Want to run macOS apps but only have a Windows PC? You don’t need to buy an expensive Mac.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to install macOS inside VirtualBox on a Windows computer. This allows you to test macOS, run Mac-exclusive apps, and explore Apple’s ecosystem safely inside a virtual machine.
This method works on Intel and AMD processors and does not touch your Windows installation.
📥 Required Downloads (Official Links)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
- 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended)
- Intel or AMD processor with virtualization enabled
- 100GB free disk space
- VirtualBox installed
- macOS ISO file
Step 1 — Disable Hyper-V
Windows Hyper-V conflicts with VirtualBox. You must disable it.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off
Restart your PC after running the command.
Step 2 — Install VirtualBox
Install VirtualBox normally using the official installer.
After installation, install the VirtualBox Extension Pack by double-clicking the downloaded file.
Step 3 — Create macOS Virtual Machine
Open VirtualBox and click New.
- Name: macOS
- Type: Mac OS X
- Version: Mac OS X 64-bit
Allocate at least:
- 4GB RAM minimum (8GB+ recommended)
- 2 CPU cores minimum
- 100GB virtual disk (recommended)
Click Finish.
Step 4 — VM Settings
Open VM Settings and configure:
- System → Enable EFI
- Chipset → ICH9
- Display → 128MB video memory
- Enable 3D acceleration
- USB → USB 3.0 controller
- Storage → attach macOS ISO
Step 5 — Patch Virtual Machine
Close VirtualBox completely.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Navigate to VirtualBox folder:
cd "C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\"
Then run the patch commands for your CPU.
Intel Processor
VBoxManage.exe modifyvm "macOS" --cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff VBoxManage setextradata "macOS" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct" "iMac19,3" VBoxManage setextradata "macOS" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey" "ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc"
AMD Processor
VBoxManage.exe modifyvm "macOS" --cpu-profile "Intel Core i7-6700K" VBoxManage setextradata "macOS" "VBoxInternal/TM/TSCMode" "RealTSCOffset"
Step 6 — Install macOS
Start the virtual machine.
When installer opens:
- Open Disk Utility
- Erase virtual disk
- Format as APFS
- Install macOS Big Sur
Installation takes 30–40 minutes and will reboot several times.
Step 7 — Increase Resolution (Optional)
Power off VM and run:
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS" VBoxInternal2/EfiGraphicsResolution 1920x1080 VBoxManage modifyvm "macOS" --vram 256
You can choose different resolutions:
- 1280×720 (HD)
- 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- 2560×1440 (QHD)
- 3840×2160 (4K)
Performance Tips
- Allocate more RAM if available
- Use SSD storage
- Enable 3D acceleration
- Increase CPU cores
- Keep Windows background apps minimal
FAQs
Will this erase Windows?
No. It runs inside a virtual machine.
Does it work on AMD?
Yes. Patch commands included.
Is it safe?
Yes. Uses VirtualBox sandboxing.
Can I install apps?
Yes. macOS App Store works normally.
Final Result
You now have a fully working macOS virtual machine running inside Windows.
This lets you test Mac apps, develop software, and explore macOS without buying Apple hardware.
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