Error: "Some system software requires your attention before it can be used" after installing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on your Mac


Symptoms

After installing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on your Mac, you notice the following message in System Preferences > Security & Privacy:

Some system software requires your attention before it can be used.

in mac settings with an arrow pointing to the error message

Cause

Apple requires that all new system extensions being installed from third-party developers in macOS be manually allowed.

Resolution

  1. In the bottom left-hand corner, click the lock icon.

    security & privacy page with the lock icon highlighted

  2. Authenticate using Touch ID or the username and password of an administrator on your Mac.

    system preferences pop up

    system preferences pop up with username and password fields underlined

  3. Click Details.

    in security and privacy page with the details button highlighted

  4. Check the box(es) next to "Microsoft Defender ATP.app". Then, click OK.

    check boxes next to Microsoft defender atp.app outlined

  5. Close System Preferences.

    security & privacy page with arrow pointing to the close button

Outcome

The message in System Preferences will be gone and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will function as expected on your Mac.