How To Install macOS High Sierra On VirtualBox On Windows (Using VMDK): 7 Easy Steps

Vaibhav Gupta

10 months ago

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Ever wondered what it’s like to run macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox without owning a Mac? Whether you’re a developer testing cross-platform apps, a tech enthusiast eager to tinker with macOS, or simply curious about Apple’s ecosystem, virtualization offers a gateway to explore macOS High Sierra—right from your Windows PC.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll demystify the process of installing macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox, leveraging a pre-configured VMDK file to skip tedious manual setups. This approach simplifies the process, enabling you to bypass complex configurations and focus on quickly getting your virtual machine up and running. Perfect for testing, learning, or light macOS experimentation, this method brings Apple’s OS to your Windows environment without costly hardware investments.

A quick disclaimer: Installing macOS on non-Apple hardware violates Apple’s EULA. This guide is intended for educational purposes only, and we strongly recommend using a legitimate macOS license if you choose to proceed.

If you want to install macOS High Sierra on VMware, you can use this guide: How To Install macOS High Sierra on VMware & How to Install macOS High Sierra on VMware Using a VMDK File on Windows PC

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox, ready to explore features like APFS, Safari 13, and Metal graphics—all within the comfort of your Windows desktop. Let’s dive into the setup!

If you want to try with an ISO file, you can read this: How to Install macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox on Windows PC (Using ISO).

NOTE: You can also find our installation video at the end of this post.

System Requirements: High Sierra On VirtualBox

Before we begin, please ensure you have read the following prerequisites. Please don’t bypass this step!

Minimum 2 GB memory (Recommended 8GB or more)
Minimum 2 cores of CPU (Recommended 4 cores or greater )
Hard disk free space 30 GB (Recommended 100 GB or Greater )
Your machine should support Intel or AMD VT (Virtualization Technology)
Intel/AMD VT (Virtualization Technology) must be enabled during BIOS installation.

If you have not enabled it already, you should enable Virtualization Technology (also known as Intel VT or AMD-V). Here is a video tutorial that can help.

Moreover, it’s highly recommended that you set up macOS High Sierra on an SSD (Solid State Drive) rather than an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), as you’ll experience significantly faster performance with an SSD compared to an HDD.

In the following guide, I will show you how to install macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox on a Windows PC. You can also check out our video tutorial at the end of this post.

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

DISCLAIMER: Installing macOS on VirtualBox on a Windows PC isn’t technically legal under Apple's terms of usage, but we use it for educational and testing purposes. We are not responsible for any miuse.

macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox on Windows

Download Required Files

If you get a Quota exceeded error, you can use the Mediafire links provided. If you want to use Google Drive links only, check this- Fix Google Drive Download Limit (Quota Exceeded) Error.

DISCLAIMER: The macOS High Sierra VMDK is created only for testing & educational purposes. We are not responsible if anyone is misusing the macOS High Sierra VMDK.

Step 1: Install VirtualBox On a Windows PC

Download VirtualBox’s latest version and install it directly on your Windows system. The steps are pretty simple.

Step 2: 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 the file to install it.

Step 3: Create A New Virtual Machine

Follow the steps below to make a new virtual machine for macOS High Sierra using the VMDK file.

Open the VirtualBox program and click on “New.”

Name: Add Virtual Machine Name. Make sure you remember this name, as it will be used later in the process.
Select the type as Mac OS X. Also, select the suitable version, macOS 10.13 High Sierra (64-bit).

Base Memory: 8 GB is recommended
Processors: Set the number of processors to 4

Hard Disk: Choose Use an existing virtual hard disk file and select the downloaded macOS High Sierra VMDK.

Click “Create” to complete the basic VM. Now you should see the VM listed (e.g., “macOS High Sierra”) in the Manager.
Next, adjust the VM settings:
Display > Screen: Set Video Memory to the maximum (128 MB).

Save the settings by clicking OK when finished.

Step 4: Run VirtualBox Code Via Command Prompt

macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox requires specific firmware and CPU configuration adjustments to run smoothly in VirtualBox. Close VirtualBox first. Then open Notepad (or any text editor) and enter the following commands, replacing name with "High Sierra" or with your VM’s name that you have kept (quotes included if name has spaces):

Download VirtualBox Code by Techrechard.com

cd "C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\"
VBoxManage.exe modifyvm "High Sierra" --cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff
VBoxManage setextradata "High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct" "iMac11,3"
VBoxManage setextradata "High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemVersion" "1.0"
VBoxManage setextradata "High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiBoardProduct" "Iloveapple"
VBoxManage setextradata "High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey" "ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc"
VBoxManage setextradata "High Sierra" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC" 0

Make sure to replace VM Name Exactly with your VM’s name, e.g. High Sierra. If VirtualBox is installed in a different folder, adjust the cd path accordingly.)

Also, if you want to fix your macOS High Sierra screen resolution in the first place. You should also execute the following code. You must change “VM Name” to your virtual machine name and “HxV” to a screen resolution, such as “1280×720”.

VBoxManage setextradata "VM Name" VBoxInternal2/EfiGraphicsResolution HxV

Note: We highly recommend quitting the VirtualBox program before executing the code. If you don’t do it, your virtual machine might not proceed to the installation step.

Save this as a batch script or simply copy it to the clipboard.

Now run Command Prompt as Administrator: right-click the Start button, choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

In the console, paste and execute the commands. Each should run quickly without errors.

Step 5: Start The Virtual Machine

Open the VirtualBox program, then click on the Start button again.

When you start your Virtual Machine, a series of codes will appear on the screen, but there is no need to be concerned about them. Wait for a few minutes (10 minutes), and you should soon see the Apple Logo.

Step 6: Clean Install macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox

When you’ve passed step 5, you will see the Apple Logo.

After around 2 minutes, you will see the Welcome screen. Select your Country and click Continue.

Select a Keyboard Design and click on Continue. If you are unhappy with the default settings, you can personalize the Preferences.

Transfer Information to This Mac: Select Don’t transfer any information now.

Sign In With Your Apple ID: Select Don’t Sign in and click Continue. You can log in to your Apple Account later.

Agree to the Terms and Conditions

Create a Computer Account: Fill in the Full name, Account name, Password, and then click Continue.

If you would like to personalize Express Set Up, you can click Customize Settings and then click Continue.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox on a Windows PC.

You can also read: How to share folders on VirtualBox & VMware?

Step 7. Update macOS High Sierra to the Latest Version (Optional)

You should complete this step if your macOS High Sierra is not updated (optional). So you can update it by following the instructions below.

Click on the Apple logo at the top-left corner of your screen. Select About this Mac.

On the About Your Mac window, click on Software Update. Now, this will open up your App Store.

Just click Update All. Click Download & Restart.

Wait for a couple of minutes so that the update can be installed. It might take 5-15 minutes to download all updates. However, it depends on your internet speed.

Once the update is downloaded, your system will restart automatically. Again, wait 15-20 minutes for the update installation to complete.

If you want to install macOS High Sierra on VMware, you can use this guide: How To Install macOS High Sierra on VMware & How to Install macOS High Sierra on VMware Using a VMDK File on Windows PC

Common Errors

1. Fix Screen Resolution on VirtualBox for macOS High Sierra

If you want to fix your macOS High Sierra screen resolution in VirtualBox in the first place. You should also execute the following code. Use the command line below and paste it into your Command Prompt.

You must change “VM Name” to your virtual machine name and “HxV” to a screen resolution, such as “1920×1080”.

VBoxManage setextradata "VM Name" VBoxInternal2/EfiGraphicsResolution HxV

2. macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox stuck in a boot loop

If you are stuck in a boot loop, try reducing the number of processors to 1.

3. Stuck at random seed (If you are using an AMD Processor)

Change the last line of the Virtualbox code to:

VBoxManage modifyvm “VM Title” --cpu-profile “Intel Core i7-6700K”

Replace “VM Title” with your Virtual Machine name, “High Sierra“.

4. “[EB|#LOG:EXITBS: START] (AND present DATE/TIME).”

Use the command line below and paste it into your Command Prompt. Replace “VM Title” with your Virtual Machine name, “High Sierra“.

VBoxManage modifyvm “VM Title” --cpu-profile “Intel Xeon X5482 3.20GHz”

— is a double dash

Please note that your issue may vary depending on your location. Please share your error in the comment section below; we will try fixing it.

Here are some other common errors that you might face: Complete Guide To Fix VirtualBox Errors While Installing Mac OS X

Overview: macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox using a VMDK file

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox, bringing Apple’s sleek operating system to your Windows machine without the need for dedicated Apple hardware. By using a pre-configured VMDK file, you’ve streamlined the installation process, avoiding hours of complex tweaks and configurations. This method not only saves time but also opens doors to experimenting with macOS features, testing apps, or simply satisfying your curiosity about Apple’s ecosystem—all within a safe, virtualized environment.

While running macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox is a powerful workaround, remember that it’s essential to respect Apple’s licensing terms. Use this setup responsibly, ideally with a valid macOS license, and restrict your activities to development, testing, or educational purposes.

Now that your virtual machine is ready, dive into exploring macOS High Sierra’s unique tools, interface, and capabilities. Whether you’re tinkering with Xcode, experimenting with APFS, or just enjoying the macOS experience, you’ve unlocked a versatile way to bridge the gap between Windows and Apple’s world.

Do you have questions or tips to share about running macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear about your virtualization journey! 🚀

If you want to try with an ISO file, you can read this: How to Install macOS High Sierra on VirtualBox on Windows PC (Using ISO): 5 Easy Steps