It has always been challenging for users to install Apple’s operating system on non-Apple hardware, making it challenging to benefit from this sophisticated OS.
In this article, we’ll demonstrate how to set up macOS on a virtual computer.
You will require a machine with powerful enough components to run both Windows and macOS, as well as a compatible set of hardware.
What you’ll require
The first step is to download Oracle VM VirtualBox. Additionally, you’ll need an ISO image of the desired macOS version.
It’s considerably trickier to obtain an ISO than you may think. You won’t be able to download a copy of the OS you already have installed, even if you have access to a Mac.
Open the App Store website for the most recent macOS version, Monterey, regardless of the macOS version that your Mac is currently using, and download the installation there.
To install this APP file in VirtualBox, you will still need to convert it from an APP to a DMG and then from a DMG to an ISO.
Searching online for an ISO of the macOS version you want is a simpler but less secure approach.
Several websites offer these, but there is some risk involved with obtaining an ISO from an unreliable source.
However, you only need a very small bit of technical expertise for this. This is the preferred technique for gaining access to Apple applications because it is simpler.
How to Build a Mac OS Virtual Machine
Follow the installation wizard’s instructions to install VirtualBox on your Windows computer. To build a brand-new virtual computer, click “New.”
Name your virtual machine Monterey or whatever your macOS version is, for example. Then, select “Mac OS X” under Type and “Mac OS X (64-bit)” under Version.
Choose how much RAM your virtual computer will receive. Your virtual machine will run faster if you allot more RAM, but make sure you leave enough for your host OS.
Even though macOS Monterey only needs 8GB of RAM, it is advised that your system have at least 16GB of RAM to run both macOS and Windows smoothly.
Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and select “Create.”
Click “Next” while keeping “VDIdefault “‘s setting ticked.
Choose between a fixed-size and a dynamically allocated virtual hard disk. A drive that is dynamically allocated will begin small and increase in size when more capacity is required.
A fixed-size drive will immediately occupy the specified amount of physical hard drive space.
The size of your virtual hard disk is your choice. To complete creating your virtual computer, click “Create.”
Final configuration
Select your virtual machine, then select the “Settings” cog. Make sure “Floppy” is unchecked in the “Boot Order” options under “System” in the side menu.
This will guarantee that the Monterey disc image is used to boot your virtual computer. Make sure “Base Memory” is set to a sufficient value, preferably 2048MB.
Click on the “Processor” tab while you are in the “System” menu. At least two CPUs should be selected, and “Enable PAE/NX” should be turned on.
Go to the sidebar and choose the “Storage” menu. Click “Empty” under Storage Devices. Select your Monterey ISO file by clicking on the optical disk symbol in the top-right corner of the screen and making sure the “Use Host I/O cache” is turned on. To save the changes, click “OK.”
Set “Video Memory” to 128MB under the “Display” section, then click “OK” to save your changes.
Turn both “Audio Output” and “Audio Input” on after going to the audio area.
You must run the following tasks from a command line, PowerShell, or terminal in Linux or Windows with administrative rights before you can run macOS on a virtual machine. Be sure to close VirtualBox before attempting this.
Users of Windows should be able to utilize the following as is. For Linux users, each VBoxManage command must begin with “sudo,” and the location on the first line must be changed to reflect the location of VirtualBox as it is installed on your Linux distribution.
Reopen VirtualBox once more, begin your virtual machine by clicking the “Start” arrow, and then adhere to the installation instructions for macOS.
VirtualBox should now be set up with macOS. Simply start VirtualBox whenever you wish to use it and your virtual machine will be running. When finished, you may either shut down using your macOS virtual machine or close VirtualBox.
FAQ
What minimum requirements must my computer meet to run macOS Monterey?
Running macOS Monterey on your Windows computer will require a decent amount of processing power. Because macOS is run natively on Macs, it may be run with less processing power.
You’ll need a lot more power for your computer. Only if your computer has a strong quad-core processor and at least 16GB of RAM should you think of installing macOS Monterey.
Is it legal to use VirtualBox to run macOS on Windows?
Apple’s operating systems are restricted to being used only on hardware manufactured by Apple, as stated in their legal terms and conditions.
This implies that even if you are using the ISO image from your own Mac, running macOS on Windows is technically prohibited. On a Mac, you can however use VirtualBox to run macOS lawfully.
Do you have any concerns about running macOS in VirtualBox?
There are a huge variety of possible system configurations, and not all of them may be compatible with macOS, which is the issue with operating macOS on a PC.
The Intel 10th Gen chipset is the best processor series for running macOS on a Windows computer.
However, they can have troubles with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other system components and peripherals. Other chipsets will also function.
Final thought
From our guide of today, it is not that hard to install macOS in a virtual box. Just follow the steps that we have highlighted above and you will greatly be successful.
If you have any questions or would like some clarifications, then comment below and we will get back to you.
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