How to Install and Run macOS on Windows PC

Last Updated : 4 Feb, 2026

Running macOS on a Windows PC can be useful for development, testing, or learning the macOS environment. This guide explains two common approaches VirtualBox (recommended for most users) and USB-based Hackintosh installation along with important limitations and corrections.

Note: Apple’s macOS license permits installation only on Apple hardware. Running macOS on Windows hardware (Hackintosh or VirtualBox) may violate Apple’s EULA. Proceed only for educational or testing purposes and at your own discretion.

Method 1: Run macOS on Windows Using VirtualBox

To run macOS on a Windows PC, VirtualBox is one of the simplest and safest options. VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization software that allows you to run macOS as a virtual machine without modifying your hardware or existing operating system.

Prerequisite: Your system must be running Windows as the primary operating system, and VirtualBox should be installed before proceeding.

Step 1: Open VirtualBox

  • Launch VirtualBox and click the New button.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Clicking “New” button in VirtualBox to create a new VM


Step 2:Name the Virtual Machine

  • Enter macOS as the name, then click Next.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Naming the VM and selecting macOS version

Step 3: Allocate Memory

  • Set the memory size to 4 GB (4096 MB) minimum. For better performance, 8 GB is recommended. Click Next.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Allocating RAM to macOS VM in VirtualBox

Step 4: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

  • Select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Choosing to create a new virtual hard disk

Step 5: Select Disk Type

Choose VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) and click Next.

Installation Of macOS On Windows
Selecting VHD as the hard disk file type

Step 6:Choose Disk Allocation

  • Select Dynamically allocated, then click Next.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Choosing dynamically allocated storage option

Step 7:Set Disk Size and Location

  • Leave the default location and set a disk size of 40 GB or more. Click Create.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Setting disk size and keeping default location

Step 8:Virtual Machine Created

  • The macOS virtual machine is now successfully added to VirtualBox.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
macOS virtual machine successfully created in VirtualBox

Configuration of macOS on Windows

Step 1:Start the Virtual Machine

  • Select the macOS virtual machine and click Start.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Clicking Start to run macOS VM in VirtualBox

Step 2:Load macOS Setup

  • Wait for the macOS setup screen to appear.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
macOS loading screen in VirtualBox

Step 3:Select Language

  • Choose your preferred language and click Continue.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Selecting language during macOS configuration

Step 4:Begin macOS Setup

  • Click Install macOS and then Continue.

Note: This stage configures macOS for your virtual hardware and is not a fresh installation from physical hardware.

Installation Of macOS On Windows
Clicking “Install macOS” from Utility options

Step 5: Wait for Configuration

  • The setup process may take 30–45 minutes. The Apple logo may appear during this time this is normal.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
macOS configuration progress window

Step 6: Data & Privacy

  • Review the Data & Privacy information and click Continue.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
Data & Privacy agreement window in macOS setup

Step 7:Choose Appearance

  • Select a theme (Light or Dark mode) and continue.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
macOS theme selection screen (Light, Dark, Auto)

Step 8: Access macOS Desktop

  • Once setup is complete, the macOS desktop will appear.
Installation Of macOS On Windows
macOS desktop environment successfully loaded in VirtualBox

Method 2: Install macOS on Windows Using a Bootable USB (Hackintosh)

Note: Hackintosh installation is hardware-dependent and may not work on all systems. Compatibility depends heavily on your CPU, GPU, motherboard, and BIOS settings.

Important Notes:

  • You do NOT need to disable SIP to create a macOS USB
  • A real Mac is required to download macOS legally
  • Success depends on CPU, GPU, motherboard, and BIOS compatibility
  • Intel CPUs are far more compatible than AMD

Requirements:

  • A real Mac
  • USB drive (16 GB or larger)
  • macOS installer (from Mac App Store)
  • OpenCore bootloader (recommended)

1. Steps to Create a Bootable macOS USB

The first step of installing macOS on your Windows PC is making your bootable USB drive with macOS. Once you have your Mac and USB ready, ensure the steps given below to create a bootable macOS USB.

Step 1: Download macOS

  • Open the Mac App Store and download your preferred macOS version.


Step 2: Prepare the USB Drive

  • Open Disk Utility
  • Select the USB drive and click Erase
  • Set:
    • Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map

Step 3: Create Installer Using OpenCore

  • Use createinstallmedia to copy macOS installer to USB
  • Add OpenCore EFI folder to the USB
  • Configure config.plist for:
    • UEFI boot mode
    • Correct CPU, GPU, and chipset
    • Required kexts (Lilu, WhateverGreen, VirtualSMC)

2. Steps to Install macOS on Windows Using USB

As per the previous steps, we have created a bootable drive to install macOS on the system. Now, to install macOS on your system, refer to the steps given below:

Step 1: Boot from USB

  • Enter BIOS → Set UEFI mode
  • Disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot
  • Select USB as boot device

Step 2: OpenCore Boot Menu

  • Select Install macOS

Step 3: Format Target Drive

  • Choose language
  • Open Disk Utility
  • Select target disk → Click Erase
  • Set:
    • Format: APFS
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map

Step 4: Install macOS

  • Exit Disk Utility
  • Click Install macOS
  • Follow on-screen instructions

Step 5: Reboot and Complete Setup

  • System will reboot multiple times
  • Always select macOS Installer / macOS from OpenCore menu

Step 6: First Boot

  • Complete macOS setup assistant
  • Boot into macOS desktop

3. Post-Installation (Critical)

  • Copy EFI folder from USB to internal disk
  • Install proper kexts(Kernel Extensions) for:
    • Audio
    • Wi-Fi
    • Graphics acceleration
  • Verify sleep, USB ports, and power management
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