How to Run macOS on Windows 11 in a Virtual Machine

Many Windows users often wish to try macOS—whether to test software, explore Apple’s ecosystem, or simply experiment with the macOS interface without buying a Mac. Fortunately, you can run macOS on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC using a virtual machine (VM). It won’t replace a real Mac, but it gives you a functional macOS environment right on your PC.

Since you’re here reading this guide, we’re guessing you want to install macOS on a virtual machine to explore apps like Xcode, experience the macOS interface, or test compatibility. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to run macOS safely and smoothly in a VM on Windows.

Important Warning Before You Begin

Apple’s licensing agreement restricts macOS to Apple hardware. Running macOS on a non-Apple machine is technically against Apple’s EULA.
This guide is strictly for educational and testing purposes.

System Requirements

Before you install macOS in a VM, make sure your system meets the minimum specs:

Hardware Requirements

• A PC with Intel or AMD CPU (Quad-core recommended)
• At least 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended)
• At least 60GB of free storage
• BIOS/UEFI with VT-x or AMD-V enabled
• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)

Software Requir

1. Run macOS on Windows Using VMware

VMware gives the smoothest macOS VM experience with better graphics support and stability compared to VirtualBox.

Install VMware Workstation Player

1. Visit the official VMware website.
2. Download VMware Workstation Player (free for personal use).
3. Install the program normally.

Enable macOS Support in VMware Using Unlocker

VMware does not natively show macOS as a guest OS unless unlocked.

1. Download macOS Unlocker for VMware (search “VMware Unlocker GitHub”).
2. Extract the ZIP folder.
3. Right-click win-install.cmd → Run as administrator.
4. Let the script patch VMware to add macOS support.

When done, restart your PC.

Create a New macOS Virtual Machine

1. Open VMware → Click Create a New Virtual Machine.
2. Choose I will install the OS later.
3. Select: Apple macOS X
4. Choose your macOS version (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, etc.).
5. Allocate your VM:

Recommended VM Settings:

• CPU: 4 cores
• RAM: 8GB (minimum), 16GB for Xcode
• Disk: 60GB or more
• Network: NAT
• Graphics: Accelerated graphics + 2GB VRAM

Attach the macOS ISO or VMDK

Depending on your macOS image:

ISO:

• Go to CD/DVD (SATA) → Browse → Select macOS ISO.

VMDK:

• Replace VMware’s default disk with the macOS VMDK file:
  1. Remove the default hard disk.
  2. Add → Hard Disk → SATA → Use existing disk → Select VMDK.

Edit the VM Configuration (Critical Step)

Before starting the VM:

1. Go to your VM’s folder.
2. Open the .vmx file in Notepad.
3. Add this line at the bottom:

smc.version = "0"

This fixes boot issues.

Save and close the file.

Start the macOS Virtual Machine

1. Click Play Virtual Machine.
2. macOS installer should load.
3. Open Disk Utility → Erase the VM disk (APFS + GUID).
4. Continue installation.
5. Follow on-screen prompts to finish setup.

After installation, macOS will reboot into the Welcome screen.

2. Run macOS on Windows Using VirtualBox

VirtualBox is free and flexible, but performance isn’t as smooth as VMware.

Install VirtualBox

1. Download VirtualBox from Oracle’s website.
2. Install it and open the program.

Create a New macOS Virtual Machine

1. Click New → Expert Mode.
2. Choose:
   • Name: macOS
   • Type: Mac OS X
   • Version: macOS 64-bit
3. Allocate memory (8GB+) and CPU (4 cores).
4. Use existing VMDK or create a new virtual disk.

Use VirtualBox Commands to Enable macOS Compatibility

VirtualBox needs manual EFI patches.

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

cd "C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\"

Then run commands like:

VBoxManage modifyvm "macOS" --cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct" "iMacPro1,1"
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC" 1

(Your VM name may vary.)

These commands spoof Mac hardware so macOS boots properly.

Start the VM and Install macO

1. Boot the VM.
2. Open Disk Utility → Erase the disk (APFS).
3. Install macOS.
4. Go through the setup assistant.

VirtualBox installation is slower—be patient.

How to Improve macOS VM Performance

To get the best experience:

1. Enable More CPU Cores

Use at least 4 cores for smoother performance.

2. Increase Video Memory

Set maximum VRAM (128MB for VirtualBox, 2GB for VMware).

3. Enable Hardware Virtualization

Ensure VT-x / AMD-V is enabled in BIOS.

4. Use SSD Storage

macOS runs significantly faster on SSDs.

5. Install VMware Tools (If Using VMware)

Inside the VM:

1. Click Player → Manage → Install VMware Tools.
2. Run the installer inside macOS.
3. Restart.

This enables:

• Better graphics scaling
• Clipboard sharing
• Mouse integration
• Drag & drop

Wrapping Up

And that wraps up our comprehensive guide on how to run macOS on Windows 11 in a virtual machine. Whether you’re testing macOS, experimenting with app compatibility, or simply wanting to explore the Apple ecosystem, a VM is the safest and easiest way to get started.