How to Install macOS on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered if you could run macOS on your Windows 11 PC? Maybe you’re curious about trying Apple’s operating system without buying a Mac, or perhaps you’re a developer who needs access to both macOS and Windows. Good news—you can!

Installing macOS on a Windows 11 computer is possible through a process called creating a Hackintosh or by using a virtual machine. While Apple officially restricts macOS to Mac hardware, many users set it up on Windows PCs for learning, testing, or just experimenting.

In this article, we’ll explain how to install macOS on Windows 11 step by step, the tools you’ll need, and important things to consider before you dive in.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Installing macOS on non-Apple hardware may violate Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA). This guide is for educational purposes only. If you want full compatibility and support, it’s best to purchase genuine Apple hardware.

Table of Contents

Why Install macOS on a Windows 11 PC?

1. Access Apple Ecosystem

Running macOS lets you use apps like iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and GarageBand.

2. App Development

If you’re a developer, you can test iOS and macOS apps without owning a Mac.

3. Dual-OS Flexibility

Having Windows 11 and macOS on the same machine gives you the best of both worlds.

4. Curiosity

Many tech enthusiasts enjoy experimenting with operating systems just for fun.

Two Main Methods to Install macOS on Windows 11

1. Hackintosh Installation (Direct Install)

This involves creating a bootable macOS USB installer and running it on your Windows PC.

2. Virtual Machine Installation (VMware or VirtualBox)

This method runs macOS inside Windows as a virtual system—safer and easier for beginners.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

A Windows 11 PC with at least:
- Intel or AMD processor (better compatibility with Intel).
- 8GB+ RAM.
- 50GB+ free storage.
A macOS image file (Big Sur, Monterey, or Ventura).
Bootloader software (like OpenCore or Clover) if using Hackintosh.
A USB drive (16GB or more).
Virtualization software (VMware/VirtualBox) if going the VM route.

Method 1: Installing macOS on Windows 11 Using Virtual Machine

This is the safest way to run macOS without risking your main system.

Step 1: Download and Install Virtualization Software

Choose VMware Workstation Player (free for personal use) or Oracle VirtualBox.

Step 2: Enable Virtualization in BIOS

Restart your PC and enter BIOS (F2, F10, or DEL key).
Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V.

Step 3: Get macOS Image File

Download a macOS .iso or .vmdk file from a trusted source.

Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine

In VMware/VirtualBox, select Create New VM.
Choose macOS as the operating system.

Step 5: Configure Settings

Allocate at least:
- 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
- 2 CPUs (more if available)
Attach the macOS image as the virtual hard disk.

Step 6: Start the Virtual Machine

Boot the VM, and macOS installation will begin.
Follow on-screen instructions to complete setup.

Method 2: Hackintosh (Direct macOS Installation on PC)

This is trickier but gives you a real Mac-like experience.

Step 1: Check Hardware Compatibility

Intel processors work best.
AMD requires special patches.
Use tools like Hackintosh Compatibility Checkers online.

Step 2: Download macOS

Get a copy of macOS from Apple’s App Store (if you have a Mac) or from trusted Hackintosh communities.

Step 3: Create a Bootable macOS USB

Use tools like BalenaEtcher or TransMac to write macOS to your USB drive.

Step 4: Install OpenCore or Clover Bootloader

These bootloaders help macOS run on non-Mac hardware.
Copy bootloader files onto the USB.

Step 5: Change BIOS Settings

Disable Secure Boot.
Enable UEFI mode.
Set USB as the primary boot device.

Step 6: Boot from USB

Insert your USB, restart the PC, and boot into macOS installer.

Step 7: Install macOS

Use Disk Utility to format your drive (APFS format).
Install macOS normally.

Step 8: Post-Installation Setup

Install additional drivers (called kexts) for Wi-Fi, audio, and graphics.
Configure bootloader for smooth startup.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Virtual Machine

✅ Safer, easier setup
✅ No risk to Windows installation
❌ Performance is limited
❌ No GPU acceleration

Hackintosh

✅ Full macOS experience
✅ Better performance than VM
❌ Risky and complex setup
❌ May break after Windows updates

Common Issues and Fixes

1. macOS Won’t Boot

Check BIOS settings (UEFI, Secure Boot disabled).
Reinstall bootloader.

2. No Internet or Audio

Install missing kexts (macOS drivers).

3. Virtual Machine Laggy

Allocate more RAM and CPU cores.
Enable virtualization in BIOS.

Tips for Smooth macOS on Windows Experience

Use SSD storage for faster performance.
Keep backups—Hackintosh installs can break easily.
Join Hackintosh forums for updated drivers and fixes.
If you’re a developer, consider Mac in the Cloud services as an alternative.

Is It Legal to Install macOS on Windows 11?

Technically, Apple’s EULA allows macOS only on Apple devices. Installing it on Windows hardware is considered a violation. However, many enthusiasts still do it for educational or testing purposes.

Final Thoughts

Installing macOS on a Windows 11 PC isn’t as straightforward as installing another Windows version, but it’s doable with the right tools and patience.

If you’re a beginner → Use a virtual machine for safety.
If you want full performance → Try a Hackintosh setup, but be ready for troubleshooting.

At the end of the day, if you need macOS for professional work, investing in a genuine Mac may save time and headaches. But for learning and experimenting, this guide gives you everything you need to get started.

FAQs

Q1. Can I run macOS and Windows 11 side by side?
Yes, with a dual-boot Hackintosh or by running macOS in a virtual machine.

Q2. Which macOS version works best on Windows 11?
Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura are commonly used with good compatibility.

Q3. Do I need a Mac to create the macOS installer?
It helps, but you can also create one from Windows using tools like TransMac.

Q4. Will all hardware work on Hackintosh?
Not always—Wi-Fi cards, graphics, and sound often require special drivers (kexts).

Q5. Is installing macOS on Windows 11 worth it?
If you’re curious, learning, or developing apps, yes. But for stability and support, buying a Mac is the better choice.