Comprehensive Guide to Installing macOS on VMware Workstation Pro for Windows Users

Step 1: Enable macOS Functionality in VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation does not naturally support macOS installations. To enable this feature, you need a special unlocker tool, available for download.

• macOS Unlocker for VMware Workstation | Download Link

Step 1.1: Visit the provided link, select Code, and click Download ZIP.

Step 1.2: Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and choose Extract.

Step 1.3: Execute win-install.cmd from the extracted files to start the unlocking process.

Step 2: Acquire a macOS ISO File

Next, you’ll need the ISO file of the macOS version you wish to install. While the official method is to download a DMG from a Mac, many websites offer ISO versions of various macOS builds. You can find specific versions on platforms like Internet Archive or browse GitHub repositories.

Which macOS Version is Best for Virtualization?

For optimal performance on a system with less than 16GB of RAM, consider using older versions such as macOS Catalina (2019) or even Big Sur. Avoid the latest releases like Ventura and Sequoia due to potential compatibility issues. Always choose a version suitable for your hardware’s capabilities.

Step 3: Create Your Virtual Workstation

With your macOS ISO ready, proceed to set up the virtual workstation.

Step 3.1: Open VMware Workstation Pro and select Create a New Virtual Machine.

Step 3.2: Opt for Typical and click Next.

Step 3.3: Click Browse to locate your ISO file.

Step 3.4: Select the downloaded ISO and click Open.

Step 3.5: Proceed by clicking Next.

Step 3.6: Choose Apple macOS and select the appropriate Version for your ISO. Hit Next.

Step 3.7: Name your virtual machine; change the default location if necessary by clicking Browse.

Step 3.8: Pick the desired directory for your virtual machine and click OK.

Step 3.9: Click Next to continue.

Step 3.10: Set the disk size; allocating a bit more than the recommendation is wise. Click Next.

Step 3.11: Click on Customize Hardware.

Step 3.12: Allocate RAM to your virtual machine and then click Close.

Step 3.13: Click Finish to wrap up setup.

Step 3.14: Wait for the Apple logo to appear on the screen.

Step 3.15: Choose your language from the options provided.

Step 4: Prepare the Virtual Disk

Before the macOS installation, it’s crucial to format your virtual disk.

Step 4.1: In the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.

Step 4.2: Click on your VMware Virtual SATA Hard Drive Media and select Erase.

Step 4.3: Name your virtual drive and hit Erase.

Step 4.4: After erasure is complete, click Done.

Step 4.5: Go to Disk Utility in the top-left corner and select Quit Disk Utility.

Step 5: Proceed with Installing macOS

Step 5.1: Select Install macOS on the Utilities page and then click Continue.

Step 5.2: Hit Continue once more.

Step 5.3: Click Agree to the terms.

Step 5.4: Choose the formatted virtual disk and hit Install.

Step 5.5: Allow time for macOS to complete the installation process.

Step 6: Finalize Your macOS Configuration

It’s time to set up the macOS in your virtual machine.

Step 6.1: Choose your region and click Continue.

Step 6.2: Click through the subsequent screens by selecting Continue.

Step 6.3: On the Sign in screen, choose Set Up Later.

Step 6.4: Hit Skip to bypass the sign-in process.

Step 6.5: Click Agree to the terms of service.

Step 6.6: Enter your machine’s name, account details, and password, then click Continue.

Step 6.7: Click Continue across the following prompts as they appear.

Step 6.8: Choose your preferred visual style for macOS.

Step 6.9: Congratulations! Your macOS virtual machine is now live and fully functional.

Step 7: Install VMware Tools to Enhance Performance

To maximize functionality regarding peripherals and display settings, it’s essential to install VMware Tools within your macOS virtual machine manually.

• VMware Tools packages for macOS | Download Link

Step 7.1: Visit the provided link, log in with your Broadcom credentials, and check the acceptance box for I agree to the Terms and Conditions. Click the download icon for the VMware Tools packages.

(A helpful user on Reddit also offers archived VMware Tools, if you lack Broadcom account details.)

Step 7.2: Save the downloaded ZIP file to a location you can easily access.

Step 7.3: Extract the contents from the ZIP file.

Step 7.4: In VMware Workstation, navigate to VM > Removable Devices > CD/DVD (SATA) > Settings.

Step 7.5: Click on Browse.

Step 7.6: Locate and select the extracted darwin.iso file, then click Open.

Step 7.7: Confirm by clicking OK.

Note: If you encounter an error notification, right-click on the macOS install icon on your desktop and select Eject, then restart the process.

Step 7.8: Go back to VM > Removable Devices > CD/DVD (SATA) > Connect to launch the VMware Tools installer.

Step 7.9: Start the installation by double-clicking Install VMware Tools.

Step 7.10: Press Continue to progress.

Step 7.11: Select Continue Installation to confirm the procedure.

Step 7.12: Enter your password and choose Install Software.

Step 7.13: If an installation block is encountered, navigate to Open Security Preferences to rectify the issue.

Step 7.14: In the General tab, click the Lock icon.

Step 7.15: Input your password and press Unlock.

Step 7.16: Click Allow to approve the installation.

Step 7.17: Select Restart to reboot your virtual machine.

Step 7.18: Once your system restarts, proceed to install VMware Tools again.

Step 7.19: Click Restart one final time.

Step 7.20: After the restart, you will notice improved resolution and enhanced performance with your peripherals, such as keyboard and mouse.

Can I run macOS on any Windows PC?

Is it legal to run macOS on VMware?

What features may not work in a virtualized environment?