Installing macOS on a virtual machine can be a great option for those who want to test out the latest features of the operating system without committing to a full installation on their physical hardware. VirtualBox is a popular virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install macOS in VirtualBox.
Before we begin, it is important to note that installing macOS on a virtual machine violates Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA). While it is technically possible to run macOS on non-Apple hardware using VirtualBox, it is not recommended or officially supported by Apple. Proceed at your own risk.
Requirements:
1. A MacBook or iMac with access to the Mac App Store
2. A Windows or Linux PC with at least 4GB of RAM and a dual-core processor
3. VirtualBox (download from https://www.virtualbox.org/)
4. macOS Mojave or later installer file downloaded from the Mac App Store
Step 1: Enable Virtualization in BIOS
Before you can install macOS in VirtualBox, you will need to make sure that virtualization is enabled in your computer’s BIOS. This will allow VirtualBox to run virtual machines on your system. To check if virtualization is enabled, restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings. Look for an option related to virtualization (e.g. Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and make sure it is enabled.
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
Download and install VirtualBox from the official website. The installation process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes. Once VirtualBox is installed, launch the program to create a new virtual machine.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
Click on the “New” button to create a new virtual machine. Enter a name for the virtual machine (e.g. macOS), choose “Mac OS X” as the type, and select the version of macOS you want to install. For macOS Mojave or later, select “Mac OS X (64-bit)”.
Step 4: Configure Virtual Machine Settings
Adjust the settings of the virtual machine to meet your needs. Allocate at least 4GB of RAM, select “Create a virtual hard disk now”, and choose “VDI” as the hard disk file type. Choose either “Dynamically allocated” or “Fixed size” for the storage and set the size to at least 40GB.
Step 5: Install macOS on the Virtual Machine
Insert the macOS installer file you downloaded from the Mac App Store into the virtual optical drive. Start the virtual machine and follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS. You may encounter errors during the installation process, but with some troubleshooting and patience, you should be able to successfully install macOS on the virtual machine.
Step 6: Customize macOS Settings
Once macOS is installed, you can customize the settings of the virtual machine to improve performance and functionality. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions to enable features such as shared folders, seamless mouse integration, and better display resolution.
In conclusion, installing macOS in VirtualBox can be a fun and educational experience for those who want to explore the macOS ecosystem without investing in Apple hardware. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a virtual machine running macOS on your Windows or Linux PC. Just remember to proceed with caution and understand the limitations of running macOS on non-Apple hardware.
