In this article, we will learn how to install macOS Sonoma on a Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM.

If you wish to experiment with the macOS Sonoma without directly installing it on your Mac, running it on a virtual machine is a great solution. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up and install the macOS Sonoma in a virtual machine using the free UTM software.

If you are on a Windows PC, here are a few guides on how to follow and install macOS Sonoma on your PC.

  1. How To Install macOS Sonoma on VMWare on Windows PC
  2. How to install macOS Sonoma on Virtualbox on Windows PC

For this method, you will require an Apple Silicon Mac with a minimum of 60GB disk space and 16GB RAM. You will also need the Sonoma IPSW file provided by Apple.

What You’ll Need

  • Apple Silicon Mac has at least 60GB of disk space and 16GB of RAM.
  • Sonoma IPSW file from Apple. (Link provided below)
  • Free UTM app. (Link provided below)
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Setting Up the Virtual Machine

We will set up a VM with 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, and a 64GB drive. If desired, you can adjust these settings.

  1. Download the UniversalMac_14.0_23A5301g_Restore.ipsw file (the Sonoma 4 IPSW) directly from apple.com. You can download other versions from here.
  2. Download UTM for Mac from the official website for free, and copy it to your /Applications folder to install it.
Download UTM for Mac

Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM

1. Launch UTM on your Mac.

How to install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM: 19 Easy Steps

2. Select “Create a New Virtual Machine.

Creating a virtual machine of macOS Sonoma using UTM

3. Choose “Virtualize.”

Creating a virtual machine of macOS Sonoma using UTM

4. Select “macOS 12+.”

Creating a virtual machine of macOS Sonoma using UTM

5. On the IPSW selection screen, click “Browse” and choose Restore.ipsw image you downloaded earlier, then click “Open.”

Creating a virtual machine of macOS Sonoma using UTM

6. Allocate the hardware for the virtual machine. Assigning at least 8GB RAM, 4 CPU cores, and a minimum of 64GB disk space is recommended. Click “Continue” after each selection.

How to install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM: 19 Easy Steps

7. Name the virtual machine appropriately, such as “macOS Sonoma techrechard.com,” and click “Save.”

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Creating a virtual machine of macOS Sonoma using UTM

8. You will see the macOS Sonoma techrechard.com on the main UTM screen. Click the large play button to boot the VM.

Running macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM

9. Confirm your intention to use the IPSW file to install macOS Sonoma on virtual machine using UTM on MAC.

Running macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM

10. Ignore the Finder prompt saying a Mac has been detected in DFU mode; it simply recognizes the VM to restore the IPSW.

How to install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM: 19 Easy Steps

11. Allow UTM to install macOS Sonoma in the virtual machine by restoring from the provided IPSW. This process may take some time, and at times it may appear like nothing is happening, but a progress indicator will be visible in the window title bar of UTM.

Running macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM

12. Once the macOS Sonoma is restored to the VM, it will boot directly into the “Hello” welcome screen. You can now set up macOS Sonoma in the virtual machine as if it were a new Mac.

Running macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM

13. Select your language.

Running macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine on MAC using UTM

14. Select your Country or Region.

Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine using UTM on MAC

15. Continue with the default selections, and then you can sign in with your Apple ID.

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Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine using UTM on MAC

16. Accept the terms and conditions.

Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine using UTM on MAC

17. Create your account by typing in your Full Name, Account Password, and Hint.

Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine using UTM on MAC

18. Select your time zone by clicking on the map shown.

Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine using UTM on MAC

19. Continue with the default selections, and then select your theme. (Light, Dark, or Auto).

Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine using UTM on MAC

Congratulations! You are now running the macOS Sonoma in a UTM virtual machine.

Like any other VM, the macOS Sonoma is fully functional and has internet access. You can update macOS Sonoma within the VM just as any further macOS update by navigating to System Settings > General > Software Update.

Install macOS Sonoma on Virtual Machine using UTM on MAC

Complete Video Tutorial

Final Thoughts

Virtual machines provide a convenient way to run and test various operating systems without interfering with your primary OS. Virtual machines offer a world of possibilities, whether running macOS, Windows 11, or Linux.

If you are on a Windows PC, here are a few guides on how to follow and install macOS Sonoma on your PC.

  1. How To Install macOS Sonoma on VMWare on Windows PC
  2. How to install macOS Sonoma on Virtualbox on Windows PC

Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts on installing and running macOS Sonoma in a virtual machine using UTM, Viable, Parallels, VMware, Virtualbox, or other solutions in the comments!

Author

Ruby has been a writer and author for a while, and her content appears all across the tech world, from within ReadWrite, BusinessMagazine, ThriveGlobal, etc.

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