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Ever wondered what it’s like to experience macOS without investing in Apple hardware? Running macOS Catalina on VirtualBox offers a compelling, cost-effective solution right from your Windows PC. This approach is particularly valuable for developers needing to test applications, tech enthusiasts eager to explore macOS, or users requiring temporary access to macOS-exclusive software.
It's crucial to understand upfront that Apple's End User License Agreement (EULA) technically restricts macOS virtualization to Apple-branded hardware, placing this activity in a legal gray area meant strictly for non-production use and learning.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough for installing macOS Catalina on VirtualBox. We will navigate the complexities together, covering everything from configuring VirtualBox with the specific settings essential for macOS compatibility and acquiring the Catalina installer to applying necessary bootloader tweaks (like Clover or OpenCore) and overcoming common hurdles such as boot errors, graphics glitches, and USB controller issues.
Be prepared: this process demands patience and technical aptitude. Performance will not match a real Mac, features like iMessage or iCloud may be unstable, and achieving smooth graphics acceleration often requires significant additional tinkering post-installation. However, successfully setting up macOS Catalina on VirtualBox unlocks a safe virtual environment for experimentation, software testing, or simply satisfying your curiosity about Apple’s operating system.
If you wish to install macOS Catalina on VMware, you can use this guide: How To Install macOS Catalina on VMware
Download the required files:
All the needed files are available below.
Install macOS Catalina on VirtualBox on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide
NOTE:
Before we begin, make sure Virtualization Technology (VT) is enabled on your system. You can watch the video below:
1: Download macOS Catalina ISO
For installing macOS Catalina on VirtualBox on Windows, you will need the macOS Catalina ISO file. You can download it from the link below:
2: Download and Install VirtualBox on a Windows PC
Once you have downloaded VirtualBox from the above links. Double-click on the installation file and proceed with the installation.
3: Install & Update VirtualBox Extension
Go to the VirtualBox download page.
Under VirtualBox Extension Pack, click on the Accept and Download button.
Once downloaded, double-click on it to install.
4: Create a New Virtual Machine & Customize it.
Follow the steps below to make a new virtual machine for macOS Catalina.
1. Open your VirtualBox program and click on New.
2. Enter the virtual machine name and select the type as Mac OS X. Also, select the suitable version, macOS X (64-bit).
3. Under ISO Image: Click on the downward arrow, and then click Others, now locate your macOS Catalina ISO file.
4. Base Memory: 8 GB is recommended
5. Processors: Set the number of processors to 4
6. Under Hard Disk: Increase the Hard Disk file size to 30 GB.
7. Once done, click on the Finish button. Open the Settings of your Virtual Machine. Go to Display and under Video Memory, increase the size up to 128 MB.
5: Run VirtualBox Code Via Command Prompt
Once you’ve customized and created your virtual machine, it is time to run some VBox codes to set up macOS Catalina on VirtualBox.
1. Open the VirtualBox code file that you downloaded above using Notepad. Now, replace the VM Title with the actual Virtual machine name (macOS Catalina).
2. Once done, press Ctrl+A to select the entire set of codes and then press Ctrl+C to copy them.
cd "C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\"
VBoxManage.exe modifyvm "macOS Catalina" --cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS Catalina" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct" "iMac11,3"
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS Catalina" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemVersion" "1.0"
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS Catalina" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiBoardProduct" "Iloveapple"
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS Catalina" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey" "ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc"
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS Catalina" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC" 0
3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. You can press Windows+R and type CMD. Right-click on CMD and click Run as administrator.
4. Now, paste the codes using Ctrl+V. You can also press the right-click on your mouse to paste the commands.
For more supported display resolution on VirtualBox and an in-depth guide, see Fix macOS display resolution on VirtualBox. You can run the following code to increase your display resolution.
VBoxManage setextradata "macOS Catalina" VBoxInternal2/EfiGraphicsResolution 1920x1080
Note: We highly recommend closing the VirtualBox app before implementing the code. If you do not do it, then your virtual machine may not proceed to the setup step.
I am sure the process isn’t easy and works for everyone. You might face these common errors when installing macOS X on VirtualBox on Windows. Here is a complete guide to help you fix those errors. Complete Guide To Fix VirtualBox Errors While Installing Mac OS X
6: Start macOS Catalina Virtual Machine
1. Open the VirtualBox program, then click the Start button again. A black screen with a couple of codes will show up on the monitor.
2. This might take a while, and then you will be redirected to the Apple Logo.
You might encounter this error. Here is the fix- Install.nsh is Not Recognized as an Internal Command: 4 Possible Fixes – TechRechard
7: Install macOS Catalina on VirtualBox
Wait for a few minutes, and you should see the macOS Catalina Language window.
1. Select your Language and click on the Proceed arrow.
2. Now, you’ll see the macOS Utilities Window. In the list, choose Disk Utility and click on Continue.
3. Select VBOX Harddisk Media and click on the Erase button.
- Name: techrechard.com
- Format: APFS (In case you get an error, then choose Mac OS X Extended Journaled)
- Style: GUID Partition MAP
4. Now, close the Disk Utility window.
5. From macOS Utilities, click on Install macOS and click on Continue.
6. Agree to the macOS Catalina License agreement.
7. Select techrechard.com disk and click on Install.
Now wait for a while, and your virtual machine might restart several times. So, do not panic.
8: Perform a Clean Installation of macOS Catalina on VirtualBox
After around 30 minutes and several restarts, you will see the welcome screen.
1. Select your Country and click on Continue.
2. Customize Written and Spoken Languages Settings and click on Continue.
3. Under Data & Privacy, click on Continue.
4. Under Transfer Information to This Mac, select Don’t transfer any information now and click on Continue.
5. Under Sign In with Your Apple ID, click on Set Up Later.
6. Click on Agree under Terms and Conditions.
7. Create your Computer Account by typing in your Full Name, Account name, Password, and then click on Continue.
8. Under Express Set Up, click on Continue.
9. Under Analytics, click on Continue.
10. Under Screen Time, click on Continue.
11. Under Siri, you can enable or disable Siri and then click on Continue.
12. You can now Choose Your Look, select from Light, Dark, or Auto, and click on Continue.
Once everything is done. You will see the Setting Up Your Mac… screen.
Well done! You have successfully set up macOS Catalina on VirtualBox with the ISO image.
Here are some important guides that you might need.
- How to share folders on VirtualBox & VMware? (Windows-MAC) Step by Step Guide
- How to Speed Up macOS Catalina? 7 Easy Methods
- Common macOS Catalina Problems and Solutions: 11 Key Errors and their Fix
Overview: How to Install macOS Catalina on VirtualBox on Windows
Successfully installing and booting macOS Catalina on VirtualBox on your Windows PC is a noteworthy technical achievement. It demonstrates the power of virtualization and your ability to navigate a complex setup process. You now have a functional virtual gateway to Apple’s ecosystem, enabling you to explore macOS Catalina’s features, test software, experiment with development environments, or simply learn the OS—all without needing dedicated Apple hardware.
It’s vital to remember the inherent limitations of this setup. Performance, especially graphics rendering, will be significantly slower than native hardware. Features tied to Apple’s secure ecosystem, like iMessage, iCloud, or Continuity, may be unstable or non-functional. Additionally, aspects such as USB support, audio, and optimal graphics acceleration often require ongoing configuration and kernel extension (kext) management after the initial installation. Treat this virtual machine primarily as a sandbox for learning and testing, not as a primary workstation.
The journey doesn’t necessarily end at the login screen. You may need to further refine your macOS Catalina on VirtualBox setup by installing VirtualBox Guest Additions (via third-party tools), adjusting display resolutions, adding essential kexts for better hardware support, or tweaking CPU and RAM allocation within VirtualBox for improved responsiveness. The skills you’ve developed—understanding bootloaders, modifying VM settings, applying EFI fixes, and troubleshooting macOS boot processes—are valuable and transferable. While challenging, mastering the installation of macOS Catalina on VirtualBox empowers you to bridge the gap between Windows and macOS, deepening your understanding of both platforms within your existing Windows environment. Enjoy your virtual exploration of Catalina!
If you wish to install macOS Catalina on VMware, you can use this guide: How To Install macOS Catalina on VMware
Complete Video Tutorial:
