How to Install & Set Up Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

11. If you have High Sierra, you will be notified that a system extension signed by Bitdefender has been blocked. This is not an error, just a security check. Click on OK.

The notification appears because of a new feature introduced with High Sierra. This feature enforces that only kernel extensions (KEXT) approved by the user will be loaded on a system. When a request is made to load an extension that the user has not yet approved, the request is denied and macOS displays an alert similar to the one shown below.

12. The setup assistant will display a window indicating the next steps. Click on System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General as shown below.

13. The Security & Privacy window will appear on your screen. Click the padlock icon in the bottom left corner to make the changes.

14. When prompted, input an administrator name and password, then press the Unlock button.

15. Click the Allow button, in the lower part of the window.

ⓘ Note: If more than one system software requires your attention, select Bitdefender in the list, then click on OK to allow it.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac on High Sierra!

11. If your Mac is using macOS Mojave (10.14), Catalina (10.15), Big Sur (11) or Monterey (12) you will be notified that a system extension signed by Bitdefender has been blocked. This is not an error, just a security check. Click Open Security Preferences in the small pop-up.

12. This will open the Security & Privacy window. Click the padlock icon in the bottom left corner to make the changes.

13. When prompted, input an administrator name and password, then press the Unlock button.

14. Click the Allow button, in the lower part of the window.

ⓘ Note: If more than one system software requires your attention, select Bitdefender in the list, then click on OK to allow it.

15. Next, open the Privacy tab and select Full Disk Access in the column on the left.

16. In the list of applications that require full disk access, check:

• Antivirus for Mac
• Core Security

17. The following message appears: “Antivirus for Mac” will not have full disk access until it is quit. Press Quit & Reopen.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac!

11. If your Mac is using macOS Ventura (13), macOS Sonoma (14) or macOS Sequoia (15) you will be notified that a system extension signed by Bitdefender has been blocked. This is not an error, just a security check. Click on Open System Settings.

12. The Privacy & Security window will pop up. Scroll all the way down to the Security section and click the Allow button.

13. When prompted, input an administrator name and password, then press the Unlock button.

14. While still in the Privacy & Security window, scroll up and click on Full Disk Access in the Privacy section.

15. Next, in the list of applications that require full disk access, toggle to the on position (blue switch):

• Antivirus for Mac
• Bitdefender
• Core Security

16. The following message appears: Antivirus for Mac will not have full disk access until it is quit. Press Quit & Reopen.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac!