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Have you ever wanted to experience Apple’s macOS but don’t own a Mac? Perhaps you’re a developer needing to test applications, a designer curious about macOS tools, or simply an enthusiast wanting to explore a different operating system. Thanks to virtualization technology, you can run macOS Mojave on your Windows PC using VMware Workstation.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complete process of installing macOS Mojave on VMware using an ISO file. While we’ve previously covered a faster method using VMDK files (which takes approximately 5 minutes), this ISO-based approach provides an authentic macOS installation experience, albeit at a slightly slower pace, taking around 45 minutes to complete. We’ll use genuine installation files and guide you through every step, from downloading the necessary software to configuring your virtual machine and completing the macOS setup.
Important Note: Before proceeding, please review Apple's End-User License Agreement (EULA). Running macOS on non-Apple hardware is in violation of Apple's terms of service. This guide is intended for educational purposes and for users who want to test macOS on their existing hardware.
What You’ll Need Before Starting: macOS Mojave on VMware
Before we dive into the installation process of macOS Mojave on VMware, ensure you have the following:
- A Windows PC with at least 8GB RAM (16GB recommended)
- Sufficient storage space (at least 100GB free)
- VMware Workstation Pro 25H2
- macOS Unlocker
- macOS Mojave ISO file
- Patience (this process takes about 45 minutes to complete)
Step-by-Step Installation Guide: macOS Mojave on VMware
Step 1: Download and Install VMware Workstation
First, you need virtualization software. We recommend VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 for the best experience.
- Visit our download page for VMware Workstation Pro 25H2
- Download the latest version (we’re using version 25H2 for this guide)
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
- Restart your computer if prompted
VMware creates a virtual environment that mimics real hardware, allowing you to run macOS Mojave alongside your Windows operating system without affecting your main system.
Step 2: Install macOS Unlocker for VMware
Since VMware doesn’t officially support macOS on non-Apple hardware, you need a special tool called macOS Unlocker.
- Download macOS Unlocker from our dedicated page
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a convenient location
- Important: Right-click on the
win-install.cmdfile and select “Run as administrator.” - Follow the prompts to complete the unlocker installation
- For visual learners, we have a detailed video tutorial showing the complete unlocker installation process
The unlocker modifies VMware to recognize macOS as a valid guest operating system, which is necessary for our installation to function properly.
Step 3: Download macOS Mojave ISO File
The ISO file contains the complete macOS Mojave installation package. Unlike VMDK files (which are pre-installed virtual hard drives), the ISO requires a full installation process.
- Download the macOS Mojave ISO file from our verified source
- Save it to a location you can easily access, like your Downloads folder
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection for the download
Why use ISO instead of VMDK? While the VMDK method is significantly faster (5 minutes vs. 45 minutes), using an ISO provides a fresh installation experience, allows for customization during setup, and helps you understand the complete macOS installation process.
Step 4: Launch VMware and Create a New Virtual Machine
- Open VMware Workstation Pro from your Start menu or desktop shortcut
- Click “Create a New Virtual Machine” or navigate to File > New Virtual Machine
- Select “Typical (recommended)” configuration and click “Next.”
Step 5: Configure the Installer Source
- In the “Installation media” section, select “Installer disc image file (iso).”
- Click the “Browse…” button
- Navigate to where you saved your macOS Mojave ISO file
- Select the file and click “Open.” Then, click “Next.”
Step 6: Select Operating System
- VMware should automatically detect the ISO as “Apple macOS.”
- From the version dropdown, select “macOS 10.14.”
- Click “Next” to continue
If you don’t see macOS as an option, return to Step 2 and ensure the unlocker was properly installed with administrator privileges.
Step 7: Name Your Virtual Machine
- Give your virtual machine a descriptive name, such as “macOS 10.14.”
- Choose where to store the VM files (ensure this location has at least 80GB free space)
- Click “Next” to proceed
Step 8: Configure Virtual Hard Disk
- Set the maximum disk size to at least 40GB (80GB recommended for comfortable use)
- Select “Store virtual disk as a single file” for better performance
- Click “Next” to continue
Step 9: Review and Create Virtual Machine
- Review all your settings
- If everything looks correct, click “Finish.”
- Do not power on the VM yet—we need to make some adjustments first
Step 10: Modify Virtual Machine Settings (Optional)
Before starting the installation, we need to adjust some settings for optimal performance:
- Click on your new virtual machine in VMware
- Click “Edit virtual machine settings.”
- Increase memory to at least 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Set processors to 2 (or more if your system allows)
- Under Display, enable 3D acceleration
- Click “OK” to save changes
- 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
Step 11: Start the Installation Process
- Click “Power on this virtual machine.”
- The VM will boot from the ISO file
- You’ll see the Apple logo with a progress bar—this may take several minutes
Step 12: macOS Recovery Environment
- When the macOS Utilities screen appears, select your preferred language
- Click the forward arrow to continue
Step 13: Format the Virtual Hard Drive
Before installing macOS, we must prepare the virtual hard disk:
- From the Utilities menu, select “Disk Utility.”
- In the sidebar, select “VMware Virtual SATA Hard Drive Media.”
- Click the “Erase” button at the top
- Set the name to “Macintosh HD” (or any name you prefer)
- Set format to “APFS” (or “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” if APFS isn’t available)
- Set scheme to “GUID Partition Map.”
- Click “Erase” and confirm
- Once complete, close Disk Utility
Step 14: Install macOS
- Return to the Utilities menu
- Select “Install macOS.”
- Click “Continue”
- Read and agree to the software license agreement
- When prompted to select a destination, choose the disk you just formatted
- Click “Install”
Important: The installation will now begin. This process takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Your virtual machine will restart several times during installation—this is normal. Do not interrupt the process.
Step 15: Initial macOS Mojave on VMware Setup
After installation completes, you’ll be guided through macOS Mojave’s initial setup:
- Select Your Country/Region: Choose your location and click “Continue.”
- Keyboard Layout: Click “Continue”
- Data & Privacy: Review and click “Continue.”
- Transfer Assistant: Select “Do not transfer any information now” (unless transferring from another Mac)
- Apple ID Sign-in: Click “Set Up Later” (you can sign in later if needed)
- Terms & Conditions: Read and agree to continue
- Create Computer Account: Enter your full name, account name, password, and password hint
- Express Set up: Click ‘Continue‘.
- Choose Your Look: Select Light or Dark mode and click “Continue.”
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully installed macOS Mojave on VMware using an ISO file.
Step 16: Install VMware Tools (Essential for Performance)
VMware Tools enhances performance and improves integration between your host Windows system and the macOS guest:
- In the VMware menu, go to VM > Install VMware Tools
- On the macOS desktop, you’ll see an error message with a download link
- Click the download link to get the darwin.iso file
- Attach the darwin.iso file to a CD/DVD from VM Settings.
- After the restart, you’ll see “Install VMware Tools” on the desktop
- Double-click the “Install VMware Tools” package
- Follow the installation wizard
- If you receive a security warning, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and click “Allow.”
- Restart when prompted
VMware Tools improves mouse movement, copy-paste functionality, screen resolution adjustment, and overall system performance.
Step 17: Optional but Recommended Steps
Log in to Apple ID:
- Go to System Preferences > Apple ID
- Sign in with your Apple ID to access iCloud, App Store, and other Apple services
Software Updates:
- Go to System Preferences > Software Update
- Check for and install any available updates for macOS Mojave
Optimize Performance:
- Allocate more RAM and CPU cores if your host system allows
- Enable hardware acceleration in VMware settings
- Install only necessary applications to conserve resources
Troubleshooting Common Issues: macOS Mojave on VMware
Issue: “This version of macOS is not supported on this platform.”
Solution: Ensure macOS Unlocker was properly installed with administrator rights.
Issue: Installation stalls or fails
Solution: Increase the virtual machine’s RAM to at least 4GB and ensure sufficient storage space.
Issue: Poor performance or graphics issues
Solution: Install VMware Tools and enable 3D acceleration in VM settings.
Issue: Network connectivity problems
Solution: Check VMware network settings and ensure NAT or Bridged networking is enabled.
VMDK vs. ISO: Which Method Should You Choose?
As mentioned earlier, we have two methods for running macOS Mojave on VMware:
ISO Method (This Guide):
- Takes 45-60 minutes to complete
- Provides a fresh, clean installation
- Allows customization during setup
- Educational—helps understand the macOS installation process
- Requires active participation throughout
VMDK Method (Alternative):
- Takes only 5 minutes to set up
- Uses a pre-configured virtual hard disk
- Minimal setup required
- Perfect for quick testing or demonstration purposes
- Less customizable initially
If you need macOS Mojave running quickly for testing, consider our VMDK method guide. For a complete installation experience with maximum customization, stick with this ISO method.
Important Disclaimer
Please be aware that installing macOS on non-Apple hardware is in violation of Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA). According to Apple’s terms:
“To use the Apple Software, you must have a Mac computer. You may not install, use, or run the Apple Software on any non-Apple-branded computer, or enable others to do so.”
Read the complete EULA at Apple’s official page. This guide is intended for educational purposes only. Users should only install macOS on Apple-branded hardware for regular use.
Conclusion: macOS Mojave on VMware
Installing macOS Mojave on VMware using an ISO file is a rewarding process that gives you hands-on experience with Apple’s operating system installation. While it takes longer than the VMDK method (approximately 45 minutes versus 5 minutes), it provides valuable insight into how macOS sets up and configures itself on new hardware.
By following this detailed guide, you’ve learned how to:
- Prepare your Windows system for macOS virtualization
- Use macOS Unlocker to enable macOS support in VMware
- Perform a complete macOS installation from an ISO file
- Configure your virtual machine for optimal performance
- Set up macOS Mojave with all essential preferences
- Install VMware Tools for better integration
Remember that running macOS on non-Apple hardware is against Apple’s terms of service and should only be done for educational purposes or software testing. Always respect software licenses and support developers by purchasing genuine products when using software for commercial or production purposes.
Whether you’re testing applications, learning about different operating systems, or exploring macOS features, running macOS Mojave on VMware provides a safe and isolated environment in which to experiment without affecting your main Windows installation. With your new virtual macOS system, you can now experience what Apple’s ecosystem has to offer, right from your Windows PC.
For those who want to save time on future installations, consider bookmarking our VMDK method guide for a 5-minute setup. But for today, pat yourself on the back—you’ve successfully completed a full macOS installation from scratch!
