Are you planning to buy a macOS but wondering how to try it before buying the device? In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing macOS in VirtualBox on Windows.
Buying a Mac is quite expensive; however, you can try using Mac-specific apps on a Windows PC. However, one can install macOS on a virtual machine on a PC without buying a MAC.
To learn the entire installation process, keep on reading.
Without any further ado, let’s get started:
What Is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software. It helps run multiple operating systems like Windows, Linux, or macOS besides your host OS.
To install macOS in VirtualBox, you need:
- A computer with storage and processing power.
- A compatible virtualisation software, eg, VirtualBox.
- The ISO file for macOS.
- A reliable internet connection.
Installing MacOS in VirtualBox on Windows
To download and install VirtualBox on Windows, follow the steps written below:
- Visit the official VirtualBox website.
- Download the Windows host package.
- Follow on-screen instructions.
- Download the VirtualBox Extension Pack from the VirtualBox website. Install it by following the on-screen instructions.
- Open the VirtualBox GUI
- Click the Preferences icon.
- Navigate to Extensions.
- Click on the + icon to add a new extension.
- Locate the extension pack from the computer you’ve already installed.
- On completing the steps, it will be seen as ‘Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack.’
How To Install macOS Sierra on VirtualBox
To download and install macOS Sierra on VirtualBox, follow the steps shared here:
- On Mac, you can download it by navigating to the macOS Sequoia listing.
- You can find it on Mac’s App Store.
- Click on the Get button.
- Download the macOS Sequoia.
- Do not install it on your Mac.
- Launch the terminal app on your Mac.
- Next, paste, sudo hdiutil create -o /Users/yourusername/Desktop/Sequoia -size 16000m -volname Sequoia -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J.
- Replace “username” with your Mac username, and tap on Return.
- The DMG file for Sequoia will be seen on your desktop.
- Right-click on the DMG file.
- Click on Open with.
- Tap on Disk Image Mounter and mount the disk image.
- Type sudo in the Terminal.
- Locate the macOS Sequoia in your Applications folder.
- Right-click on it.
- Tap on Show Package Contents.
- Drag Create install media file into the terminal.
- Check the file path listed after sudo..
- Enter -volume after the file path.
- Drag the DMG from the desktop into Terminal.
- Tap on Return.
- Use Finder sidebar to eject the mounted DMG.
- Type hdutil convert in the Terminal.
- Pull the DMG from the desktop into the window.
- Paste -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/Sequoia in the Terminal.
- Tap on Return.
- Paste mv -v ~/Desktop/Sequoia.cdr ~/Desktop/Sequoia.iso and click on Return.
- You will then have an ISO for macOS Sequoia.
- Transfer it to your device where you wish to set up macOS in VirtualBox.
How to Install macOS in VirtualBox
- Download VirtualBox to your Device
- Go to the VirtualBox downloads page.
- Tap on the link that is the same as your computer’s OS.
- Install VirtualBox on your device by following the onscreen instructions.
- Launch VirtualBox. Tap on the New button.
- Name your VM, select “Mac OS X” as the type, and “Mac OS X (64-bit)” as the version.
- Assign 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended) and 2 CPU cores.
Create a Virtual Hard Disk:
Create a virtual hard disk and dedicate at least 35GB (128GB or more recommended) of space. Click “Finish”.
- Adjust virtual machine settings
- Access Settings: Select your VM and click “Settings”.
- System and Display: In “System,” uncheck “Floppy” and set “Chipset” to “ICH9”.
- For “Display,” assign at least 128MB of video memory.
- Enable “3D Acceleration” and click on OK.
Network and USB:
- Under Network, set Adapter 2 to Bridged and select your Wi-Fi card.
- In USB, select USB 3.0 (xHCI) Controller. Click OK to save.
- Quit VirtualBox completely and Open Command Prompt.
- Navigate to the VirtualBox installation directory (cd “C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\”).
- Execute specific commands based on your processor (Intel or AMD) to enable macOS compatibility.
- The commands can be found in online guides eg, wikiHow or SYSNETTECH Solutions.
Install macOS
- Start the VM and Use Disk Utility:
- Reopen VirtualBox and start your VM.
- In the macOS installer, select your language.
- Next, choose “Disk Utility”.
Format the Drive:
- Select “VBOX HARDDISK Media,” click “Erase,” give the drive a name, and click “Erase” again. Quit Disk Utility.
- Select “Install macOS and tap on Continue.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select the formatted drive and click “Continue”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the installation.
- Post-installation (optional)
- Install VirtualBox Guest Additions.
- Boot into macOS.
- In the VirtualBox UI, navigate to Devices and Then Insert the Guest Additions CD image.
- Open the CD image on macOS.
- Run VBoxDarwinAdditions.pkg and follow the instructions, granting necessary permissions.
Running macOS on a non-Apple device via VirtualBox may not be officially supported by Apple. Therefore, consult reliable resources for guidance.