Thread on discuss: https://discuss.python.org/t/is-there-a-recent-mac-install-issue/23755/20

There are sporadic reports of errors during the installation of Python on macOS using our installer in which "Installer.app" gives a vague generic error, in particular “The installer encountered an error”.

This appears to be related to system security settings. In particular, the Installer.app needs access to the install package and hence needs the right to access the "Downloads" folder (for most users) or possibly "Full Disk Access" (for users storing the package outside of the Downloads folder).

The system normally asks the user to approve such access the first time the permissions are needed, but only once. If a user (accidentally) does not approve the system won't ask for permissions later on.

To fix the error:

• Go to System Settings (or System Preferences), "Security & Privacy"
• On Ventura: Look for "Files & Folders" and then "Installer". Make sure "Downloads" folder is present and enabled
• On Ventura: (If previous step doesn't work or fix the issue): Look for "Full Disk Access" and then check that "Installer" is present and enabled (you can add the application using the "+" button at the bottom when it isn't present).

A different workaround for users: Install using the installer(1) command line tool.

On my system (where installing Python using the installer Works):

• "Files & Folders": Installer is present and has access to "Downloads"
• "Full Disk Access": Installer is present but does not have this permission enabled

At this time it is not clear what we can do about this other than documenting this (website, installer start page)

Linked PRs

• gh-103207: Add instructions to the macOS installer welcome display on how to workaround the macOS 13 Ventura “The installer encountered an error” failure. #103251
• [3.11] gh-103207: Add instructions to the macOS installer welcome display on how to workaround the macOS 13 Ventura “The installer encountered an error” failure. #103252
• [3.10] gh-103207: Add instructions to the macOS installer welcome display on how to workaround the macOS 13 Ventura “The installer encountered an error” failure. #103253
• [3.11] gh-103207: Fix Welcome formatting issues when macOS Installer is run in dark mode. #103302
• gh-103207: Fix Welcome formatting issues when macOS Installer is run in dark mode. #103303
• [3.10] gh-103207: Fix Welcome formatting issues when macOS Installer is run in dark mode. #103304
• [3.12] Remove gh-103207 changelog item as it was never part of any release. (GH-104814) #104815
• [3.12] gh-103207: The macOS 13 Ventura Installer.app permission problem is fixed by Apple in macOS 13.4. #104883
• [3.11] gh-103207: The macOS 13 Ventura Installer.app permission problem is fixed by Apple in macOS 13.4. #104885