How to Install macOS Tahoe on VMware on Windows PC: 5-Step Comprehensive Guide

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In this article, we will learn how to install macOS Tahoe on VMware on a Windows PC. For this process, we will be using the macOS Tahoe VMDK file.

The allure of Apple’s macOS ecosystem has many Windows users wondering if they can experience macOS Tahoe (the hypothetical successor to macOS Sequoia) without Apple hardware. Through virtualization with VMware, running macOS Tahoe on VMware on a Windows PC becomes possible, whether for software development, cross-platform testing, or simply exploring Apple’s latest OS.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, from preparation to optimization. While technically achievable, remember that installing macOS on non-Apple hardware violates Apple’s EULA.

Disclaimer:
Installing macOS on non-Apple hardware violates Apple’s End-User License Agreement (EULA). This guide is for educational purposes only. Use macOS legally on Apple-branded hardware. Virtualization for personal testing should utilize legally acquired copies. Proceed at your own risk.

How to Install macOS Tahoe on VMware on a Windows PC

Prerequisites: macOS Tahoe on VMware

Before starting, ensure your Windows PC meets these requirements:

CPU: Intel Core i5/i7/i9 (6th Gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen (Zen 2+). Virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V) must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended).
Storage: 80 GB+ free SSD space.
Software:
- VMware Workstation Pro/Player 17+ (Download)
- macOS Unlocker for VMware (Download)
- macOS Tahoe VMDK (Download)
- Python 3.x (Microsoft Store)

Install macOS Tahoe on VMware on Windows

Step 1: Install VMware & Unlocker

Install VMware Workstation (accept defaults during setup).
Disable VMware services:
- Open Task Manager > Services > Stop:
  - VMware Authorization Service
  - VMware Hostd
  - VMware NAT Service

How to Install macOS Tahoe on VMware on Windows PC: 5-Step Comprehensive Guide

Apply Unlocker:
- Extract the Unlocker ZIP.
- Right-click win-install.cmd > Run as Administrator.
- Click on Run anyway.
- Wait for “Finished!” confirmation.

Enable VMware services:

Open Task Manager > Services > Start:
- VMware Authorization Service
- VMware Hostd
- VMware NAT Service

Step 2: Create the macOS Tahoe VM

Open VMware > Create a New Virtual Machine.

Select Custom (Advanced) > Hardware compatibility: Workstation 17.x.

New Virtual Machine Wizard > I will install the operating system later. Click Next.

Guest OS: Apple macOS > Version: macOS 15 (use the latest available if Tahoe isn’t listed).

Name the virtual machine: macOS Tahoe by techrechard.com

Configure Hardware: Processors: 1 and Number of Cores: 4

Configure Hardware: RAM: Maximum available limited (8+ GB)

Configure Hardware: Network: NAT (default).

Configure Hardware: I/O Controller Type: LSI Logic (Recommended)

Configure Hardware: Disk Type: SATA (Recommended)

Configure Hardware: Select a Disk: Use an existing virtual disk.

Hard Disk: Browse. Select the macOS Tahoe VMDK file that we downloaded above. Click Open.

Summart of macOS Tahoe Virtual Machine.

Click Finish when done.

Step 3: Modify the VMX File

Navigate to your VM’s folder (e.g., Documents\Virtual Machines\macOS Tahoe by techrechard.com ).

Open .vmx in Notepad.

Add these lines at the bottom:

smc.version = "0"

Save the file and close Notepad.

Step 4: Run macOS Tahoe on VMware

Start the macOS Tahoe Virtual Machine by clicking on Power on the virtual machine.

You’ll now see the Apple logo after around 30 seconds.

Wait for another 90 seconds, and then you will see the Account Login page.

Account password: 0904, and click on Press Enter.

Step 5: Software Updates on macOS Tahoe on VMware

Click on System Settings > Software Updates.

As we are currently running the developer version of macOS Tahoe, you will see macOS Beta 26.0.

Troubleshooting macOS Tahoe on VMware

Issue	Solution
“macOS not supported”	Reapply Unlocker; verify .vmx edits.
Stuck on Apple logo	Disable “Enable Secure Boot” in VM settings.
Mouse/keyboard lag	Reinstall VMware Tools; force-quit WindowServer via Terminal: `sudo killall -9 WindowServer`
Network failure	Switch VM network to Bridged mode.

Complete Video Tutorial:

Conclusion: macOS Tahoe on VMware

Successfully running macOS Tahoe on VMware on a Windows PC opens new possibilities for developers and tech enthusiasts, allowing exploration of Apple’s ecosystem without dedicated hardware. As we’ve demonstrated, the process involves careful preparation with VMware Unlocker, strategic VM configuration, and specific .vmx file modifications to achieve a functional installation. Remember that this setup has inherent limitations: graphics acceleration remains subpar, Apple services like iMessage may malfunction, and system updates could break your VM. Performance will never match native Apple hardware, particularly for graphics-intensive tasks.

While macOS Tahoe on VMware serves as an excellent sandbox for testing apps or learning macOS, it shouldn’t replace legitimate Apple hardware for daily use. Always respect software licensing agreements, and consider this purely as an educational exercise. If you require full macOS functionality, investing in Apple’s ecosystem remains the only legal and optimal solution. For those proceeding, maintain regular VM snapshots and enjoy your journey across operating systems!

Final Tip: Use VMware’s Suspend feature instead of the full shutdown to bypass lengthy macOS boot times during testing sessions.

Author Vaibhav Gupta

Vaibhav Gupta is the founder and CEO of techrechard.com and writes about different technology platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows, and Macintosh. He loves to share his experience through this website and help those interested in the IT World.

18 Comments

pier brivio 5 months ago Reply

hi,
i followed your guide, macos tahoe installs but every time it asks me for the basic configuration (geographic area, accessibility, language etc). do you have any solutions?
- Ruby 5 months ago Reply
  
  I have already bypassed that issues and created the VMDK file. Please go through the guide again and proceed again.
  - pier brivio 5 months ago Reply
    
    tks,
    I proceed and try
    - Ruby 5 months ago Reply
      
      You can go through this video tutorial:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pll2lnhZly0
pier brivio 5 months ago Reply

hi
thanks a lot it works perfectly
great
- Ruby 5 months ago Reply
  
  Thank you!
pier brivio 3 months ago Reply

Hi,
What version can I install with the .vmdk files?
If I set my Apple account to have access to the public beta, how can I install updates without having to download and install a new version of macOS Tahoe every time?
- Ruby 3 months ago Reply
  
  Hello,
  
  With the VMDK file already created, you will be able to install the Developer Beta 1. Once installed, you can directly update it from the System Settings. You don’t have to download the VMDK files again and again.
  
  Thanks
Kiwi 2 months ago Reply

When I run the vmdk, it boots but the keyboard and mouse are not working. I can’t get past the login screen. This is under VM Workstation Player 17.6, hosted on Windows 10.
- Ruby 2 months ago Reply
  
  Close the Virtual Machine. Go to VM Settings, switch to USB 2.0 from 3.0.
Kaneki_14 1 month ago Reply

Stuck on apple logo in vmware 17.5 pro and nothing change after disable secure boot
… i have ryzen 7 9700x 32 gb ram
- Ruby 1 month ago Reply
  
  Add these to the VMX file:
  
  smc.version = “0”
  cpuid.0.eax = “0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:1011”
  cpuid.0.ebx = “0111:0101:0110:1110:0110:0101:0100:0111”
  cpuid.0.ecx = “0110:1100:0110:0101:0111:0100:0110:1110”
  cpuid.0.edx = “0100:1001:0110:0101:0110:1110:0110:1001”
  cpuid.1.eax = “0000:0000:0000:0001:0000:0110:0111:0001”
  cpuid.1.ebx = “0000:0010:0000:0001:0000:1000:0000:0000”
  cpuid.1.ecx = “1000:0010:1001:1000:0010:0010:0000:0011”
  cpuid.1.edx = “0000:0111:1000:1011:1111:1011:1111:1111”
  monitor.virtual_exec = “hardware”
  monitor.virtual_mmu = “software”
  - Gaetan 1 month ago Reply
    
    Hi, I have the same problem with a ryzen 8845hs and adding doesn’t solve it. Thank you by advance
    - Ruby 1 month ago Reply
      
      I don’t have an AMD to test. This solution was given by a user as it worked for him.
Dragon 1 month ago Reply

i open this vmdk but its so slow how i can fix this. tell me in free time plese Ruby. So slow.
- Ruby 1 month ago Reply
  
  Please allot more resources.
muji 1 week ago Reply

i install tahoe and sequoia with your tutorial on ryzen 5 6600H always got error “your computer restarted because of a problem” can you help me?
- Ruby 1 week ago Reply
  
  Try these VMX configrations:
  
  mc.version = “0”
  cpuid.0.eax = “0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:1011”
  cpuid.0.ebx = “0111:0101:0110:1110:0110:0101:0100:0111”
  cpuid.0.ecx = “0110:1100:0110:0101:0111:0100:0110:1110”
  cpuid.0.edx = “0100:1001:0110:0101:0110:1110:0110:1001”
  cpuid.1.eax = “0000:0000:0000:0001:0000:0110:0111:0001”
  cpuid.1.ebx = “0000:0010:0000:0001:0000:1000:0000:0000”
  cpuid.1.ecx = “1000:0010:1001:1000:0010:0010:0000:0011”
  cpuid.1.edx = “0000:0111:1000:1011:1111:1011:1111:1111”
  monitor.virtual_exec = “hardware”
  monitor.virtual_mmu = “software”