Summary
Some users are seeing system-level warnings like:
"Kodo Code (Alpha)" is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash. on macOSWindows Defender has protected your PC or similar SmartScreen / Defender warnings on Windows
This is not because the release is malware. It is happening because the desktop app is not code-signed yet.
Why this is happening
This issue will remain for now until enough funds have been acquired for the required developer signing setup, and that may take some time.
For example:
- Apple’s Developer Program is
$99/year
- Proper Windows signing also costs money
I just can’t afford that right now.
If enough people ask for this to be fixed, I’ll open a donation box specifically to fund proper signing and reputation-building for desktop releases.
Tracked sub-issues
Temporary workarounds
macOS
If you trust the release, remove the quarantine flag after moving the app into /Applications:
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine "/Applications/Kodo Code (Alpha).app"
Windows
If Windows Defender / SmartScreen blocks the app, you may need to:
- click
More info and then Run anyway, or
- allow the app/file through Windows Security if you trust the release
Long-term fix
The real fix is proper code-signing and notarization / reputation-backed signing for desktop builds. Until that is funded, these warnings may continue even when the app itself is working correctly.
Summary
Some users are seeing system-level warnings like:
"Kodo Code (Alpha)" is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.on macOSWindows Defender has protected your PCor similar SmartScreen / Defender warnings on WindowsThis is not because the release is malware. It is happening because the desktop app is not code-signed yet.
Why this is happening
This issue will remain for now until enough funds have been acquired for the required developer signing setup, and that may take some time.
For example:
$99/yearI just can’t afford that right now.
If enough people ask for this to be fixed, I’ll open a donation box specifically to fund proper signing and reputation-building for desktop releases.
Tracked sub-issues
Temporary workarounds
macOS
If you trust the release, remove the quarantine flag after moving the app into
/Applications:xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine "/Applications/Kodo Code (Alpha).app"Windows
If Windows Defender / SmartScreen blocks the app, you may need to:
More infoand thenRun anyway, orLong-term fix
The real fix is proper code-signing and notarization / reputation-backed signing for desktop builds. Until that is funded, these warnings may continue even when the app itself is working correctly.