Step-by-Step Guide to Installing MacOS on VMware Workstation Pro for Windows Users
If you don’t have access to a Mac yet wish to explore Apple’s desktop operating system without charge, utilizing a workstation can be a practical alternative. By installing VMware Workstation Pro on your Windows machine, you can effortlessly set up macOS as a virtual workstation. Follow these steps to get started with the installation process.
Setting Up macOS on VMware Workstation Pro for Windows
Before diving in, ensure that you have VMware Workstation Pro installed on your Windows PC. There are no charges involved, and the installation process is quick and straightforward. Once you have it set up, follow the steps below to install macOS on your Windows system.
Step 1: Unlock macOS for VMware Workstation
By default, VMware Workstation does not support running macOS as a virtual machine. However, you can use a specific unlocker tool that can be downloaded from GitHub to enable this feature.
- macOS Unlocker for VMware Workstation | Download Link
Step 1.1: Visit the link provided, click on Code, and choose Download ZIP.
Step 1.2: Right-click on the downloaded ZIP file and select Extract.
Step 1.3: Run win-install.cmd from the extracted files.
This step will allow you to install macOS on VMware Workstation.
Step 2: Obtain a macOS ISO File
Your next step is to acquire the ISO file of your desired macOS version. While obtaining this through official Apple channels means downloading a DMG installation file from a Mac, various websites provide ISO files for nearly every macOS version. You can search for specific versions at sites like Internet Archive, or explore repositories on GitHub.
Which macOS Version is Suitable for a Virtual Machine?
For optimal performance, especially if your system has less than 16GB of RAM, it’s advisable to use an older macOS version. macOS Catalina from 2019 should serve you well. Versions like Big Sur and Monterey are also viable options, but it’s best to avoid newer iterations like Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia due to compatibility concerns. Running heavy-duty macOS versions in a virtual environment is generally not recommended; a Mac would be more reliable for demanding tasks.
Step 3: Set Up a New Virtual Workstation
After securing your macOS ISO, follow these instructions to create a new virtual workstation.
Step 3.1: Launch VMware Workstation Pro and click on Create a New Virtual Machine.
Step 3.2: Choose Typical and click Next.
Step 3.3: Click on Browse.
Step 3.4: Locate the downloaded ISO file, select it, and click Open.
Step 3.5: Hit Next.
Step 3.6: Select Apple macOS, then choose the appropriate Version for your ISO. Click Next.
Step 3.7: Name your virtual machine and, if needed, change the default location by clicking Browse.
Step 3.8: Choose the desired folder for your virtual machine and click OK.
Step 3.9: Select Next.
Step 3.10: Set the disk size (it’s advisable to allocate slightly more than the recommended size) and click Next.
Step 3.11: Click on Customize Hardware.
Step 3.12: Allocate RAM to your virtual machine and then click on Close.
Step 3.13: Click Finish.
Step 3.14: Wait for the appearance of the Apple logo.
Step 3.15: Select your preferred language.
Step 4: Format the Virtual Disk
Before installing macOS, it is necessary to format the virtual disk.
Step 4.1: In the macOS Utilities window, click on Disk Utility, then select Continue.
Step 4.2: Select your VMware Virtual SATA Hard Drive Media and click Erase.
Step 4.3: Name your virtual drive and click Erase.
Step 4.4: After the erasure is completed, click Done.
Step 4.5: Select Disk Utility from the top-left corner, then click on Quit Disk Utility.
Step 5: Install macOS
Step 5.1: On the macOS Utilities page, choose Install macOS and hit Continue.
Step 5.2: Hit Continue.
Step 5.3: Click Agree.
Step 5.4: Select the formatted virtual disk and click Install.
Step 5.5: Allow macOS to install.
Step 6: Configure Your macOS
It’s time to set up your macOS in the virtual machine.
Step 6.1: Choose your region and then click Continue.
Step 6.2: Click Continue through the subsequent screens.
Step 6.3: On the Sign in screen, select Set Up Later.
Step 6.4: Click Skip.
Step 6.5: Click Agree.
Step 6.6: Give your machine a name, input an account name, set a password, and click Continue.
Step 6.7: Click Continue on the following prompts.
Step 6.8: Choose your desired appearance.
Step 6.9: Congratulations! Your macOS virtual machine is now fully operational.
Step 7: Install VMware Tools for macOS
For optimal performance regarding peripherals and display, installing VMware Tools is recommended. However, it should be installed manually in the macOS virtual machine. Follow these steps to do so:
- VMware Tools packages for macOS | Download Link
Step 7.1: Go to the link, and sign in with your Broadcom account (the same one you used for VMware Workstation Pro). Check the box next to I agree to the Terms and Conditions, then click on the download icon for VMware Tools packages for macOS.
(A helpful user on Reddit has also shared archived VMware Tools for macOS, in case you don’t have Broadcom account details.)
Step 7.2: Save the ZIP file to an accessible location.
Step 7.3: Extract the ZIP file contents.
Step 7.4: Now, in VMware Workstation, click on VM > Removable Devices > CD/DVD (SATA) > Settings.
Step 7.5: Click on Browse.
Step 7.6: Find and select the extracted darwin.iso file, then click Open.
Step 7.7: Click OK.
Note: If you encounter an error message, right-click the macOS install icon on your desktop and select Eject, then restart the process.
Step 7.8: Navigate to VM > Removable Devices > CD/DVD (SATA) > Connect.
Step 7.9: This will launch the VMware Tools installer. Double-click on Install VMware Tools.
Step 7.10: Hit Continue.
Step 7.11: Click on Continue Installation.
Step 7.12: Input your password and choose Install Software.
Step 7.13: If prompted about installation being blocked, correct it by going to Open Security Preferences.
Step 7.14: In the General tab, click the Lock icon at the bottom.
Step 7.15: Enter your password and click Unlock.
Step 7.16: Click Allow.
Step 7.17: Select Restart.
Step 7.18: After the system restarts, install VMware Tools one more time.
Step 7.19: Lastly, click Restart once more.
Step 7.20: Post-restart, you will enjoy enhanced resolution and improved experience with peripherals like your mouse and keyboard.
Running macOS in a virtual machine may not be a full-fledged Hackintosh experience, yet it allows you to sample macOS and explore its features. For more intensive tasks, investing in an actual Mac would be advisable.
We trust that this guide has been useful in assisting you to install macOS on VMware Workstation Pro within Windows 11.
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