Privileges for MacOS - a solution for Administrator permissions requirement

Using Privileges for Mac OS

Privileges is an app that allows you to convert your standard account to an account with Administrator permissions temporarily (the setting is for 20 minutes). This will allow you to provide Administrator credentials when required by a software installation or upgrade. The Privileges app should be installed on all faculty and staff Bowdoin-issued Mac computers but it is also available in Self-Service. 

Installing Privileges

If Privileges is not installed on your computer, follow these steps to install it.

1. Open the Self-Service app.
2. Search for Privileges in the search window in the upper right corner of the Self-Service app.
3. Click on the App and select install. Follow any on screen instructions provided.

Using Privileges

1. Browse to your Applications folder and open the Privileges app on the computer.
2. Press the button, “Request privileges”. You should see a notification that privileges have been changed successfully.
3. Enter your username and password where you are being prompted to enter Administrator credentials.
4. Administrative permissions will be automatically removed after 20 minutes.