How to Install macOS Catalina on VMware Using a VMDK File on Windows PC | 2026

Vaibhav Gupta

6 days ago

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Are you eager to experience macOS Catalina on your Windows PC but dread the lengthy installation process? If the thought of spending nearly an hour setting up a virtual machine feels overwhelming, we have fantastic news for you. This guide will show you how to install macOS Catalina on VMware in just about 5 minutes using a pre-configured macOS Catalina VMDK file.

Unlike the traditional method of installing macOS Catalina on VMware that requires a full installation from an ISO file (which can take up to 45 minutes), using a VMDK file is like having a ready-to-use, fully installed macOS system that you attach to your virtual machine. It’s a massive time-saver, perfect for developers, testers, or anyone curious about macOS without investing significant setup time. In this detailed, step-by-step tutorial, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from downloading the necessary tools to logging into your shiny new macOS Catalina VM.

Important Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and development purposes. Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA) states that macOS should only be installed on Apple-branded hardware. By proceeding, you agree to Apple's EULA. We strongly advise using this method only if you own a licensed copy of macOS.

Part 1: Preparation – Gathering Your Tools

Before we start installing macOS Catalina on VMware, we need to download two essential components: VMware Workstation and a special tool that allows VMware to recognize macOS as a guest operating system.

1. Download and Install VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation Pro is a powerful virtualization platform for Windows PCs. We recommend using the latest stable version (such as 25H2) for optimal compatibility.

Action: Download VMware Workstation Pro from our trusted source here: Download VMware Workstation Pro.
Process: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation is straightforward—click “Next” a few times and accept the license terms. A reboot may be required.

2. Download macOS Unlocker for VMware

By default, VMware does not list macOS as an option when creating a new virtual machine. The macOS Unlocker tool modifies VMware files to enable this support.

Action: Download the necessary Unlocker tool from our guide: Download macOS Unlocker for VMware.
Process:
1. Close VMware completely.
2. Extract the downloaded Unlocker ZIP file.
3. Right-click on the win-install.cmd file and select “Run as administrator”.
4. Let the command prompt window run; it will close automatically when the process is complete. This process patches VMware to add macOS support.
For a visual guide, you can also follow our video tutorial.

3. Download macOS Catalina VMDK

This is the key component that speeds up the installation of macOS Catalina on VMware. A VMDK file is a virtual hard disk that already contains a fully installed and configured operating system.

Action: Download the ready-to-use macOS Catalina VMDK file from our repository: Download macOS Catalina VMDK for VMware.
Benefit: Using this VMDK file eliminates the 45-minute installation process required when using an ISO file. You’re essentially skipping straight to a working system.

Part 2: Installing macOS Catalina on VMware

Now that our tools are ready, let’s create the virtual machine in VMware.

4. Launch VMware and Create a New VM

Open VMware Workstation Pro. Click on “Create a New Virtual Machine” or go to File > New Virtual Machine.

5. Choose the Configuration Type

In the New Virtual Machine Wizard, select “Custom (advanced)” and click Next. This gives us more control over the settings.

6. Select Hardware Compatibility

Select the latest hardware compatibility, typically “Workstation 25H2” or your current version. Click Next.

7. Guest Operating System Installation

This is a critical step. Select the option: “I will install the operating system later.” Click Next.

Why? Because we are not installing from an ISO, we are using a pre-existing virtual disk (the VMDK file).

8. Select a Guest Operating System

Guest operating system: Choose Apple Mac OS X.
Version: From the dropdown, select “macOS 10.15”. This confirms that the Unlocker tool worked correctly. Click Next.

9. Name Your Virtual Machine

Give your VM a descriptive name, such as “macOS 10.15“, and select a location on your PC with ample storage space (at least 25-30 GB of free space). Click Next.

Part 3: Configuring Virtual Machine Hardware

This section fine-tunes the resources allocated to your virtual Mac for optimal performance.

10. Configure Processors

Number of processors: Set this to 1.
Number of cores per processor: Allocate 4 or 6 cores depending on your host PC’s capability (e.g., a 6-core CPU can handle 4 cores for the VM). More cores generally mean better performance.
Click Next.

11. Configure Virtual Machine Memory (RAM)

Allocate sufficient RAM for a smooth experience. The recommended minimum is 4 GB, but if your host PC has 16 GB or more, allocating 8 GB (8192 MB) is ideal. Do not allocate all your RAM; leave enough for your host Windows system.

12. Network Configuration

Select “Use network address translation (NAT)”. This is the default and easiest option, allowing your VM to share your host PC’s network connection. Click Next.

13. Select I/O Controller Types

Choose “LSI Logic (Recommended)”. Click Next.

14. Select a Disk Type

Choose “SATA (Recommended)” as the disk type. Click Next.

Part 4: The Crucial Step – Attaching the VMDK File

This is where we utilize our pre-installed macOS system to set up macOS Catalina on VMware.

15. Select a Disk

Choose “Use an existing virtual disk” and click Next.

16. Connect the VMDK File

Click the “Browse…” button.
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded and extracted the macOS Catalina VMDK file.
Select the macOS 10.15.vmdk file (or similar) and click Open.
Click Next.

17. Review the Summary: macOS Catalina on VMware

You will now see a summary of your virtual machine configuration. Double-check that the “Hard Disk” field points to your downloaded VMDK file.

18. Finish and Create VM

Click “Finish”. Your macOS Catalina virtual machine is now created!

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

Part 5: Booting and Using Your macOS Catalina VM

19. Start macOS Catalina on VMware

In your VMware library, select your new “macOS Catalina” VM and click “Power on this virtual machine.”

20. The First Boot

You’ll see the Apple logo appear after about 30 seconds. Wait patiently for another 60-90 seconds. Unlike an ISO install, there’s no setup assistant to click through. You will be taken directly to the Account Login screen.

21. Logging In

The pre-configured account password for the VMDK file is: 0904
Click on the password field, type 0904, and press Enter.

Congratulations! You are now on the macOS Catalina desktop.

Part 6: Post-Installation Setup (macOS Catalina on VMware)

22. Install VMware Tools

VMware Tools greatly improve interaction between the host and guest OS, enabling features like better screen resolution, mouse integration, and file sharing.

From the VMware menu, go to VM > Install VMware Tools.

Now, you will see this error. Click on the link mentioned in the pop-up, and the file will be downloaded automatically.

Save the file to your desktop. The file will be darwin.iso.
Close your Virtual Machine and go to the Settings of your macOS Catalina VM.

Click on “Add” and then select the CD/DVD drive.

Select ‘Use ISO Image’ and attach the darwin.iso file you downloaded above.

Restart your virtual machine.
A virtual disk will mount on the macOS desktop. Open it and run the installer package (Install VMware Tools.pkg).

Follow the installer prompts (Continue, Install, enter your macOS user password). Accept any system extension warnings if prompted (go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Allow).

Wait for a while until you see that the installation is successful. Reboot the VM when prompted.

23. Log in to Apple ID (Optional)

If you need access to the App Store or iCloud services, you can log in with your Apple ID via System Preferences > Apple ID. Remember the EULA considerations.

24. Check for Software Updates

It’s good practice to check for any updates specific to this macOS build.

Go to the Apple menu () > System Preferences > Software Update.
Install any recommended updates. Note that major version upgrades might not work correctly in a VM.

Conclusion: macOS Catalina on VMware

And there you have it! You’ve successfully set up macOS Catalina on VMware on your Windows PC in a fraction of the time it would normally take. By leveraging the power of a pre-built macOS Catalina VMDK file, you’ve bypassed the lengthy installation process and jumped straight into a functional macOS environment. This method is perfect for quick testing, learning macOS, or developing iOS apps without needing Apple hardware.

Remember, the VMDK approach saves you approximately 40 minutes compared to the ISO method detailed in our other guide. For ongoing use, ensure you have allocated enough RAM and CPU cores for your tasks, and keep your VMware Tools updated for the best experience.

Final Reminder: This setup is intended for educational and development purposes under the terms of Apple’s EULA. Enjoy exploring macOS Catalina!

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