Mac

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac:

1. Create or Log In to a Bitdefender Account

To manage your Bitdefender subscription and devices, you'll need a Bitdefender Central account.

• Go to Bitdefender Central.

• If you don't have an account, click Create Account. Enter your email, password, and other details to complete the registration.

• If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.

2. Download Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Once logged in to Bitdefender Central:

• Click on the My Devices tab on the left-hand menu.

• Select Install Bitdefender and choose Other devices.

• Choose Mac as the operating system and click Download to start downloading the installer.

3. Run the Installer

After the download is complete:

• Open your Downloads folder.

• Double-click the bitdefender_macos.dmg file (the Bitdefender installer for Mac).

• In the window that opens, double-click the Install Bitdefender icon to start the installation process.

4. Follow Installation Prompts

• A security prompt will appear asking if you want to open the application. Click Open.

• The Bitdefender Installer window will open. Click Continue and then Install to proceed with the installation.

• You will be asked to enter your Mac administrator password. Input it and click Install Software.

5. Grant Necessary Permissions

To fully function, Bitdefender requires certain permissions. The installer will guide you through enabling them:

• A prompt will ask you to allow System Extension. Click Open Security Preferences.

• In the Security & Privacy tab, click the lock icon at the bottom to unlock the settings (you may need to enter your admin password again).

• Click Allow to approve the Bitdefender system extension.

If prompted, allow Bitdefender access to Full Disk Access by:

• Going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab.

• Select Full Disk Access from the list on the left, and click the lock icon to make changes.

• Click the + button and add the Bitdefender app to the list, allowing it full access to scan your files.

6. Activate Bitdefender

Once the installation is complete, launch Bitdefender from the Applications folder.

• Sign in to Bitdefender Central to sync the product with your subscription.

• If you have an activation code, go to My Subscriptions on Bitdefender Central and click Activate with code.

7. Run an Initial System Scan

After activation:

• Open the Bitdefender app from Applications or the menu bar.

• Click Scan to perform an initial scan of your Mac to check for malware or other threats.

• Bitdefender will also enable real-time protection and automatic updates to keep your device safe.

8. Configure Settings (Optional)

Once Bitdefender is installed, you can configure various features:

• Safe Files: Protect specific files or folders from ransomware attacks by allowing only trusted applications to access them.

• Time Machine Protection: Prevents ransomware from encrypting or tampering with Time Machine backups.

• Web Protection: Provides protection while browsing, detecting and blocking phishing and fraudulent websites.

These settings can be accessed from the Protection tab within the Bitdefender app.

9. Keep Bitdefender Updated

Bitdefender for Mac will update automatically in the background to ensure it has the latest virus definitions and security features. With Bitdefender now installed and running on your Mac, your system is protected from malware and other threats in real-time!