Apple has always made it hard to install its operating system on non-Apple hardware, making it hard to take advantage of the benefits of this refined OS. Here we will show you how to install macOS in a virtual machine. You will need a compatible set of hardware, along with a system with powerful enough components to run both Windows and macOS.

CONTENT
What You’ll Need
How to Create Your macOS Virtual Machine
Final Configuration
Frequently Asked Questions

First, you’ll need to download a copy of Oracle VM VirtualBox. You’ll also need an ISO image of the macOS version you want to install.

Getting hold of an ISO is actually more difficult than you might expect. Even if you have access to a Mac, you won’t be able to download a copy of the OS you already have installed. Regardless of the macOS version your Mac is running, open the App Store page of the latest macOS version – Monterey – and download the installer from there. You will still need to convert this APP file to a DMG and then convert it from a DMG to an ISO in order to be able to install it in VirtualBox.

An easier but also less secure option is to search for an ISO of your desired version of macOS online. There are plenty of sites that have them, but downloading an ISO from an unofficial site does come with a level of risk. However, the amount of technical knowledge you need for this is way less. This is an easier, and hence preferred, method for getting access to Apple software.