Alex Ruben
Installing MacOS on VirtualBox in Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide will provide you with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to install and run MacOS on your Windows 10 or 11 system using VirtualBox. Whether you want to test MacOS features or use specific Mac applications, this tutorial covers everything you need to know to set up your virtual machine successfully.
Step 1: Download the Required Software
Before starting with the installation, you need to download the necessary software:
- VirtualBox: Download the appropriate version from here. If version 7.0.22 is unavailable, you can download it using this alternative link: here.
- MacOS ISO Image: Download the MacOS ISO image from this link.
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
Once you have downloaded VirtualBox, install it by following these steps:
- Locate the downloaded file and double-click it to start the installation.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Click Next until the installation is complete.
- Launch VirtualBox after installation finishes.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
To create a new virtual machine, follow these instructions:
- In VirtualBox, click on New to start the virtual machine setup.
- Enter a name for the virtual machine (e.g., “MacOS”) and select Mac OS X as the type, and Mac OS X (64-bit) as the version.
- Allocate memory (RAM) for your virtual machine. A minimum of 4GB is recommended.
- Select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
- Choose the VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) format and then click Next.
- Set the storage to be dynamically allocated and choose an appropriate size (at least 40GB), then click Create.
Step 4: Configure VM Settings
After creating the virtual machine, adjust the settings:
- Right-click on your newly created VM and select Settings.
- Under the System tab, uncheck the box for Floppy Disk in the Boot Order section.
- Go to the Processor tab and ensure at least 2 processors are allocated. Enable Enable PAE/NX.
- In the Display section, increase the Video Memory to a minimum of 128MB.
- Under the Storage tab, click on Empty, then click the disk icon next to Optical Drive and choose Choose a disk file. Select your downloaded MacOS ISO image.
Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine
Once the VM is configured, start it:
- Click on Start in VirtualBox.
- The MacOS installation process will begin. Follow the prompts to install MacOS as you would on a physical Mac.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some tips to enhance your setup:
- Ensure your hardware supports virtualization and that it is enabled in your BIOS settings.
- If you encounter performance issues, consider increasing allocated RAM and CPU cores in your VM settings.
- Check for available updates for VirtualBox regularly.
- For troubleshooting, confirm that your MacOS ISO is not corrupted and is compatible with the VirtualBox version you are using.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully installed MacOS on VirtualBox running on Windows 10/11. This setup allows you to experiment with MacOS features and applications without needing a dedicated Apple machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run MacOS on a Windows system for free?
Yes, by using VirtualBox, you can run MacOS on your Windows system at no cost, provided you own a legitimate copy of MacOS.
What are the hardware requirements for running MacOS on VirtualBox?
It is recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, and sufficient disk space for the virtual machine.
Is it legal to install MacOS on VirtualBox?
Legally, MacOS is intended to run only on Apple hardware, but many users utilize it in a virtualized environment for personal use. Be sure to understand the license agreements involved.