---
id: getting-started.macos-says-storage-studio-cant-be-opened
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/macos-says-storage-studio-cant-be-opened
category: "Getting started"
subcategory: "Downloading and installing"
question: "Why does macOS say Storage Studio can't be opened?"
alt_questions:
  - "Storage Studio is damaged and can't be opened"
  - "Apple could not verify Storage Studio"
  - "Gatekeeper blocks Storage Studio"
  - "Storage Studio won't open after download"
  - "macOS cannot verify the developer of Storage Studio"
short_answer: "Storage Studio is signed and notarised by Apple, so this usually means the download is incomplete or altered. Trash that copy and download it again from storagestudio.us rather than overriding the warning."
tags: ["install", "gatekeeper", "error"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/how-do-i-download-storage-studio"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does macOS say Storage Studio can't be opened?

A properly downloaded copy of Storage Studio is signed and notarised by Apple and opens normally, so this warning almost always means the download is incomplete or was altered on the way.

What to do:

1. Move the copy you have to the Trash.
2. Download Storage Studio again from storagestudio.us.
3. Open the new disk image, drag the app to Applications and open it.

Don't override the warning in System Settings to force a damaged copy open. If a fresh download still won't open, contact support from storagestudio.us with the exact message you see.