Install macOS on Windows 10/11 Using VirtualBox (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to install macOS on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine using VirtualBox. By following these instructions, you'll be able to run macOS on your PC without any cost. This guide covers system preparation, software installation, and the macOS installation process itself.

Step 1: Prepare Your Windows System

Before installing macOS, you need to ensure your Windows system is ready.

• Disable Windows Memory Integrity:

  1. Open the Start menu and type "Windows Security".
  2. Navigate to "Device security".
  3. Click on "Core isolation details".
  4. Toggle off "Memory integrity".

• Disable Hyper-V:

  1. Open the Start menu and type "Turn Windows features on or off".
  2. Uncheck "Hyper-V" and click OK.
  3. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Step 2: Download Required Software

You will need to download VirtualBox and the macOS ISO image.

• Download VirtualBox:

  • Go to the VirtualBox Download Page and download the latest version for Windows.

• Download macOS ISO:

  • Visit the macOS ISO Download Link to obtain the macOS image file.

Step 3: Install VirtualBox

Once you have downloaded VirtualBox, follow these steps to install it.

1. Locate the downloaded VirtualBox installer and double-click to run it.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Once installed, launch VirtualBox.

Step 4: Set Up a Virtual Machine

Now it's time to create a virtual machine for macOS.

1. In VirtualBox, click on "New".
2. Name your virtual machine (e.g., "macOS"), and select "Mac OS X" as the type and the appropriate version (e.g., "macOS 64-bit").
3. Allocate memory (RAM) – at least 4GB (4096 MB) is recommended.
4. Choose "Create a virtual hard disk now" and click "Create".
5. Select "VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)" and click "Next".
6. Choose "Dynamically allocated" and click "Next".
7. Set the size of the virtual hard disk (a minimum of 40GB is recommended) and click "Create".

Step 5: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

Adjust the VM settings to ensure optimal performance.

1. With the VM selected, click on "Settings".
2. Under the "System" tab, uncheck "Floppy" in the boot order.
3. Go to the "Processor" tab and allocate at least 2 CPUs.
4. Under the "Display" tab, increase the video memory to at least 128MB.
5. Go to the "Storage" tab, click on the empty CD icon, and then click on the CD icon next to "Optical Drive".
6. Select "Choose a disk file" and locate your downloaded macOS ISO.

Step 6: Start the Installation

You are now ready to install macOS.

1. Click "Start" to launch the virtual machine.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to format your virtual hard drive using Disk Utility:
   • Select "Disk Utility" from the Utilities menu.
   • Choose "View" and select "Show All Devices".
   • Select the virtual disk, click "Erase", and format it as "APFS".
3. After formatting, exit Disk Utility and select "Install macOS".
4. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed macOS on your Windows machine using VirtualBox. Key points to remember include preparing your Windows system by disabling certain features, downloading the necessary software, and following the installation steps carefully.

Next, you can explore macOS and install any applications you need to make the most out of your new virtual environment. Enjoy your macOS experience!