: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access to the system Accessibility app. This app includes closed captions, hover text, and voice control.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing the system Accessibility app.

    • Contacts: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access contact information managed by the system Contacts app.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing this contact information.

    • Calendar: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access calendar information managed by the system Calendar app.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing this calendar information.

    • Reminders: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access reminder information managed by the system Reminders app.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing this reminder information.

    • Photos: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access the pictures managed by the system Photos app in ~/Pictures/.photoslibrary.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these pictures.

    • Media library: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access Apple Music, music and video activity, and the media library.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing this media.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • File provider presence: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access the File Provider app, and know when users are using files managed by the File Provider. A File Provider app allows other File Provider apps to access the documents and directories stored and managed by the containing app.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing the File Provider app.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Full disk access: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access all protected files, including system administration files. Apply this setting with caution.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these protected files.

    • System admin files: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access some files used in system administration.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these files.

    • Desktop folder: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access files in the user’s Desktop folder.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these files.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Documents folder: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access files in the user’s Documents folder.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these files.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Downloads folder: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access files in the user’s Downloads folder.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these files.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Network volumes: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access files on network volumes.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these files.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • Removable volumes: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to access files on removable volumes, such as a hard disk.
      • Block: Prevents the app from accessing these files.

      Requires macOS 10.15 and newer.

    • System events: Your options:

      • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
      • Allow: Allows the app to use CoreGraphics APIs to send CGEvents to the system event stream.
      • Block: Prevents the app from using CoreGraphics APIs to send CGEvents to the system event stream.

    • Apple events: This setting allows apps to send a restricted Apple event to another app or process. Select Add to add a receiving app or process. Enter the following information of the receiving app or process:

      • Identifier type: Select Bundle ID if the receiving identifier is an application. Select Path if the receiving identifier is a process or executable.

      • Identifier: Enter the app bundle ID, or the installation path of the process receiving an Apple event.

      • Code requirement: Enter the code signature for the receiving application or process.

        A code signature is created when an app or binary is signed by a developer certificate. To find the designation, run the codesign command manually in the Terminal app: codesign --display -r -/path/to/app/binary. The code signature is everything that appears after =>.

      • Access: Allow a macOS Apple Event to be sent to the receiving app or process. Your options:

        • Not configured: Intune doesn't change or update this setting.
        • Allow: Allows the app or process to send the restricted Apple event to the receiving app or process.
        • Block: Prevents the app or process from sending a restricted Apple event to the receiving app or process.

    • Save your changes.

Restricted apps

Settings apply to: All enrollment types

  • Type of restricted apps list: Create a list of apps that users aren't allowed to install or use. Your options:

    • Not configured (default): Intune doesn't change or update this setting. By default, users might have access to apps you assign, and built-in apps.
    • Approved apps: List the apps that users are allowed to install. To stay compliant, users must not install other apps. Apps that are managed by Intune are automatically allowed, including the Company Portal app. Users aren't prevented from installing an app that isn't on the approved list. But if they do, it's reported in Intune.
    • Prohibited apps: List the apps (not managed by Intune) that users aren't allowed to install and run. Users aren't prevented from installing a prohibited app. If a user installs an app from this list, it's reported in Intune.

  • Apps list: Add apps to your list:

    • App Bundle ID: Enter the bundle ID of the app. You can add built-in apps and line-of-business apps. Apple's web site has a list of built-in Apple apps.

      To find the URL of an app, open the iTunes App Store, and search for the app. For example, search for Microsoft Remote Desktop or Microsoft Word. Select the app, and copy the URL. You can also use iTunes to find the app, and then use the Copy Link task to get the app URL.

    • App name: Enter a user-friendly name to help you identify the bundle ID. For example, enter Intune Company Portal app.

    • Publisher: Enter the publisher of the app.

  • Import a CSV file with details about the app, including the URL. Use the <app bundle ID>, <app name>, <app publisher> format. Or, Export to create a list of apps you added, in the same format.

Next steps

Assign the profile and monitor its status.

You can also restrict device features and settings on iOS/iPadOS devices.