05 Dec Alfred Workflows Failing After macOS Updates and the Script Re-Signing Trick Users Used to Fix Them

For users of Alfred, the beloved macOS productivity app, system updates are typically a moment of cautious anticipation. While Apple rolls out improvements and security patches, power users brace for a recurring frustration: broken Alfred workflows. Time after time, after macOS updates, the smooth, buttery shortcut-driven experience comes to a crashing halt. As it turns out, the root of many of these failures lies not in Alfred itself, but in the code signing policies Apple enforces for scripts. In response, a clever workaround—commonly referred to as the “script re-signing trick”—has emerged as a popular fix among the Alfred community.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

macOS updates often cause Alfred workflows that rely on AppleScripts or shell scripts to stop working. This is due to Apple’s increased security requirements, particularly related to script signing and notarization. Users have discovered that re-signing their scripts with appropriate entitlements or relaxing quarantine restrictions can restore functionality. Though not officially endorsed, this workaround can restore productivity while waiting for official support or workflow updates.

Why Alfred Workflows Break After macOS Updates

With each macOS release, Apple tightens security to protect users from potentially malicious software. One unintended consequence of these changes is the disruption of automation tools like Alfred. Workflows that depend on scripting languages such as AppleScript, Python, Ruby, and shell scripts begin to fail. The issue typically manifests as a non-responding Alfred workflow that used to function flawlessly in an earlier version of macOS.

Apple’s System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Quarantine feature can block scripts downloaded from the Internet—even those written by users themselves—as they are not signed or notarized. Additionally, macOS now includes stricter Gatekeeper checks and entitlements enforcement, placing unsigned scripts into quarantine status. When a workflow includes or depends on such scripts, it risks failure post-update.

What Is the Script Re-Signing Trick?

The “script re-signing trick” emerged from the Alfred user community as a workaround to bypass the sudden failures caused by Gatekeeper restrictions. The technique involves manually removing the quarantine attributes from a script file or re-signing the script using Apple’s codesign utility.

This grant of additional trust tells macOS that the script is safe to execute, allowing the workflow to function once again.

There are two parts to this trick:

1. Removing the Quarantine Attribute: Most scripts downloaded from the internet have this attribute, which tells macOS to treat the file with suspicion. The quarantine setting can be removed using the following command in the Terminal:

   xattr -d com.apple.quarantine your-script-file

2. Re-signing the Script: Apple offers a way to sign scripts with a developer identity. This reassures the system that the file hasn’t been altered. A typical re-sign command might look like this:

   codesign -s "Developer ID Application: Your Name" --deep --force your-script-file

This fix can revive workflows without modifying their fundamental logic or compromising system security, as long as the scripts are trusted by the user.

The Impact on Productivity

Alfred users rely on workflows for launching apps, automating tasks, interacting with APIs, modifying files, or integrating with other apps like Fantastical, Spotify, and Notion. When these workflows break, it’s not just an inconvenience—it fundamentally alters how users interact with their Mac.

Many users report spending hours trying to diagnose workflow failures, unsure if the problem lies in Alfred, macOS, or the workflow’s code. Forums and GitHub issues swell with reports after each update, with frustrated users and helpful enthusiasts sharing temporary fixes.

Alfred’s Official Stance

Alfred’s developers are aware of the issue but note that the root cause is often outside the scope of their app. Alfred executes scripts responsibly and securely; however, it depends on the underlying macOS environment to execute those scripts correctly. When Apple changes permissions or enforcement behavior, Alfred cannot override those decisions.

The Alfred team often recommends users keep all workflows up to date and use safe scripting practices. However, widespread reliance on community-contributed workflows, many of which are no longer actively maintained, complicates this solution.

Managing Long-Term Stability

The script re-signing trick is ideal as a stopgap measure, but for users wanting a more permanent solution, here are a few suggestions:

• Use Automator or Shortcuts app integration: Apple’s native automation tools tend to be more compatible with macOS updates.
• Create or modify workflows with bundled, signed scripts: If you’re developing a workflow, sign your own scripts or create workflows that don’t depend on external binaries.
• Backup and test workflows after updates: Before installing major updates, test workflows on a secondary machine or virtual installation of macOS.
• Follow community forums: Sites like Alfred Forum, Reddit’s r/Alfred, and GitHub are invaluable for discovering up-to-date fixes and shared experiences.

Conclusion

When Alfred workflows fail post-macOS updates, the frustration is real—but not insurmountable. By understanding the security changes Apple introduces and applying the script re-signing trick, users can restore functionality and return to their productivity-driven workflows. As macOS continues to evolve, it’s likely that both users and developers will need to adapt, innovate, and exchange solutions just as proactively. The community-developed script workaround stands as a testament to user ingenuity in the face of increasing operating system lock-downs.

FAQ: Alfred Workflows and macOS Updates

Why do my Alfred workflows stop working after a macOS update?

Because macOS implements stricter security policies like quarantine, signed entitlements, and Gatekeeper checks, which can block scripts from running if they appear unsafe or unverified.

What types of workflows are most affected?

Workflows relying on AppleScript, shell scripts, Python, Ruby, or other scripting languages are most vulnerable to breaking after security-related macOS updates.

Is the script re-signing trick officially supported?

No, it’s a community-developed workaround. While effective, it’s not endorsed by Apple or officially supported by Alfred’s developers.

Can I prevent this issue proactively?

Yes. Stick to signed scripts, avoid using outdated workflows, and follow Alfred community channels to stay updated on compatible workflow practices.

Is re-signing safe?

If the script comes from a trusted source, re-signing it simply tells macOS to allow its execution. Always inspect code before executing or modifying system signatures.