While Microsoft has some developer accountability and threat prevention for apps on its digital storefront, it’s best to download the latest version of GIMP for free from the official website to make sure you can trust exactly what you’re getting.

There’s a good reason the official installer includes the message “Remember: GIMP is Free Software.” Many unscrupulous people repackage open-source software and resell it to unsuspecting users who don’t realize that they don’t need to pay for it. Technically, they are bundled in with additional plugins and UI themes, but you can usually get these for free if you take the time to download them for yourself. There are quite a few versions of GIMP available for download on the Microsoft Store, and some of them even cost money. I would love to have been a fly on the wall during the discussion that selected this particular splash screen, wouldn’t you? Select your installation language, and you reach the truly… unique… GIMP installation splash screen, featured below. I think you can figure out if you should click Yes or No. If you choose to install for all users, the User Account Control dialog will appear, asking if you want to allow the app to change your device – in other words, to install itself. It’s not usually an issue, but sometimes complex permission or file structure issues can appear in non-standard installs when you try to use poorly-coded plugins or add-ons that aren’t expecting custom setups.) Installs can sometimes go wonky when it’s just one account!

It’s generally simpler to install GIMP for everyone unless you don’t have admin permissions. Next, you’ll need to decide if you want to install GIMP for everyone with an account on the computer or just for your own account.

Best to install for all users, as recommended

Install gimp mac