How to open GetSpace despite the warning

GetSpace is new, and the programs are not yet signed by Apple and Microsoft. That is why your system warns you the first time you open it. A few clicks get you in anyway. You only need to do this once.

MacOn a Mac

  1. Download and drag into “Applications”

    Download GetSpace for Mac and open the file “GetSpace-macOS.dmg”. Then drag GetSpace into the “Applications” folder.

    GetSpaceApplications
    Simplified illustration. Your system may look slightly different.
  2. Open it for the first time

    Double-click GetSpace in the “Applications” folder to open it. macOS says it couldn’t verify the program. That is expected. Click “Done”. Important: only now does System Settings offer the button you need in the next step.

    “GetSpace” Not OpenedApple could not verify “GetSpace” isfree of malware.Move to TrashDone
    Simplified illustration. Your system may look slightly different.
  3. Choose “Open Anyway” in System Settings

    Open the Apple menu (the apple at the top left), then “System Settings”, and in the sidebar “Privacy & Security”. Scroll down to the “Security” section. It says that “GetSpace” was blocked. Click “Open Anyway”, confirm with Touch ID or your password, and choose “Open Anyway” once more in the next window. GetSpace then starts.

    The button only appears for about an hour after you tried to open GetSpace. If it is gone, open GetSpace once more. On macOS 14 and older it is easier: in the “Applications” folder, right-click GetSpace, choose “Open” and confirm with “Open” once more.

    Privacy & SecuritySecurity“GetSpace” was blocked to protect yourMac.Open Anyway
    Simplified illustration. Your system may look slightly different.
Does it say “damaged”? The program is not damaged, macOS just marks files from the internet. Open the program “Terminal” (Applications, Utilities), enter xattr -cr /Applications/GetSpace.app and press Return. Then open GetSpace again.

WindowsOn Windows

  1. Download and keep

    Download GetSpace for Windows. Your browser may say the file is “not commonly downloaded”. That is only because GetSpace is new. In Edge, open the three dots next to the message, then choose “Keep” and “Keep anyway”. In Chrome, open the arrow next to “Discard” and choose “Keep”.

    GetSpace-Windows.exeisn’t commonly downloaded.KeepDiscard
    Simplified illustration. Your system may look slightly different.
  2. Start the file

    Start the file “GetSpace-Windows.exe”. If a blue message “Windows protected your PC” (SmartScreen) appears, click “More info”.

    Windows protected your PCMicrosoft Defender SmartScreen preventedan unrecognized app from starting.More infoDon’t run
    Simplified illustration. Your system may look slightly different.
  3. Choose “Run anyway”

    Now the button “Run anyway” appears. Click it and follow the installer. Afterwards you find GetSpace in the Start menu. If your computer lacks a system component (WebView2), the installer downloads it when needed.

    Windows protected your PCApp: GetSpace-Windows.exePublisher: Unknown publisherRun anywayDon’t run
    Simplified illustration. Your system may look slightly different.
Does Windows 11 block the file completely? On some computers with Windows 11, “Smart App Control” blocks unknown programs. Then there is no “Run anyway”, only a message that the app was blocked. Here is how to turn it off in Settings: open the Start menu and type “Windows Security”, choose “App & browser control”, then “Smart App Control settings” and set it to “Off”. Then start GetSpace again. Microsoft recommends keeping it on. Only turn it off if you trust GetSpace. On some Windows versions it cannot be turned on again afterwards.

Why the warning?

The warning only says that we have not yet identified ourselves to Apple and Microsoft. That signature needs accounts and certificates, which we are adding. If this feels too uncertain, wait until the signed version is out.

Your files never leave your computer, not even now.

Make sure: compare the checksum

Want to be sure the file is genuine? Calculate its checksum and compare it with the line in the file SHA256SUMS.txt that comes with every version on the download page.

Mac (Terminal)

shasum -a 256 ~/Downloads/GetSpace-macOS.dmg

Windows (PowerShell)

Get-FileHash $HOME\Downloads\GetSpace-Windows.exe -Algorithm SHA256

View checksums

Doesn’t work?

Write to us at support@getspace.site and briefly describe what you see, ideally with a screenshot.

GetSpace is a program for Mac and Windows and doesn’t run on phones. Send yourself the link and download it on your computer.

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