In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to run macOS on VMware Workstation.
to get started, youll need to have a few things in place.
Firstly, youll need to download the macOS ISO image.
you’re free to easily find the appropriate macOS version online.
Additionally, youll need to have VMware Workstation installed on your system.
Ensure that you have the correct version that supports macOS virtualization.
The ISO image contains the operating system files that will be installed on the virtual machine.
Heres how you’re able to download it:
1.
Open your preferred web web client and search for Download macOS ISO image.
Look for a reliable source that provides the macOS ISO image for virtualization purposes.
Ensure that you choose the appropriate macOS version that you wish torun on VMware Workstation.
Its advisable to select a version that matches your requirements and is supported by VMware Workstation.
grab the link to initiate the download process.
Be patient and let the download complete before proceeding to the next steps.
Once the download is complete, double-check the integrity of the ISO image.
Its essential to ensure that the downloaded file hasnt been corrupted.
Its recommended to keep it in a separate folder or directory for convenience.
double-check to comply with any licensing requirements and terms of use associated with macOS.
Install VMware Workstation
1.
Locate the VMware Workstation installer file that you have downloaded.
Double-grab the installer file to initiate the installation process.
Click Next to proceed.
Choose the installation directory where you want to install VMware Workstation.
The default location is typically fine, but you might also choose a different location if desired.
Click Next to continue.
On the next screen, review the selected features and components that will be installed with VMware Workstation.
you’re free to customize the installation by selecting or deselecting specific features.
Once you are satisfied with the selection, click Next to proceed.
In the next step, you will be asked to choose the default file association for VMware Workstation.
it’s possible for you to opt to associate VMware Workstation with certain file types or leave it unselected.
Click Next to proceed.
Finally, you will be presented with a summary of the installation options you have chosen.
Review the information to ensure it is correct.
Click Install to start the installation process.
Wait for the installation process to complete.
It may take a few moments for VMware Workstation to be installed on your system.
Once the installation is finished, you will be presented with a completion message.
you could choose to launch VMware Workstation immediately or do it later from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
You have successfully installed VMware Workstation on your machine.
Configure VMware Workstation for macOS
1.
Open VMware Workstation on your setup.
Once VMware Workstation is open, go to the Edit menu and select Preferences.
This will pop swing open the VMware Workstation preferences window.
In the preferences window, hit Memory in the left-hand panel.
you should allocate at least 4GB or more for optimal performance.
Adjust the slider or enter the desired amount of memory in the allocated field.
Next, select Processors in the left-hand panel.
Ideally, allocate at least 2 or more cores to ensure smooth performance.
Adjust the slider or enter the desired number of CPU cores in the allocated field.
Now, tap on Hard Disk in the left-hand panel.
Choose the SATA option for better performance.
Choose the appropriate online grid setting according to your requirements.
The NAT (online grid Address Translation) option is usually suitable for most scenarios.
Now, you have successfully configured VMware Workstation for macOS.
Create a new virtual machine
1.
Open VMware Workstation on your machine if its not already open.
Go to the File menu and hit New Virtual Machine.
This will kick off the New Virtual Machine Wizard.
In the wizard, select Typical (recommended) and click Next.
This option will guide you through the basic steps of creating a virtual machine and provide suitable default parameters.
In the next step, select I will load the operating system later and click Next.
This allows you to manually install macOS later after completing the virtual machine setup.
If the exact version is not listed, choose the closest matching version.
Click Next to proceed.
Choose a descriptive name that indicates it is for running macOS.
Select an appropriate storage location and click Next.
Specify the disk size for the virtual machine.
The recommended minimum disk size for a macOS virtual machine is around 40-60GB.
Adjust the size according to your needs and click Next.
In the next screen, review the selected hardware compatibility.
Ensure that the hardware compatibility is compatible with the macOS version you want to install.
Click Next to proceed.
Finally, review the summary of your selections.
If everything looks good, click Finish to create the virtual machine.
You have successfully created a new virtual machine for macOS in VMware Workstation.
Customize virtual machine parameters
1.
With the newly created virtual machine selected in VMware Workstation, press the Edit virtual machine prefs option.
This will bring up the Virtual Machine options window.
In the Hardware tab, you might adjust the parameters for various components of the virtual machine.
Review the following options:
3.
Take the time to review and adjust the configs according to your specific needs and hardware capabilities.
Allocate resources to the virtual machine
1.
Start by powering on the virtual machine in VMware Workstation.
snag the virtual machine and choose the Power on button.
Locate the options for adjusting memory and processor parameters.
Enabling virtualization technology can greatly enhance the virtual machines capabilities when running macOS.
Save the changes made to the BIOS configs and exit.
The virtual machine will now boot up with the allocated resources.
Make any necessary adjustments if needed.
This will contribute to a smooth and efficient experience when using macOS on VMware Workstation.
In the next section, we will guide you through the process of installing macOS on the virtual machine.
Install macOS on the virtual machine
1.
Start the virtual machine in VMware Workstation by selecting it and clicking on the Power on button.
The virtual machine will boot up and display the VMware Workstation BIOS screen.
In the BIOS prefs, ensure that the boot order is set to prioritize the CD/DVD drive.
This will allow the virtual machine to boot from the macOS ISO image that you previously mounted.
Save the changes made to the BIOS configs and exit.
The virtual machine will now boot from the macOS ISO image.
Once the virtual machine finishes booting, it will display the macOS installer.
Select your preferred language and click Next to proceed.
On the next screen, select Install macOS and click Continue to begin the installation process.
After completing the necessary setup steps, the installation will commence.
Be patient and let the installation process run its course.
You have successfully installed macOS on the virtual machine.
Remember to install VMware Tools for improved performance and integration with the host system.
We will cover the installation of VMware Tools in the next section.
In the next section, we will guide you through the process of configuring macOS controls for optimal performance.
Configure macOS parameters
1.
Start the virtual machine and sign on to macOS using the user account you created during the installation process.
In the System Preferences window, you will find various categories for different parameters.
Lets explore some important prefs:
4.
Explore other categories in the System Preferences window to customize macOS tweaks according to your preferences.
Install VMware Tools
1.
Start the virtual machine and ensure that macOS is fully booted up and you are logged in.
In the VMware Workstation menu, go to VM and select Install VMware Tools.
This will virtually insert the VMware Tools ISO image into the virtual machine.
In the macOS virtual machine, launch the Finder and navigate to the virtual CD/DVD drive.
You should see the VMware Tools icon.
Double-nudge the VMware Tools icon to mount the installer.
A VMware Tools installer window will appear.
Double-poke the Install VMware Tools package to start the installation process.
Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart the virtual machine.
Click Restart to reboot the macOS virtual machine.
These features enhance the overall usability and performance of macOS within VMware Workstation.
Its important to keep VMware Tools updated to ensure compatibility and take advantage of the latest enhancements.
Your virtual machine is now fully optimized with VMware Tools installed.
Enjoy the improved performance and seamless integration of macOS on VMware Workstation.
In this guide, we have walked you through the step-by-step process of running macOS on VMware Workstation.
We began by downloading the macOS ISO image and installing VMware Workstation on your rig.
We then configured VMware Workstation to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with macOS.