How to Install macOS Sequoia on VMware Using OpenCore: (Intel + AMD) | 2026 Easy Guide

Unlocking the latest macOS experience on your Windows or Linux PC is now more accessible than ever. This definitive guide will walk you through the precise steps to install macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore, a powerful bootloader that enables seamless virtualization for both Intel and AMD processors. Whether you’re a developer needing Xcode, a designer testing Apple’s latest UI, or a curious enthusiast, this method provides a stable, near-native macOS environment without Apple hardware.

Prerequisites for Installing macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore

Before you begin the installation of macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore, ensure your system meets these requirements:

• Processor Compatibility: Your PC must have a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor (AMD Ryzen/Threadripper or Intel Core i3/i5/i7/i9/Xeon).
• Virtualization Support: Virtualization must be enabled in your system BIOS (Intel VT-x or AMD-V). You can typically enable this in the “CPU Configuration” or “Advanced” BIOS menu.
• System Memory: At least 8GB of RAM (16GB or more is highly recommended for optimal performance).
• Storage: A fast SSD with at least 80GB of free space for the virtual machine.
• Host OS: Windows 10/11 or Linux.
• Required Software: VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 or VMware Player.

Essential Downloads for macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore

Gather all necessary files before starting. Using the correct OpenCore boot image for your CPU type is critical for success.

1. VMware Workstation Pro 25H2: The virtualization platform. Download from Techrechard.
2. macOS Unlocker for VMware: This tool adds macOS as a guest OS option in VMware. Download from Techrechard.
3. macOS Sequoia ISO: The installation image for the operating system. Download from Techrechard. (Make sure you download the latest ISO file: 15.7.3+)
4. VMware Tools ISO (darwin.iso): Essential for features like screen resizing, clipboard sharing, and improved performance. Download from Broadcom.
5. OpenCore Boot Disk (VMDK): The heart of this guide. This bootloader image makes installation possible.
   • For Intel Processors: Download macOS Sequoia OpenCore Boot Image
   • For AMD Processors: Download the specific image matching the core count you plan to assign to the VM:
     • 4 Cores
     • 8 Cores
     • 16 Cores

Note: The downloaded OpenCore VMDK contains OpenCore 1.0.4 on an EFI partition and must be set to SATA 0:0 in your VMware settings.

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Step-by-Step: How to Install macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore

For this installation of macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore, I am using the following AMD processor:

Step 1: Install VMware and Apply the macOS Unlocker

1. Install VMware Workstation Pro 25H2 using the default settings.
2. Extract the downloaded macOS Unlocker.
3. Right-click on the win-install.cmd file and select Run as administrator. Wait for the script to complete. This modifies VMware to recognize macOS as a valid guest operating system.

Step 2: Create and Configure Your Virtual Machine

This setup is where the magic happens, as it configures VMware to boot from the OpenCore loader.

1. Open VMware and select “Create a New Virtual Machine”. Choose Typical configuration.

2. Select “I will install the operating system later.”

3. Under Guest Operating System, select Apple macOS. For the version, choose macOS 15.

4. Name your VM (e.g., “macOS Sequoia”) and choose a storage location.

5. Set the maximum disk size to at least 80GB. Choose “Store virtual disk as a single file.”

6. Click “Finish” and close the wizard.

Key Configuration Details for macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore

• Click “Edit virtual machine settings“.

• Memory: Allocate at least 8GB (8192 MB).

• Processors:
  • Intel: Use up to half of your host’s total CPU cores.
  • AMD: Assign a core count that exactly matches the OpenCore VMDK file you downloaded (4, 8, or 16 cores).
  • Since I am using the 4-core file, I will set my number of cores to 4.

• Hard Disk (SCSI): The 80GB disk you just created will be listed here. Change its “Virtual Device Node” SATA 0:0 to SATA 0:3. This will be your installation target.

• Add the OpenCore Boot Disk:
• Click Add > Hard Disk > SATA > Use an existing virtual disk.

• Select “SATA“.

• Select “Use an existing virtual disk.“

• Browse and select the downloaded OpenCore VMDK file for your CPU.

• If prompted, choose “Keep Existing Format.”

• Set its “Virtual Device Node” to SATA 0:0. This is mandatory for OpenCore to boot first.

• CD/DVD (SATA): Point this to the downloaded macOS Sequoia ISO file.

• USB Controller: Set to USB 3.2 for best compatibility.

• Network Adapter: Set to NAT for straightforward internet access. (Bridged mode troubleshooting is covered later.)

Important: This OpenCore-based method handles most configuration automatically, so you typically do not need to manually edit the .vmx file.

Step 3: Boot and Install macOS Sequoia

1. Start your virtual machine. It will boot into the OpenCore boot picker.
2. Select Install macOS Sequoia option.

3. You will see a set of codes running, just wait for the Apple logo to appear.

4. Choose your language.

5. Open Disk Utility from the macOS Utilities menu.

6. In Disk Utility, select only the second disk (the 80GB one, usually named VMware Virtual SATA). Do NOT erase the OpenCore EFI disk.
7. Click Erase. Name it (e.g., “techrechard.com“), set Format: APFS, Scheme: GUID Partition Map. Click Erase, then close Disk Utility.

8. Back in the Utilities window, choose “Install macOS Sequoia.”

9. Accept the terms and conditions and select the “techrechard.com” volume you just created.

10. The installation will begin. The VM will restart several times. Each time it reboots, you must manually select the “macOS Installer” (or later, “Macintosh HD”) option from the OpenCore boot menu to continue the process.
11. After the final restart, you will be taken to the macOS Setup Assistant. Complete the regional, account, and preference setup.

Step 4: Install VMware Tools for macOS

For proper graphics acceleration, resolution scaling, and shared folders, manually install VMware Tools. You can follow this guide.

1. In your powered-off VM settings, mount the downloaded darwin.iso (VMware Tools) to the CD/DVD drive.
2. Start the macOS VM. The installer should auto-mount. If not, find it on your desktop.
3. Open the volume and run “Install VMware Tools.”
4. macOS will block the installation. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. At the bottom, click “Allow” next to the system software message.
5. Complete the installation and restart the VM when prompted.

Step 5: Log in to your Apple Account on macOS Sequoia VM

• Click on “App Store“.

• Click “Sign-in“.

• Enter your Apple account credentials, and you will be logged in to your account.

• You can now download tools like Xcode.

• You can also go to System Settings and confirm your account login.

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Troubleshooting and FAQs for macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore

1. Boot Stuck or Loop on Windows Hosts

This is often caused by conflicts with the Windows Hypervisor Platform.

• Run Command Prompt as Administrator and execute:

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity" /v "Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

• Restart your host PC after running these commands.

2. No Internet/Network Connection

1. First, ensure your VM’s .vmx configuration file contains the correct network driver line. Open the file with a text editor and verify or add:
   ethernet0.virtualDev = "vmxnet3"
2. If using Bridged Mode and experiencing issues, note that VMware’s “Automatic” bridged setting can fail.

• Open VMware > Edit > Virtual Network Editor.

• Click “Change Settings” (admin rights required).

• Select VMnet0.
• Change the setting from “Automatic” to your specific host network adapter (e.g., Intel Wi-Fi AX201, Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller).

• Apply the changes and restart the VM.
• Note: Many users report a more reliable internet connection with NAT mode enabled.

3. Installer Can’t See the Disk

You formatted the wrong disk. Only erase the second disk (the one you set to SATA 0:3), never the OpenCore boot disk (SATA 0:0).

4. White/Blank Background or Wallpaper Issue

A common graphical glitch. Go to System Settings > Wallpaper. Turn off “Show as Screen Saver.” If the issue persists, download a macOS Sequoia wallpaper image from the web and set it manually.

5. Performance is Slow

To address performance issues and reduce perceived “slowness” in your virtual machine, you can disable the Windows Hypervisor. Please note that this action may affect other virtualization software on your system (such as Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, or WSL2) and could slightly reduce security. Proceed only if you are certain your primary virtualization tool (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox) does not require the Windows Hypervisor.

Prerequisites

• Administrator Access: You must have administrator privileges on your computer.
• Backup: It is recommended to create a system restore point before making these changes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open an Administrator Command Prompt.
   • Click the Start menu or press the Windows key.
   • Type cmd or “Command Prompt.”
   • In the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
   • If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to continue.
2. Disable the Hypervisor.
   • In the Administrator Command Prompt window, carefully type the following command and press Enter:
     bash bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off
   • You should see the message: “The operation completed successfully.”
3. Disable Hypervisor-Enforced Code Integrity (Optional but Recommended).
   • Next, type or paste the following command and press Enter:
     bash reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity" /v "Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
   • You should see the message: “The operation completed successfully.”
4. Restart Your Computer.
   • Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Additional Performance Recommendation

• Disable Memory Integrity: This Windows security feature, part of Core Isolation, can also impact performance. Disabling it aligns with the changes above.
  • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Device Security.
  • Click “Core isolation details.”
  • Toggle “Memory integrity” to Off.
  • Restart your computer if prompted.

Verification

After restarting, your primary virtualization software (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox) should run using its native hypervisor, which may result in improved performance.

To Re-enable the Hypervisor

If you need to use Hyper-V or WSL2 in the future, reverse the changes:

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto and press Enter.
3. Restart your computer.
4. You may also need to re-enable Memory Integrity in Windows Security settings.

You can also try the following for improved speed:

• Allocate more RAM and CPU cores if possible.
• Ensure VMware Tools are installed correctly.
• In VMware Settings > Display, enable “Accelerate 3D graphics”.

6. Set Custom Screen Resolution (Optional)

To set a custom resolution, first ensure that you have installed the VMware tools. Now, close your virtual machine.

Click on “Edit virtual machine settings“.

Go to “Display” and modify your screen resolution.

Now, power on your virtual machine and go to your macOS Terminal and run the command below:

sudo /Library/Application\ Support/VMware\ Tools/vmware-resolutionSet 1600 1100

Note: In VMware's Display settings, you need to set the resolutions higher than or equal to the ones you'll be using in macOS.

Complete Video Tutorial:

Conclusion: macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore

By following this detailed guide, you have successfully unlocked the ability to run macOS Sequoia on VMware using OpenCore. This powerful combination provides a flexible and functional macOS environment for development, testing, and exploration on your standard PC hardware. Remember to check for updates to OpenCore and your VMware tools to maintain stability and performance.