Level 1 (5 points)

Problem with Automator Services under macOS 27

Since macOS 27 and macOS 27.0.1 the Services that I have created using Automator to perform specific tasks are no longer working because WorkflowServiceRunner does not have Accessibility access.

For example, my Service in Automator using AppleScript to invoke the "Move message to" submenu in Mail:

on run
	tell application "System Events"
		--		macOS 27:
		click menu button 2 of toolbar 1 of window 1 of application process "Mail"
		
	end tell
end run

This runs fine when executed from Automator but when invoked as a Service it produces an error:

Granting App Management access to WorkflowServiceRunner and/or my Service script does not resolve the issue.

Any tips on how to proceed?

Ernst ***

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 1, 2026 1:33 AM

6 replies

neuroanatomist

Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 1, 2026 5:57 AM in response to Ernst Mulder

The category for the settings that were available on macOS Tahoe in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility have been re-named as Device Control and Data Access. in macOS Golden Gate.

Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Control and Data Access, click the (+) button and add WorkflowServiceRunner or your Service script.

Add WorkflowServiceRunner in System Settings

Copy the exact system path below to your clipboard:

/System/Library/Frameworks/AppKit.framework/Versions/C/XPCServices/WorkflowServiceRunner.xpc/Contents/MacOS/WorkflowServiceRunner

Open the Apple Menu > System Settings.
Scroll down the sidebar and select Privacy & Security.
Click on Device Control and Data Access in the right pane.
Scroll to the bottom of the allowed applications list and click the "+" (Add) button.
When the file selector dialog box appears, press Command + Shift + G on your keyboard to bring up the "Go to Folder" search bar.
Paste the copied path into the input field and press Enter.
Click Open to add it, and ensure the toggle switch next to WorkflowServiceRunner is turned ON

VikingOSX

Level 10 (131,878 points)

Oct 23, 2026 11:18 AM in response to Ernst Mulder

What is your Workflow receive ____ in Mail set to in your Automator Service? There is no specific recipient format for an Email message entry in the Mail application. I have recreated your Service (even with no input) and get that error dialog from Mail's Service menu. Uncertain how to fix that after spending time in System Settings > Privacy & Security to no avail.

However, this Quick Action done in the Apple Shortcuts application does trigger the Mail Move To menu and does not produce any alert dialog for me.

Download Shortcut

You will need to add the Apple Shortcuts app to System Settings > Device Control and Data Access and Full Disk Access to name a couple. You can can click on that Add Keyboard Shortcut link to add that capability providing it is a distinct keyboard shortcut.

VikingOSX

Level 10 (131,878 points)

Oct 23, 2026 5:43 AM in response to Ernst Mulder

My Automator entry in Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Control and Data Access panel was disabled, and consequently, I was able to reproduce your alert dialog when running the code as an Automator application.

Once I enabled Automator in the above, and changed your AppleScript code, I was able to successfully run the Automator application and trigger the drop down menu on the Mail Move To menu item.

Tested: macOS 27.0.1

Since these are English language hosted communities in the U.S., it would benefit you to translate the Dutch alert dialog into English before posting it here. This is simple to do by using Quick Look on that dialog image and translating it.

PaintedBunting123

Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 22, 2026 10:38 PM in response to Ernst Mulder

I am having the same issue, and also added WorkflowServiceRunner as described with no change to the system behavior. I also added terminal just in case.

For me, I didn't give WorkflowServiceRunner access initially to my downloads folder when prompted, and now my quick actions don't work. When prompted I gave access to the desktop folder, and they work fine there. Have been unable to figure out a fix for this. This is extremely frustrating-- you should be re-prompted about this instead of only having one chance to answer.

Ernst Mulder Author

Level 1 (5 points)

Oct 23, 2026 8:04 AM in response to VikingOSX

Yes, then it works from Automator, but when you save a script as a Service and run it either from the Services menu or using a key combo you get the error again.

So yes, I can have Automator select the Menu Item in Mail, but not when the same script is run as a Service.

Never a problem before Golden Gate.

Ernst Mulder Author

Level 1 (5 points)

Oct 2, 2026 2:16 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately that doesn't help either. I even tried adding Mail but the same error keeps popping up.

Ernst.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256368349