Installing macOS on VMware – Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Running macOS in VMware

A professional guide to understanding, installing, and responsibly using macOS in a virtual machine

What is VMware macOS?

Running macOS inside VMware means using a virtual machine (VM) to emulate Apple hardware so that macOS can run as a guest operating system. The hypervisor provides virtual CPUs, memory, storage, and networking, allowing macOS to operate as if it were installed on real Apple hardware.

How Virtualization Works

• Hypervisor Layer: VMware acts as a bridge between hardware and the guest OS.
• Virtual Devices: macOS interacts with virtualized CPUs, disks, and NICs.
• VMware Tools: Additional drivers and features improve performance and integration.

Important Licensing Note

Apple’s Software License Agreement allows macOS virtualization only on Apple-branded hardware. Running macOS on non-Apple hosts may violate licensing terms. If you need macOS for professional or development use, always prefer Apple hardware or Apple-approved providers.

Installation Overview

Option A — Recommended (Mac host using VMware Fusion)

• Install VMware Fusion on your Mac.
• Obtain a macOS installer from the App Store or Apple’s official sources.
• Create a new VM and attach the macOS installer ISO.
• Install macOS and then add VMware Tools (Darwin ISO) for optimization.

Option B — Non-Apple Hosts (Windows/Linux)

Community tools like Unlocker can patch VMware to enable macOS guests. These methods may be unstable and fall outside Apple’s licensing. Use at your own risk.

Resources & Downloads

macOS ISO Collection

Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura and more ISOs hosted on Internet Archive.

Download ISO

Unlocker (VMware)

Community project that enables macOS guest support in some VMware editions.

Get Unlocker

Darwin / VMware Tools

Drivers and tools for smoother macOS VM performance and integration.

Download Darwin ISO

Best Practices

• Use official macOS installers whenever possible.
• Run macOS guests on Apple hardware to remain license-compliant.
• Take VM snapshots for quick rollbacks during testing.
• Be cautious with third-party unlockers and patches.

© 2025 – Guide to Running macOS in VMware. For educational and development purposes only.