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Are you eager to experience Apple’s macOS Mojave on your Windows PC but dread the lengthy installation process? You’ve come to the right place. While many guides teach you how to install macOS Mojave on VMware using an ISO file—a process that can take nearly an hour—this tutorial reveals a faster, simpler alternative. By using a pre-configured macOS Mojave VMDK file, you can bypass the entire installation and have a fully set up Mojave virtual machine ready in under 5 minutes. Whether you’re a developer needing iOS simulators, a designer testing apps, or just curious about macOS, this guide walks you through every step in simple, layman’s terms.
Why Use a VMDK File Instead of an ISO?
An ISO file is similar to an installation DVD—it requires you to go through the entire macOS Mojave setup on VMware, including partitioning and software installation, which typically takes 45 minutes or more. A VMDK file, on the other hand, is like a ready-to-use, pre-installed hard disk image. You simply attach it to your virtual machine, and you’re good to go. It’s the ultimate shortcut. We provide a direct download link for a clean, latest-version macOS Mojave VMDK file to make your life easier. Let’s dive in.
Before You Begin: Important Disclaimer
Note: Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA) states that macOS should only be installed on Apple-branded hardware. This tutorial is intended for educational and developmental purposes, such as testing software in a macOS environment. Ensure you comply with Apple’s terms of use. You can review Apple’s official EULA here.
What You’ll Need: macOS Mojave on VMware
- A Windows PC with a 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD) that supports virtualization.
- At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended for smooth performance).
- Sufficient free storage space (around 30 GB for the VM, plus the VMDK file size).
- VMware Workstation Pro or Player (version 25H2 used here).
- macOS Unlocker for VMware (to enable macOS as a guest OS option).
- The macOS Mojave VMDK file (pre-installed disk image).
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for macOS Mojave on VMware
Step 1: Download and Install VMware Workstation
First, you need virtualization software. We recommend VMware Workstation Pro or the free VMware Player. Download the latest version (25H2) from our reliable source:
Download VMware Workstation Pro / Player
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. A restart may be required.
Step 2: Apply the macOS Unlocker
By default, VMware doesn’t list macOS as a guest operating system. The unlocker patch fixes this.
- Download the latest macOS Unlocker for VMware from our site: Download macOS Unlocker
- Important: Completely exit VMware (check the system tray and end all VMware processes via Task Manager).
- Extract the unlocker ZIP file, right-click on
win-install.cmdit and select “Run as administrator.” - Wait for the script to finish. You’ll see a success message.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine for macOS
- Open VMware and click “Create a New Virtual Machine.”
- In the New VM Wizard, select “Custom (advanced)” and click Next.
- For Hardware Compatibility, choose the latest: “VMware Workstation 25H2.x” and click Next.
Step 4: Guest Operating System Selection
- On the prompt “Install guest operating system,” choose the critical option: “I will install the operating system later.” Click Next.
- Now, you’ll see “Apple macOS” as an option (thanks to the unlocker). Select it.
- From the Version dropdown, choose “macOS 10.14” (this is the correct selection for Mojave in newer VMware versions). Click Next.
Step 5: Name and Location
- Give your virtual machine a name (e.g., “macOS 10.14”).
- Choose a location on your drive with ample space. Click Next.
Step 6: Configure Hardware – The Crucial Settings
This is the most important part. Click “Customize Hardware…” before proceeding.
- Processors: Set
Number of processors: 1andNumber of cores per processor: 4(or 6 if your CPU is powerful). This significantly improves performance.
- Memory: Allocate at least 4 GB (4096 MB), but 8 GB or more is ideal if your host PC has 16 GB or more of RAM.
- Network Adapter: Keep it as “NAT” (default). This allows your VM to share your host’s network connection.
- I/O Controller Type: Select “LSI Logic” (Recommended).
- Disk – The Key Step: Here’s where we use the VMDK shortcut.
- Select “Use an existing virtual disk” and click “Browse…”.
- Navigate to and select the macOS Mojave VMDK file you downloaded. (Get the latest version from our site: Download macOS Mojave VMDK File).
- Click Open, then Close the hardware settings window.
- Other Hardware: Remove unnecessary devices, such as printers or USB Controllers, to streamline the VM.
Click Next after reviewing the hardware.
Step 7: Finalize and Finish
- You’ll see a summary of your macOS Mojave virtual machine configuration. Review it.
- Click “Finish.” Your VM is now created with the pre-installed Mojave VMDK attached.
- 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
Powering On and First Boot: macOS Mojave on VMware
Step 8: Start your macOS Mojave on VMware
- In your VMware library, select the new “macOS Mojave” VM and click “Power on this virtual machine.”
- Within about 30 seconds, you’ll see the iconic Apple logo.
- Wait for another 60-90 seconds. Unlike a full ISO install, you will be taken directly to the login screen!
Step 9: 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 Mojave desktop. The entire process, from creating the VM to logging in, should have taken you less than 5 minutes.
Post-Installation Setup: macOS Mojave on VMware
Step 10: Install VMware Tools (Essential)
VMware Tools drastically improve graphics performance, mouse movement, and copy-paste functionality between your Windows host and macOS guest.
- From the VMware menu, go to 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.
- Now, go to VM settings and attach the darwin.iso file to your CD/DVD and restart your macOS.
- A virtual DVD will mount on the macOS desktop. Open it and run the installer package (
Install VMware Tools.pkg). - Follow the installation wizard (just click “Continue” and “Install” with default settings).
- Restart the VM when prompted. If the installation hangs at a point, just restart your macOS.
Step 11: Log In to Apple ID (Optional)
You can now safely log in with your Apple ID via System Preferences > Apple ID to access the App Store, iCloud, and other services.
Step 12: Check for Software Updates
It’s good practice to check for any pending macOS updates.
- Go to the Apple Menu () > App Store.
- Click on the “Updates” tab.
- Install any available updates for Mojave. Note: Only install updates compatible with macOS 10.14.x.
Conclusion: macOS Mojave on VMware
And there you have it! You’ve successfully installed macOS Mojave on VMware on your Windows PC using the revolutionary VMDK method. By leveraging a pre-built macOS Mojave VMDK file, you’ve sidestepped the tedious 45-minute installation process required when using an ISO file (as covered in our ISO installation guide). This method is a game-changer for developers, testers, and tech enthusiasts who need a quick, reliable macOS environment without the wait.
Remember, this setup is perfect for legal, educational, and development purposes. Keep your VMware Tools up to date for the best experience, and enjoy the unique blend of macOS software running seamlessly on your Windows hardware. Whether you’re building an iOS app, testing a website on Safari, or just exploring, your macOS Mojave on VMware is ready for action in record time.
