What is Admin Mode?
Admin Mode allows Captain's Deck to perform file operations that require administrator privileges:
- Copying files to
/Applications - Modifying files in
/Library - Changing file ownership and permissions
- Accessing other users' directories
- Working with system configuration files
How It Works
Captain's Deck uses macOS's SMJobBless system to install a privileged helper tool:
- When you first need admin privileges, you're prompted to enter your password
- macOS installs a small helper tool (one-time setup)
- Future admin operations use this helper without prompting again
Security: The helper is code-signed and only responds to requests from Captain's Deck. Your password is never stored.
Enabling Admin Mode
On-Demand (Recommended)
Admin Mode activates automatically when needed:
- Try to copy/move a file to a protected location
- Captain's Deck detects the permission requirement
- Enter your password when prompted
- Operation completes with elevated privileges
Always-On Session Mode
For extended admin work:
- Open Preferences -> General
- Find the Admin Mode section
- Enable "Always use Admin for this session"
When enabled, an orange ADMIN badge appears in the status bar.
Privileged Operations
File Operations
- Copy/Move: To any location, including system directories
- Delete: Remove protected files (use with caution!)
- Create Directory: In protected locations
- Rename: Protected files
Ownership & Permissions
- chown: Change file owner
- chmod: Modify permissions
- Symlinks: Create symbolic links in protected areas
Protected Locations
These directories typically require admin privileges:
| /Applications | System and user applications |
| /Library | System-wide resources and preferences |
| /System | Core macOS files (protected by SIP) |
| /usr/local | Homebrew and local software |
| /etc | System configuration files |
| /private/var | System databases and caches |
Warning: System Integrity Protection (SIP) prevents modification of core macOS files in /System even with admin privileges. This is by design for security.
Safety Considerations
Before Using Admin Mode:
- Know what you're modifying and why
- Have a backup of important files
- Double-check paths before confirming operations
What to Avoid:
- Deleting files you don't recognize
- Modifying system files unless absolutely necessary
- Leaving "Always use Admin" enabled when not needed
Helper Installation Status
Check if the privileged helper is installed:
- Open Preferences -> General
- Look at the Admin Mode section
- Status shows "Privileged helper installed" when ready
Troubleshooting
"Helper installation failed"
- Ensure you're entering the correct admin password
- Check that Captain's Deck was downloaded from the official website
- Try quitting and relaunching Captain's Deck
"Operation still denied"
- Some files are protected by SIP and cannot be modified
- FileVault-encrypted volumes may have additional restrictions
- Check if the file is locked (Get Info in Finder)
Removing the Helper
If needed, the helper can be removed:
sudo rm /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.captainsdeck.helper
sudo rm /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.captainsdeck.helper.plist