What Rotten Apples Does and How to Use It for Your Computer

Rotten Apples is a free tool that scans your Mac for security problems and outdated software

Rotten Apples runs on your Mac and checks for known vulnerabilities—security gaps that hackers exploit—and tells you which of your programs need updates. It does not remove threats or fix problems itself. Instead, it shows you what needs attention and points you toward the updates or patches that address each issue. You run it, read the report, and then decide what to update or fix based on what the scan finds.

The tool is designed for people who want a straightforward picture of their Mac's security status without paying for a subscription service. It works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs running recent versions of macOS. The scan takes a few minutes and produces a list you can review at your own pace.

Key Takeaways

• Rotten Apples scans your Mac for known security vulnerabilities and outdated software, then shows you a report of what it finds.
• The tool does not automatically fix problems—it identifies them so you can decide what to update or patch.
• You download and run Rotten Apples on your own computer; it does not require an account or subscription.
• After you see the scan results, you handle updates through each program's own update mechanism or through macOS System Settings.

How to download and run Rotten Apples

Visit the Rotten Apples website and download the application file to your Mac. Open your Downloads folder, double-click the file, and follow the on-screen prompts to install it. Once installed, you can launch it from your Applications folder or Spotlight search.

When you open the program, click the scan button and let it run. The scan examines your installed software against a database of known vulnerabilities and checks which programs have newer versions available. Depending on how many programs you have installed, the scan usually takes between two and five minutes. You will see a progress indicator while it works.

Understanding your scan results

After the scan finishes, Rotten Apples displays a list organized by risk level. Items marked as high-risk vulnerabilities appear at the top—these are security gaps that should be addressed soon. Medium and low-risk items follow. Each entry shows the program name, the version you have installed, and a brief description of the issue.

The report also lists programs that have newer versions available, even if no known vulnerabilities exist for your current version. Keeping software current is a good practice because updates often include security improvements beyond just fixing known holes. You can review the entire list before taking any action.

What to do after you see the results

For each program flagged in the report, you have options. Many programs have their own built-in update feature—open the program, look in the menu for "Check for Updates" or similar, and follow the prompts. Some programs update automatically in the background. Others require you to visit the developer's website and download a new version manually.

For macOS itself and Apple-made programs, go to System Settings, click General, then Software Update. Your Mac will check for and install available updates. After updating, you can run Rotten Apples again to confirm that the vulnerabilities have been resolved.

If a program is no longer maintained by its developer or if updating it would break something you depend on, you can make an informed decision to leave it as is. Rotten Apples gives you the information; you decide what matters most for your situation.

When to run Rotten Apples again

Running a scan once gives you a snapshot of your Mac's security status at that moment. Software updates happen regularly, and new vulnerabilities are discovered over time. Many people run Rotten Apples every few months to catch updates they may have missed or new issues that have emerged.

If you install new programs frequently or if you use your Mac for sensitive work, scanning more often—say, monthly—can help you stay on top of security. There is no harm in running it as often as you like; each scan is independent and does not interfere with your normal computer use.

Rotten Apples versus other security tools

Rotten Apples focuses on vulnerability scanning and software updates. It does not include real-time malware protection, firewall management, or continuous monitoring. If you want those features, you would need a separate antivirus or security suite. However, Rotten Apples is useful as a standalone tool for people who want periodic check-ins without the overhead of a full security subscription.

macOS includes built-in security features like Gatekeeper and XProtect that run automatically. Rotten Apples complements these by giving you a clear view of which programs are outdated or vulnerable. Using both—the built-in protections plus periodic Rotten Apples scans—gives you a more complete picture of your Mac's security posture.

Common issues and what to do about them

Sometimes Rotten Apples will flag a program you do not use anymore. You can uninstall it to remove the vulnerability entirely. Drag the program to the Trash, empty the Trash, and run another scan to confirm it is gone from the report.

If a program shows a vulnerability but no update is available, the developer may no longer support that software. In that case, consider whether you still need the program. If you do, you can accept the risk and monitor for any news about the vulnerability. If you do not, uninstalling removes the risk.

Occasionally a scan may take longer than expected if your Mac is busy with other tasks. Close other programs and try again if the scan seems stuck. If Rotten Apples itself will not launch or crashes during a scan, restart your Mac and try once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rotten Apples remove viruses or malware?

No. Rotten Apples identifies outdated software and known vulnerabilities, but it does not scan for or remove malware. If you suspect your Mac has a virus, use a dedicated antivirus tool or contact a local computer repair service for help.

Will running Rotten Apples slow down my Mac?

The scan itself uses your computer's resources while it runs, but once it finishes, Rotten Apples does not stay active in the background unless you leave it open. Closing the program after you review the results means it has no ongoing impact on performance.

Do I need to pay for Rotten Apples?

Rotten Apples is free to download and use. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or premium versions. You can run scans as often as you want at no cost.

What if I disagree with one of Rotten Apples' findings?

You can research the specific vulnerability or outdated software flag using the program name and version number provided in the report. Visit the developer's website or security databases to learn more. Ultimately, you decide which updates to install and which risks to accept.

Can I schedule Rotten Apples to scan automatically?

Rotten Apples itself does not have a built-in scheduling feature. You run it manually each time you want a scan. If you want automated scans, you can use macOS's built-in scheduling tools or look into other security software that offers that capability.