AutoBrew

Install Homebrew as root for mass deployment on a Mac fleet — compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon, Jamf Pro, and direct CLI.

Based on kennyb-222/AutoBrew, rewritten for modern macOS.

Disclaimer: Running Homebrew as root is not officially supported. This script patches the root check at install time and is intended for managed/MDM environments only.

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Usage

Direct CLI:

sudo /bin/bash /path/to/AutoBrew.sh
# or with a specific user:
sudo /bin/bash /path/to/AutoBrew.sh "username"

Jamf Pro: deploy the script — the target user is read from parameter $3 (Jamf convention). If omitted, the script detects the currently logged-in console user automatically.

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What it does

1. Detects architecture → sets Homebrew prefix (/opt/homebrew on Apple Silicon, /usr/local on Intel)
2. Validates the target user via dscl
3. Downloads and patches Homebrew's install script (bypasses root check, disables interactive prompts via NONINTERACTIVE=1)
4. Fixes ownership so the target user — not root — owns the Homebrew install
5. Runs brew update, brew cleanup, and brew doctor as the target user; auto-applies any remediation commands suggested by doctor

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Requirements

• macOS (Intel or Apple Silicon)
• Must be run as root (sudo)
• Target user must exist and be a valid local account