How to Install macOS High Sierra on VMware Using a VMDK File on Windows PC | 2026 Easy Guide

Installing macOS High Sierra on VMware has become a popular way for Windows users to experience Apple’s operating system without needing dedicated Apple hardware. While traditional methods involve lengthy installations using ISO files, this guide provides a much faster approach: using a pre-configured macOS High Sierra VMDK file. With this method, you can have a fully installed macOS High Sierra virtual machine up and running in about 5 minutes, compared to the 45 minutes or more required for a fresh installation from an ISO. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough optimized for ease and speed.

What You Will Need Before Starting

Before diving into the installation of macOS High Sierra on VMware, ensure you have the following ready on your Windows PC:

• A capable Windows PC with a modern 64-bit Intel or AMD processor and at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended).
• Sufficient free storage space (at least 30 GB).
• VMware Workstation Pro (version 25H2 is used in this guide).
• macOS Unlocker for VMware, to add macOS as a guest OS option.
• The pre-installed macOS High Sierra VMDK file. This file is a virtual hard disk with macOS already installed, which is the key to our speedy setup.

Important Disclaimer: Apple's End User License Agreement (EULA) for macOS states that the operating system is only to be installed on Apple-branded hardware. This guide is intended for educational purposes and for developers to test software in a macOS environment. Please review Apple's official terms here.

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Step 1: Download and Install VMware

1. Download the latest version of VMware Workstation Pro (or the free Player version) from the official source or our trusted download page: Download VMware Workstation.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. A system restart may be required.

Step 2: Apply the macOS Unlocker for VMware

Since VMware does not officially support macOS on non-Apple hardware, we need a tool called an “Unlocker.”

1. Download the latest macOS Unlocker for VMware from our guide: Download macOS Unlocker.
2. Crucial: Completely exit all VMware processes and services from the system tray.
3. Extract the Unlocker ZIP file, right-click on the win-install.cmd file, and select “Run as administrator.”
4. Wait for the script to complete. You can watch a video tutorial here for visual guidance.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine for macOS High Sierra on VMware

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

2. In the setup wizard, choose “Custom (advanced)” and click Next.

3. Select the latest Hardware compatibility, such as “Workstation 25H2,” and click Next.

Step 4: Configure the Operating System Installation

Here’s where the VMDK method shines.

1. Select the option “I will install the operating system later.” This is correct because our VMDK file already contains the OS. Click Next.

2. For the Guest operating system, select “Apple macOS.”
3. For the Version, choose “macOS 10.13” from the dropdown. Click Next.

Step 5: Name and Locate Your Virtual Machine

1. Give your VM a recognizable name, like “macOS 10.13.”
2. Choose a location on your PC with ample disk space. Click Next.

Step 6: Configure Virtual Machine Hardware

This is a critical section for performance and stability. We’ll configure the core components before attaching the macOS High Sierra VMDK file.

• Processors: Set Number of processors: 1 and Number of cores per processor: 4 or 6 (based on your CPU’s capability).

• Memory: Allocate at least 4 GB (4096 MB), but 8 GB (8192 MB) is ideal if your host PC has 16 GB or more.

• Network Connection: Choose “Use network address translation (NAT).”

• I/O Controller Types: Select “LSI Logic (Recommended).”

• Virtual Disk Type: Choose “SATA (Recommended).”

Step 7: Attach the Pre-installed macOS High Sierra VMDK File

This step bypasses the entire installation process.

1. For the Disk option, select “Use an existing virtual disk” and click Next.

2. Click Browse… and navigate to the location where you downloaded the macOS High Sierra VMDK file. You can find a direct download link here: Download macOS High Sierra VMDK.

3. Select the .vmdk file and click Open. VMware will read its details.
4. Click Next, and then Finish on the summary page. Your virtual machine is now created.

Step 8: Edit the VMX Configuration File (Essential for AMD & Some Intel CPUs)

To ensure macOS boots correctly, especially on AMD processors, a final configuration is needed.

1. Navigate to the folder where you saved the VM (usually in Documents\Virtual Machines\).
2. Find the .vmx file (e.g., macOS High Sierra VMDK.vmx). Right-click it and open it with Notepad.
3. Add the necessary configuration lines at the end of the file. The correct codes vary for Intel and AMD systems. Use our comprehensive reference guide for the exact lines to add: VMX Codes for AMD & INTEL.
4. Save the file and close Notepad.

Step 9: Power On and Log In to macOS High Sierra on VMware

1. Back in VMware, select your new VM and click “Power on this virtual machine.”

2. You should see the Apple logo within 30 seconds. Wait for about 90 more seconds for the system to load completely.

3. You will be directed to the login screen. Enter the default account password: 0904 and press Enter.

Congratulations! You now have a fully functional macOS High Sierra on VMware on your Windows PC.

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Post-Installation Setup and Optimization: macOS High Sierra on VMware

Install VMware Tools (Essential for Performance)

VMware Tools provides crucial drivers for better graphics, mouse synchronization, and shared folders.

• In the VMware menu, click VM > Install VMware Tools.
• You will see an error message with a download link. Click on the link and download the darwin.iso file to your desktop.

• Go to VMware Settings and attach the darwin.iso file to the CD/DVD drive, then restart your VM.

• A virtual CD will mount on the macOS desktop.
• Open the DVD icon and run the Install VMware Tools.pkg installer.

• Follow the installation prompts and restart the VM when the installation is complete.
• If you encounter an error, navigate to System Settings and click “Allow” to allow VMware for the installation.

• If the installation fails, restart the VMware Tools installation. If you are stuck with the installation (around 70%), restart your macOS High Sierra VM.

Log In to Your Apple ID (Optional)

To access the App Store and iCloud services, you can log in with your Apple ID from System Preferences > Apple ID.

Check for Software Updates

It’s good practice to check for any available updates for macOS High Sierra.

1. Go to the Apple menu () > App Store.
2. Click on the Updates tab and install any recommended updates.

Conclusion: macOS High Sierra on VMware

Installing macOS High Sierra on VMware using a VMDK file is undeniably the fastest and most convenient method available. By utilizing a pre-built virtual disk, you bypass the lengthy 45-minute installation process and achieve a ready-to-use system in roughly 5 minutes.

This guide on how to install macOS High Sierra on VMware has walked you through every critical step—from preparing VMware with the Unlocker to configuring hardware and attaching the macOS High Sierra VMDK—ensuring a smooth setup even for beginners. Whether for software testing, learning, or experiencing macOS, this method offers an efficient solution right on your Windows PC. Please remember to respect Apple’s software agreements and use this setup for legitimate, educational purposes only.