How to Install macOS Big Sur on VMware on Windows using ISO: 6 Easy Steps in 2026

In this article, we will learn how to install macOS Big Sur on VMware on Windows using an ISO file. The entire process will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. If you are looking for a faster method, you can follow this tutorial, which uses the macOS Big Sur VMDK file and takes just 10 minutes.

I personally don’t prefer VirtualBox, but if you need that tutorial, you can follow this link: How to Install macOS Big Sur on VirtualBox on Windows

Running macOS on VMware enables you to explore the OS, test iOS or macOS apps, or utilize exclusive software like Xcode, all without requiring Apple hardware. It’s an invaluable tool for developers, IT professionals, and tech enthusiasts. While it’s important to note that Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA) stipulates macOS should be installed only on Apple-branded hardware, creating a virtual machine for personal educational use is a common practice in the tech community.

In this tutorial, we will guide you through configuring VMware, applying essential settings to bypass Apple’s hardware checks, and successfully completing the installation. Let’s bridge the gap between Windows and macOS, bringing the Big Sur experience to your desktop. So, let’s get started!

Steps to Install macOS Big Sur on VMware using ISO

1. Download Required Files

Below is a list of files required to run and install macOS Big Sur on VMware using an ISO file.

• VMware Workstation Pro 25H2
• macOS Unlocker for VMware
• macOS Big Sur ISO

2. Install VMware and macOS Unlocker

After downloading VMware Workstation 25H2 Pro, the installation process is straightforward and similar to that of other applications.

Once VMware is installed, installing macOS Unlocker is crucial because it enables the option to install macOS on VMware. This tool is essential for setting up any other macOS version on VMware, making it a valuable asset.

Here is a video tutorial you can use:

3. Create a New Virtual Machine for macOS Big Sur on VMware

1. Open VMware and click Create a New Virtual Machine.

2. On the Welcome screen, you select Typical (recommended). And click Next.

3. Click ‘Installer disc image file (iso)’ and attach the macOS Big Sur ISO file that you downloaded above.

4. In the guest operating system setup, Select Apple macOS and the version to macOS 11, and click Next.

5. Name the virtual machine and specify the location on the hard disk. Click Next.

6. Select 80GB of storage and choose ‘Store virtual disk as a single file.’ Then, click Next.

So, this is the final summary of your macOS Big Sur Virtual Machine.

The last step is to edit your VMX file. You will find a .vmx file in the folder where you created your virtual machine (VM), typically within your Documents folder.

If you have an AMD processor, use these VMX codes: VMX Codes for AMD & INTEL

4. Start macOS Big Sur Virtual Machine

1. Start your VM by clicking on ‘Power on this virtual machine’.

2. After the Apple logo, choose your language.

3. Click Disk Utility and click Continue.

4. Select ‘VMWare Virtual SATA Hard Drive MEDIA’, and click on Erase in the top menu.

5. Once erased, close your Disk Utility.

6. When you’re back in recovery mode, click on “Install macOS Big Sur” and then click on “Continue.”

7. Click Continue.

8. Accept the terms and conditions, then click ‘Agree’.

9. Select the hard disk and click “Continue.”

10. The setup process will now begin, and it will restart several times. It’ll take about 30 minutes or longer. You don’t need to do anything else, so be patient and wait for the installation to be complete.

5. Proceed with a clean installation of macOS Big Sur on VMware

You can now proceed with the simple installation of macOS Big Sur on VMWare. The steps are straightforward. You can watch the screenshots below for reference.

1. Select your Country.

2. Under Migration Assistant, click ‘Not Now’.

3. Under Sign In To Your Apple ID, click ‘Not Now‘.

4. Accept the terms and conditions.

5. Create a new computer account

6. Enable Siri if you want and click ‘Continue‘.

7. Choose your look: Light, Dark, or Auto.

6.  Install VMware Tools on macOS Big Sur

VMware Tools is a set of utilities that enhances the performance and usability of your virtual machine. It provides:

• Better graphics performance
• Shared folders between host and guest
• Copy-paste functionality between systems
• Improved mouse integration

To install VMware Tools on macOS Big Sur.

1. In VMware, go to VM > Install VMware Tools

2. On the macOS desktop, you will see an error message, but it will also include a download link.
3. Click on the link to download the darwin.iso file.

4. Attach this ISO file to a CD/DVD from the Settings menu.

5. Restart the OS, and then you will see the ISO attached: Install VMware Tools on the desktop.
6. Double-click to open it

7. Run the “Install VMware Tools” package
8. During installation, a pop-up will appear: “System extension is blocked.” Click on “Open System Settings.”

9. In System Settings, you will see a security warning. Click “Allow” to permit the VMware Tools kernel extension. You may need to re-enter your password.

10. Follow the installation prompts
11. Restart your virtual machine when prompted

Install macOS Big Sur on VMware: Final Words

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on installing macOS Big Sur on VMware on a Windows PC. Once you’ve completed the installation, you can utilize all the features of macOS Big Sur. You shouldn’t encounter any issues if you follow all the steps correctly.

However, if you experience any difficulties, please don’t hesitate to leave comments in the section below. We welcome your feedback and suggestions, and we will be happy to address any concerns.

The entire process will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. If you are looking for a faster method, you can follow this tutorial, which uses the macOS Big Sur VMDK file and takes just 10 minutes.

You can also read: How to Speed Up macOS Big Sur? 7 Easy Methods