Running Local Classic on macOS Catalina
warning
Local Classic is no longer supported so the instructions in this help doc may no longer apply or work.
For more information about upgrading to the latest version of Local, see this help doc:
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With macOS 10.15 Catalina, Apple has hardened system-level protections against malicious applications. All applications must pass Notarization to be verified as safe, secure, and executable. Any applications that haven’t been notarized will encounter errors on macOS Catalina.
In order to use Local on this version of macOS, follow these steps:
Download the latest version of VirtualBox
Skip Notarization Check when Installing VirtualBox
Right-click on VirtualBox.pkg and choose “Open”. This will bypass notarization checks one-time and allow you to proceed with the VirtualBox update. Note: this does not work for new VirtualBox installations.
Step through the VirtualBox installer and “Move to Trash” when prompted.
Enable Full Disk Access for Local
Open the Security & Privacy settings and navigate to the “Full Disk Access” section. Ensure that Local is selected.
Skip Notarization Check while Opening Local
The next time you open Local, Right-click on Local and choose “Open”.
Migrate to Local Lightning
To chart a more reliable and powerful path forward, we’ve rebuilt Local’s core architecture and moved away from virtualization in favor of native, system-level software to run WordPress locally.
Download Local Lighting then migrate sites to Local Lightning.
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Local Lightning has been notarized for macOS Catalina.
