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In this article, we will learn how to install macOS Sequoia on a virtual machine on a Mac using UTM.
If you want to experiment with macOS Sequoia without installing it directly on your Mac, running it on a virtual machine is an excellent solution. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up and install macOS Sequoia in a virtual machine using the free UTM software.
For those using a Windows PC, here are some guides on how to install macOS Sequoia on your PC.
For this method, you will require an Apple Silicon Mac with a minimum of 80 GB disk space and 16 GB RAM. You will also need the Sequoia IPSW file provided by Apple.
What You’ll Need
- Apple Silicon Mac has at least 60GB of disk space and 16GB of RAM.
- Sequoia IPSW file from Apple. (Link provided below)
- Free UTM app. (Link provided below)
Setting Up the Virtual Machine
We will set up a VM with 4 CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, and an 80 GB drive. You can also adjust these settings if needed. But I will highly recommend keeping it the same.
- Download the macOS Sequoia IPSW file
- Download UTM for Mac from the official website for free, and copy it to your /Applications folder to install it.
- Downloaded Xcode 16 Beta from https://developer.apple.com/service…veloper_Tools/Xcode_16_beta/Xcode_16_beta.xip and extract it.
Install macOS Sequoia on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM
1. Launch UTM on your Mac and Select “Create a New Virtual Machine.”
2. Choose “Virtualize.”
3. Select “macOS 12+.”
4. On the IPSW selection screen, click “Browse”.
5. Choose Restore.ipsw image you downloaded earlier and click “Open.”
6. Allocate the hardware for the virtual machine. Assigning at least 8 GB RAM, 4 CPU cores, and a minimum of 80 GB disk space is recommended. Click Continue.
7. Name the virtual machine appropriately, such as macOS Sequoia techrechard.com, and click “Save.”
8. You will see the macOS Sequoia techrechard.com on the main UTM screen. Click the large play button to boot the VM.
9. Confirm your intention to use the IPSW file to install macOS Sequoia on a virtual machine using UTM on MAC.
10. Allow UTM to install macOS Sequoia in the virtual machine by restoring from the provided IPSW. This process may take some time, and at times it may appear like nothing is happening, but a progress indicator will be visible in the window title bar of UTM.
11. Once the macOS Sequoia is restored to the VM, it will boot directly into the “Hello” welcome screen. You can now set up macOS Sequoia in the virtual machine as if it were a new Mac.
12. Select your language and click on Next. I am keeping it English (India).
13. Select your Country or Region and click Continue.
14. Click Continue.
15. Click Not Now.
16. Click Continue.
17. Click Now now.
18. You can now sign in with your Apple ID or click Set up Later and Skip.
19. Accept these terms and conditions by clicking Agree.
20. Create your account by typing in your Full Name, Account Password, and Hint.
21. Click Continue.
22. Select your time zone by clicking on the map shown and click Continue.
23. Click Continue.
24. Click Set Up Later.
25. You can now enable Siri and click Continue.
26. You can now choose your look: Light, Dark or Auto, and click Continue.
27. Click Continue.
Congratulations! You are now running the macOS Sequoia in a UTM virtual machine.
Like any other VM, the macOS Sequoia is fully functional and has internet access. You can update macOS Sequoia within the VM just as any further macOS update by navigating to System Settings > General > Software Update.
Complete Video Tutorial
Final Thoughts
Virtual machines provide a convenient way to run and test various operating systems without affecting your primary OS. Whether you’re running macOS, Windows 11, or Linux, virtual machines offer a world of possibilities.
For those on a Windows PC, here are some guides to help you install macOS Sequoia on your system:
Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts on installing and running macOS Sequoia in a virtual machine using UTM, VMware, VirtualBox, Parallels, or other solutions in the comments!
