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So, you’re a die-hard Windows user but you’re curious about what all the fuss is about with macOS. Maybe you’re just dying to get your hands on one of those sleek and shiny MacBooks. Well, fear not my friend, because today I’m going to show you how to install macOS on VirtualBox, so you can get a taste of that Apple goodness without having to fork out a small fortune for a new computer.
Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, there are a few things you’re going to need. First and foremost, you’ll need a copy of macOS. If you’re a Mac user, this is easy. Just head over to the App Store and download the latest version of macOS. If you’re a Windows user, you might have to do a little hunting around for a copy, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Next, you’ll need to download and install VirtualBox. If you’re not already familiar with it, VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization tool that allows you to run multiple operating systems on your computer. It’s a pretty nifty piece of software and it’s going to be our ticket to running macOS on a Windows machine.
With all that out of the way, let’s get started!
Step 1: Install VirtualBox
If you haven’t already done so, head over to the VirtualBox website and download the latest version of the software. The installation process is pretty straightforward, so I won’t bore you with the details. Just follow the prompts and you’ll have VirtualBox up and running in no time.
Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine
Once VirtualBox is installed, open it up and click on the “New” button to create a new virtual machine. You’ll be prompted to give your new VM a name, choose a type (Mac OS X), and select a version (Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan or later). Click “Next” and you’ll be asked to allocate memory to your VM. I’d recommend giving it at least 4GB if you can spare it, but feel free to play around with the settings to find what works best for you.
Step 3: Create a Virtual Hard Disk
Next, you’ll need to create a virtual hard disk for your VM. This is where all of your macOS files will be stored. Again, click “Next” and you’ll be asked to choose a hard disk file type. I’d recommend sticking with the default VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) option. You’ll also be asked whether you want the hard disk to be dynamically allocated or a fixed size. I’d go with the dynamically allocated option just to save a bit of space, but it’s up to you.
Step 4: Customize Your VM Settings
Before you hit the “Create” button, there are a few more settings you’ll want to tweak. Click on your new VM in the VirtualBox Manager and then click on the “Settings” button. From there, you’ll want to head to the “System” tab and make sure that the “Enable EFI (special OSes only)” checkbox is checked. Then, head to the “Processor” tab and allocate at least two CPU cores to your VM. Finally, go to the “Display” tab and bump up the video memory to at least 128MB.
Step 5: Install macOS on VirtualBox
With your VM all set up, it’s time to install macOS. Before you get too excited though, you’ll need to jump through a few hoops to make this happen. First off, you’ll need to download and install the VirtualBox Extension Pack. This will enable support for USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices, as well as provide support for RDP, PXE booting, and more. You can find the Extension Pack on the VirtualBox website, and the installation process is just as easy as installing VirtualBox itself.
Once that’s done, you’ll also need to download a macOS ISO file. This is where things can get a little tricky, as Apple doesn’t make it easy to get your hands on a macOS ISO. You might have to do a little more searching around the internet to find one, but I assure you, they’re out there.
Once you have your ISO, go back to your VM settings and head to the “Storage” tab. Click on the empty optical drive and then on the disk icon next to “IDE Secondary Master”. Choose your macOS ISO and then hit “OK”.
Now, start up your VM and follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS. This may take a little while, so feel free to grab a cup of coffee while you wait. Once the installation process is complete, you’ll be greeted with the beautiful sight of a macOS desktop on your Windows machine. Congratulations, you’ve done it!
So there you have it, a step-by-step guide to installing macOS on VirtualBox. Hopefully, this has demystified the process for you and you’re now ready to dive headfirst into the world of macOS. Whether you’re a full-blown Mac convert or just curious to see what all the fuss is about, running macOS on VirtualBox is a great way to explore a new operating system without having to commit to a new computer. Happy virtual Mac-ing!
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