In this article, we will install macOS Sonoma 14 with VMware Workstation 17 Pro (17.5) on Windows 11. In addition, we will show you how to set up the system in a new virtual machine.
How to Install macOS Sonoma 14 in a Virtual Machine on Windows 10 or Windows 11 Using VMware 17 Pro?
Apple announced macOS Sonoma at its WWDC event on June 5, 2023. The company released it on September 26, 2023, as the version that follows Catalina.
Apple names each macOS release. As a result, this popular habit makes the version easy to recall. Indeed, version 14 also takes its name from a California region. Similarly, older releases do the same.
In addition, Apple improved the rounded-corner icons and windows in Sonoma’s interface. This gives the system a clearer and smoother look. It also supports GIF or video content to boost user engagement in the Messages app.
Apple fully supports ARM processors with Sonoma. In addition, the company now uses its own silicon chips instead of the x86/64 instruction set. Its recent M1/M2 chips offer longer battery life than Intel and AMD chips. So, these chips deliver higher system performance.
Owners of an iMac, MacBook, or MacBook Pro can download Sonoma 14 from the App Store. That lets them update their systems with ease. You can check this article to learn how to update using the App Store.
Let’s say you do not have a Mac. In that case, you can install macOS 14 on Windows 10 or 11 with the VMware Workstation Pro virtualization program. This lets you try Apple’s new system.
Most times, you can’t install Apple OS on VMware Workstation. So, the program does not support it. However, you can enable this support and unlock macOS by using VMware Unlocker.
Also, you can unlock Apple Mac OS X with Unlocker software. You can do this on Windows and vSphere ESXi.
Creating a New Virtual Machine for macOS Sonoma
Install VMware Pro on your Windows 11 computer. Then use the Unlocker tool to install the guest macOS system as mentioned. You also need to set the VM options correctly.
Step 1
Open VMware Workstation 17 Pro and click Create a Virtual Machine. Then choose Custom (Advanced) in the New Virtual Machine Wizard. This helps you configure the VM options more effectively.
Step 2
Open the Select Virtual Machine Hardware Compatibility window. Here, choose the latest version of VMware Pro installed on your computer.
Suppose you try to install an older system version and get an error. In that case, you can lower the Workstation version in the compatibility section.
Step 3
Open the Guest Operating System Installation window. Here, you can pick the media type you will use for the system installation. To install from a physical DVD drive, choose your media under Installer Disc. Alternatively, add the ISO image you downloaded to the virtual machine under Installer Disc Image.
If you add the ISO file to the VM at this stage, the system type and options are set automatically. However, this process may not suit your installation. Therefore, choose the “I will install the operating system later” option. Then continue setting up the options manually.
Step 4
Open the Select a Guest Operating System window. Here, you can choose operating systems from Windows, Linux, ESX, or other platforms. However, you will not see Apple Mac OS X here.
You will not see support for Apple Mac OS X systems. So, this happens when you try to install macOS on the guest machine. For this reason, you need to enable macOS support with Unlocker.
Click the Cancel button in this window. This fully closes the virtual machine creation wizard and VMware Workstation.
Install Unlocker
Step 1
Download VMware Unlocker to your computer. Then extract the ZIP file to a folder. Finally, run the win-install.cmd file in that folder as an administrator.
Step 2
After you run the Unlocker tool, VMware edits and backs up some files automatically. The program also starts to download the VMware Tools (Darwin.iso) file. After that, you can use the Apple operating system on your host machine more efficiently.
NOTE: If you have a problem with downloading the VMware Tools file, check this article. You can find safe download links and fix steps there.
Setting Up Virtual Machine Hardware Options
Step 1
After you unlock macOS, open the guest operating system selection window. Here, you will see that Apple Mac OS X support is active.
Choose the Apple Mac OS X platform. Then select macOS 14 under Version and click Next.
Step 2
Type a name for the system you will install on the guest machine. Suppose you want to change the installation location. In that case, click the Browse button. You can then set a location on an external disk.
Suppose your main disk is an SSD or NVMe. So, keep the install path as is. This makes the guest machine run faster.
Step 3
In the Processor Configuration window, you can raise the virtual CPU core count. Also, match it to your host machine’s hardware speed.
However, raising the CPU count too much can make the virtual system unstable. Therefore, you need to find the optimal value for macOS.
Step 4
Likewise, give the macOS VM the right memory value. Match it to your host computer’s RAM size.
Step 5
In the Network Type settings, pick NAT. This links the virtual computer to your local network. Do you not need an internet connection in the VM? If so, pick Host-Only or no network adapter.
Step 6
Open the I/O Controller types window. Here, continue with the default LSI Logic option.
Step 7
In the Disk Types window, you can choose the virtual PC disk as IDE, SCSI, SATA, or NVMe. However, you must first determine whether the system you will install supports these types.
macOS Sonoma is a current operating system and supports new technologies. So, pick the NVMe disk type. This gives your VM a big speed boost.
Virtual Disk and Final Hardware Options
Step 1
You have three options in the Select a Disk window. You can create a new virtual HDD or add an existing disk file. In addition, you can connect your physical disk directly to the VM.
For a clean macOS installation, choose the Create a new virtual disk option.
Step 2
In the Specify Disk Capacity window, set the virtual disk size to 100 GB. Also choose to store the virtual disk as a single file on your host machine.
If you use an old mechanical disk, check the Allocate all disk space now option. This reserves 100 GB on your main disk for the VM. Skip that option, and the VM takes disk space from your main disk as needed. It does this on its own.
Step 3
Suppose you want to back up the virtual disk file. Also, you may want to store it outside the VM config files. In that case, you can choose that location in this window.
You can install more than one guest machine on your computer. Disk files in different places can confuse you. So do not change the disk file location.
Step 4
Soon, the system will be ready to create the virtual computer. Then, you will see a summary window like the one below. Check your VM options in the summary window. Then click the Customize Hardware button.
Step 5
View the processor settings of your macOS virtual system. Then open the Virtualization Engine section. Here, enable the “Virtualize Intel VT-x or AMD-V/RVI” option.
Step 6
Open the CD/DVD (SATA) settings to add the macOS Sonoma ISO file to the guest system. Here, choose the Use ISO Image File option. Then click the Browse button.
Choose the macOS 14 ISO file you downloaded to your computer and click Open.
Adding the ISO and Editing the VMX File
Step 1
Add the macOS image file to the guest machine. Then turn off the Accelerate 3D Graphics option in the Display settings. Finally, close the window.
Step 2
Close the summary window of the guest virtual PC and continue.
Step 3
Before you run and install the Sonoma virtual machine, you must add code to the VMX file. Right-click your VM under the Library section of Workstation Pro. Then click Open VM Directory.
Open the macOS.vmx file with Notepad and save the file after you add the code below.
smbios.reflectHost = "TRUE"
hw.model = "MacBookPro14,3"
board-id = "Mac-551B86E5744E2388"
smc.version = "0"
Does your host have an AMD processor? If so, add the code below to the VMX file. Then save it.
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"
smbios.reflectHost = "TRUE"
hw.model = "MacBookPro14,3"
board-id = "Mac-551B86E5744E2388"
Step 4
After you add the required code to the macOS.vmx file and save it, start the virtual PC.
Installing macOS Sonoma Using VMware
Up to this point, you have created a new VM for macOS with VMware. Now you can start the system installation.
Step 1
First, start the macOS virtual machine. Then wait for the Apple logo to appear. After that, the system will boot up.
Step 2
Choose the display language for macOS and continue.
Step 3
When the Recovery screen appears, open Disk Utility. You need to format the virtual disk before you install.
Step 4
In Disk Utility, choose the VMware Virtual NVMe Disk Media option. Then click the Erase button. A window will open to format the chosen disk. In the Name field, type a disk name. Then choose the APFS format. After that, press the Erase button again and wait for the process to end.
- Name: macOS
- Format: APFS
- Scheme: GUID Partition Map
Installation and Configuration Steps
Step 1
After you format the virtual disk, choose the Install macOS Sonoma option. Then click Continue to install the system.
Step 2
Press Continue again to start the macOS installation.
Step 3
Accept the license agreement to continue loading the macOS software.
Step 4
Choose the virtual disk you formatted and press Continue.
Step 5
Wait for the installation wizard to copy the system files to the macOS disk. The progress bar shows the estimated time remaining. However, this time may be shorter depending on your host computer’s performance.
Step 6
After it copies the system files, your guest virtual system restarts. Then it continues booting at the Apple logo.
Step 7
After it copies the needed files, the Select Your Country or Region screen opens. Choose the country where you live and continue the process.
Step 8
Open the Written and Spoken Languages screen. Here, you can change the system language, keyboard layout, and system voice.
Step 9
You can customize your system for your personal needs in the Accessibility settings. For example, the VoiceOver screen reader can read text aloud. It can also show text on screen.
Setup Wizard Options
Step 1
Apple makes a clear pledge on the Data & Privacy screen. The company states that it uses users’ personal information minimally and respects human rights. The collection of your data aims to improve Apple services and enhance the user experience.
Step 2
You can move your files and documents to the guest machine. This works from another Mac or Windows computer. To get a fresh system experience, you can transfer the data later.
Step 3
You must sign in to use iCloud, App Store, and other Apple services. Use the Sign In with Your Apple ID screen here. Do you not have an Apple account? If not, you can create a new one on this screen.
Step 4
Read the macOS software license agreement on the Terms and Conditions screen. Then accept it.
Step 5
Create a new computer account for your virtual system and choose your profile picture.
Step 6
You can allow data use for Apple Maps and other services. If you want, you can choose not to give this permission. This decision is fully yours. However, you can share your data with Apple to help macOS improve.
Finishing the Install and First Settings
Step 1
On the Time Zone screen, pick the region where you live. You can also pick the one closest to you.
Step 2
You can share crash and usage data from the apps you use with developers. This helps them improve their apps for users.
Step 3
Screen Time gives parents more control over their children. In addition, it offers oversight of the system for children of every age. It also lets you review the time you spend in apps and web pages. You can use the Set Up Later option to configure these options later.
Step 4
From the Choose Your Look screen, pick the theme you want. You can use it on your Sonoma system. Apple offers users three themes: Light, Dark, and Auto.
If you choose the Auto look, your system switches to the light or dark theme. This switch happens automatically based on the time of day.
Step 5
Set the system options and click the Apple logo. Then you can find your macOS version by selecting About This Mac.
Installing VMware Tools on macOS
After you install macOS Sonoma with VMware, you must install VMware Tools. This lets you use the guest system at full-screen resolution and higher performance.
You do not need to download the VMware Tools ISO file for macOS guest machines. The Unlocker tool handles this for you. When you use the Unlocker tool, the program downloads the VMware Tools (Darwin.iso) file to your computer.
Step 1
On the macOS virtual PC, follow the VM / Removable Devices / CD/DVD (SATA) menu path. Then choose the Settings option.
Step 2
After you change the CD/DVD device status to Connected, add the Darwin.iso file in the Unlocker/Tools folder to the VM.
Step 3
After you connect the ISO image to the VM, double-click Install VMware Tools to start the installation.
Step 4
Press Continue in the VMware Tools Installer window to continue the installation.
Step 5
You must choose a target location for the installation. Check the “Install for all users of this computer” option and click Continue.
Step 6
VMware Tools will use 7.6 MB of disk space on your virtual disk. Do not change the installation location; press Install for a standard installation.
Step 7
When the installation starts, type your password to authorize the wizard. Then press the Install Software button.
Step 8
You may see a System Extension Blocked warning. In that case, click Open Security Preferences.
Step 9
You will see the warning “System software from developer VMware, Inc. was blocked from loading.” Click the Allow button next to this warning.
Step 10
You must restart your system for the new system components to take effect. In the window that opens, click the Not Now option.
Step 11
After you finish the VMware Tools installation on macOS, restart your system.
VMware Tools Permissions and Test
Step 1
Check that your guest system runs at full-screen resolution in VMware. Also confirm that graphics memory is 128 MB instead of 3 MB.
Step 2
Open the Workstation tools menu to use your guest machine at full-screen resolution. After that, click the View / Full Screen option.
Step 3
You can drag and drop files to the macOS guest machine. This works from the Windows 10 host. However, you will get a VMware Tools daemon error during this. To fix this error, click Open System Preferences.
Step 4
Unlock the system again to change security and privacy settings. Then enable the VMware Tools daemon component in the Accessibility section.
Step 5
Allow the VMware Tools daemon component. Then try to transfer files from your host to the VM again. You will see that the process works.
Testing the Internet Connection
First, set up every option on the guest macOS computer. Then, test your internet link to make sure it works. If not, you cannot load new updates for your system. You also cannot load the apps you want to use.
Step 1
Press the Windows key + Space to run Terminal. Type terminal in the search bar that opens and run it.
To ping on macOS, run the ping -c 2 www.google.com command in the terminal. If you see TTL=128 in the ping output, you can successfully reach the internet.
Step 2
When the ping works, open Safari on your Mac virtual computer. Then test your connection by visiting the Google home page.
Using a USB Flash Drive
You can use USB flash drives in a virtual machine. Just set it up in VMware Workstation 17 Pro software. Plug a USB disk into your host computer. The New USB Device Detected window will open. Then, you can easily connect your device to the VM or the host.
Step 1
Plug a USB flash disk into your Windows 10 host computer. The New USB Device Detected window will open. Then, choose the Connect to a virtual machine option. Plus, choose your macOS VM and click OK.
Step 2
You cannot use an NTFS-formatted flash drive on macOS. Formatting your USB drive as ExFAT will help. First, open Disk Utility. Then, right-click your flash disk under External. After that, click the Erase option.
In the disk format window, type a name in the Name field. Choose ExFAT in the Format field. Then click the Erase button again.
Step 3
After you format your flash disk as ExFAT, you can transfer your data.
Step 4
First, unplug your flash disk from the macOS VM. Then, connect it to the host computer this time. This step checks if Windows can view the data. The data went to the flash drive on macOS.
Step 5
Open File Explorer on your Windows 10 host. Then, view your flash drive’s contents. You will see the Backup folder you made in the VM.
Raising the Performance of the macOS Guest Machine
Sadly, even if you run macOS in a guest machine, 3D graphics do not work. So you cannot use some of your apps or games. The reason is simple. Your virtualization software has no 3D graphics support for macOS.
You can raise graphics memory from 3 MB to 128 MB. Just install VMware Tools on the guest machine. However, even if you have a new computer, this will not help.
At least, it can be ideal for software developers or people who want to try Apple systems. For example, you will have trouble even on Intel’s 12th- or 13th-generation processors. Performance can drop when you use the latest macOS version with a VM.
You can change your system’s visual effects. Also, changing menu transition effects or lowering screen resolution affects performance.
You can change system settings quickly with the code listed below. Do not forget to back up your system with a snapshot first.
- Quick Access to the Dock
sudo defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier -float 0.15- Turning Off Visual Effects
sudo defaults write com.apple.finder DisableAllAnimations -bool truesudo defaults write com.apple.finder InitialSpringBoardDelay -float 0- Disabling Spotlight Search
sudo mdutil -a -i off- Shortening Delay in Visual Effects
sudo defaults write -g com.apple.mouse.scaling -float 5.0sudo defaults write -g com.apple.trackpad.scaling -float 5.0sudo defaults write -g InitialKeyRepeat -int 15sudo defaults write -g KeyRepeat -int 2- Window Sensitivity Settings
sudo defaults write com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad TrackpadThreeFingerDrag -bool truesudo defaults write com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad TrackpadThreeFingerHorizSwipeGesture -int 0sudo defaults write com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad TrackpadThreeFingerVertSwipeGesture -int 0- Increasing Drag Speed
sudo defaults write -g com.apple.trackpad.scaling 2.5sudo defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSWindowResizeTime -float 0.001- Lowering Resolution
sudo /Library/Application\ Support/VMware\ Tools/vmware-resolutionSet 1920 1080- Turning Off Visual Effects to Reduce CPU Load
sudo defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceMotion -bool true- Turning Off Visual Effects in Safari
sudo defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitInitialTimedLayoutDelay 0.25- Disabling Bluetooth
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist ControllerPowerState 0- Turning Off Menu Transition Effects
sudo defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticWindowAnimationsEnabled -bool falseInstalling Older Versions
| Version | Slide |
|---|---|
| macOS Sierra 10.12 | View |
| macOS High Sierra 10.13 | View |
| macOS Mojave 10.14 | View |
| macOS Big Sur 11 | View |
| macOS Ventura 13 | View |
FAQ About VMware and macOS
How do I fix the “Virtual machine could not be started” error when I install macOS Sonoma on VMware?
The graphics card shows 3 MB in virtual macOS; is there a way to fix this?
Is Unlocker required to install macOS on VMware Workstation 17?
Does macOS Sonoma work through VMware on a computer with an AMD processor?
Why does virtual macOS run slowly, and which settings raise performance?
How do I install VMware Tools on a macOS virtual machine, and what is missing if I do not?
How many GB of RAM and disk should I set aside for a macOS Sonoma virtual machine?
How do I fix an APFS error or a missing disk during the install?
Why does the virtual machine not see USB drives and external disks?
Does macOS Sonoma or Ventura run more smoothly on VMware?
Conclusion: Step Into macOS Sonoma Without a Mac
You can install macOS Sonoma 14 on Windows 11 by following the steps in this article. For this, you will use VMware Workstation 17 Pro. Also, VMware Unlocker makes this possible. Now, users can enjoy a macOS experience on non-Apple hardware.
At the same time, this method lets you test macOS Sonoma without a Mac computer. In addition, this installation becomes more accessible and useful for many users. As a result, it offers new opportunities to explore and test macOS Sonoma.
46 People Shared Their Experience
Hello,
Unable to get pass Step 30. When it boots, the Apple indicator goes half way, then it reboots itself repeatingly. I followed all the steps according to instructions but unable to get to Step 31 as the boot looping might be a debugger called: . Take a look at the following screenshot I shared via link.
I tried same steps without success.
When apple gauge is near 40%, the VM reboots.
There’s a bit difference with me, because my PC is Linux (xenial) and NOT has VM acceleration on BIOS.
Had the same issues listed above … To get it installed and working, I turned the CPU Virtualization options Off for the initial install, than Virtualization On for the Install and finally Virtualization Off once it was installed… Not ideal … But got it to work …
Wonderful guide.. it all worked like charm …
big thumbs up (Y)
Thank you Speedtangent!
Totally junk !!! I spent two days installed it successfully. But next morning it can’t boot up.
I will remove it entirely and go to VirtualBox.
It went very well
Tks for your great work
You’re welcome! Thank you for your comment!
Wonderful detailed guide! Got it working on the first try, THANK YOU!
Dear
As per your instructions for install macos Sierra on vmware successfully install . I am following your instructions step by step then installation successfully macos. Thank you brothers you are great.
Getting this error “The CPU has been disabled by the guest operating system. Power off or reset the virtual machine.” when i am starting the VM
Check that the VT-x (Virtualization) feature is enabled in the host computer’s BIOS settings. If VT-x is enabled, disable it completely if you’ve used Hyper-V before and try again.
This is a wonderful guide. However I can’t get it to work. I’m using Windows 10 with VMware Player 16. My computer has an Intel Core i7 CPU with 16 GB of RAM. Everything works fine until the install itself (I can boot up and partition the hard drive). I keep getting an error message saying that the macOS Mojave installer is corrupt and can not continue. I tried the High Sierra install too and got the same problem. Am I doing something wrong?
1. On the macOS Utilities screen, open Utilities / Terminal from the tool menu.
2. Execute the date command in Terminal and check the current date. To solve this error, you need to set the date back 3 or 5 years.
3. Disconnect the VM from the Internet and execute the command “date 102523382016” in the terminal. After applying this command, click Install macOS again and start the installation.
Hello,
Thank you for the article. I am currently receiving an error message when trying to boot up the virtual machine. It says VMware Workstation unrecoverable error: (vcpu-0)
Exception 0xc0000005 (access violation) has occurred.
I am running vmware 16 latest release
I have an i9 12900 cpu
I had to uncheck the virtualization engine checkboxes or else I get “VMware Workstation does not support virtualized performance counters on this host.”
Thank you for your time
HI,
Thanks so much to the tips to install MacOS. I have problem I cannot hear or hear sound from Mac OS from VMWare. I have tried all tips from VMWare but still no success. I am running my PC with GTX 1050 Ti Display anc sound through HDMI to my Samsung Monitor C27F591.
Any help would be great.
thanks again
Hello great tips for macos in vmware but when i launch the vm from ISO to install i get the cpu has been disbled havent used hyper-v what do i do?
i cant get it to erase the nvme disk to reinstall macOS. im stumped and cant figure it out
Works Good
tentei instalar no meu pc porem apesar de seguir todos os passos na hora que clico para instalar o mac, aparece tela preta com uma maçã e não si disso
I got it to work using VENTURA on WIN 11 and VMware 17. A couple of tweaks here and there, like the Darwin, had to be downloaded manually. But it works very fine
Also if you encounter issues with internet, follow this steps
1. Check if your computer has internet connection
2. Make sure NAT is selected under Network Connection (Network Adapter) in Virtual Machine Settings
2. Open .vmx file of your macOS 13 Ventura Virtual Machine
3. Edit ethernet0.virtualDev = “vmxnet3”
Worked for me
Exactly this method works.
My environment > Windows 10(Latest) + AMD® Ryzen 9 5900hx CPU + VMWare 17 Pro
It will stuck when install finish and boot loop.
Do you have any suggestions?
Same problem with Ventura on simiral equpment (Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U + W10 22H2 + VMw WS17 Pro). I tried VT-x on/off. Catalina running fine with VT-x off, with VT-x on running too but i have problem with resuming from suspend. 3D acceleration i have on, i checked windows task manager and when i playing video or moving window 3D section has higher utilisation.
Great guide! I’m having a problem when trying to find the darwin.iso from within the settings. I had to download the iso but getting this error when opening the file “This operation cannot proceed because your Mac OS guest is using the CD/DVD. Dismiss this message, eject the disc from inside the guest, and retry this operation.” And then “Connection control operation failed for disk ‘sata0:1′”
Thanks a lot for your comment. However, you can ignore the CD/DVD error you encounter. The Workstation program only warns you. You can choose to download VMware Tools from this link. Thanks again.
Hi there,
I followed the directions exactly. I am able to get past the disk format stage. but then it chokes during the install stage. It looks like it gets very close to complete, but then it starts cycling through reboots, each time displaying, ‘Your computer restarted because of a problem. Press any key or wait a few seconds to continue starting up.’
I’m using an AMD Ryzen 9 5950x processor. I think I may have read in the past that virtualization of Apple systems is problematic with AMD processors. Is that true? Any idea what my problem is?
Thanks.
Not working on my Ryzen 7 / Windows 10 / VMPlayer 17. Same probelm as David above, installation starts but at some point it just restarts and goes into a boot loop. Any clues on how to fix this?
Did you find a solution? Having the exact same problem.. Any help would be apreciated!
Hi all! I have the same problem with boot loop in the final of installing way (Ryzen 7 5800h)
First of all, HUGE thankyou Tolga for this complete and excellent tutorial. I’m in the same boat as all the others with Ryzen CPUs, it just goes into a continuous reboot loop but I found this :
To install macOS on Ryzen laptop, you need to:
Create a macOS bootable USB disk using Windows, macOS or Linux.
Download and install a virtual machine software such as VMWare Player or VirtualBox.
Torrent a macOS image file compatible with AMD Ryzen, such as Sierra, Catalina or Monterey.
Modify the VMware VMX file or the OpenCore boot loader for the macOS image.
Configure the EFI BIOS setting of your laptop to boot from the USB disk.
Install macOS on your laptop and perform post installation steps.
I’m goingto try Monterey and will report on how I go.
Success! The Monterey iso works on AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D following all the steps in this tutorial exactly. Thanks again Tolga.
I’m so glad I helped. Also, thanks for your feedback.
Step 23, I can’t get past that. I turn it on, only a blue “boot manager” box appears, with a few choices, none of which works (except “shut down the system”). Conclusion: Failed installing macOS on VMWare, I tried twice from the beginning. Maybe it’s a bad ISO? I had to download it from another place because the Mega link here doesn’t work (requires a payment).
There may be corruption when downloading the ISO file from another platform. However, still, ensure you have configured your VM’s settings properly. Also, find a set suitable for your host by playing with the number of CPUs and vCore value. This installation process may vary from device to device in some cases. Thanks for your feedback.
Same problem with an AMD CPU (AMD Ryzen 7 5700G 8x 3.80GHz).
I have a Catalina VM with VMware 17.5 on Windows 11 and this works without problems. So I copied it and tried to update to macOS 14 Sonoma Beta, in the System Updater by Download, took a while, its 12 GB or so.
Then after first installation before any macOS 14 GUI, it hangs in a boot loop, in the very beginning of boot it stops and I read that error: “Your computer restarted because of a problem…”
I have the vmx changed as I read differently, the Unlocker 3.0.5 is active and as I say, the 10.15.7 is running flawlessly.
Must be the combinatin AMD and macOS 14, have tried 13 too, not working neither, also boot loop.
Wayne McDermott wrote, that Monterey can play in Ryzen, so next thing I will try is Monterey ISO…
Any hints to play Sonoma are highly welcome 🙂
Thanks.frank
I can’t get past Step 10 of the MacOS Sonoma install. I’m running Windows 10 Pro 22H2 and a fully licensed VMware Workstation Pro 17.5. I get the “Your computer restarted because of a problem. Press any key or wait a few seconds to continue starting up.”
My computer hardware is an AMD Ryzen 9 7800X, 64 GB DDR5 RAM, with a three NVMEe GEN5 SSDs. Any help you could provide me will definitely be appreciated. I really want to run the MacOS on this computer. Thanks!
I saw “Your computer restarted because of a problem. Press any key or whait a few seconds to continue sratiing up.”
How to solve it?
Hello, nice to meet you.
I installed macOS Sonoma 14 on VMware Workstation 17 with HP ENVY I can’t proceed.
What should I do in this case?
I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you.
Please excuse me.
Hi Tolga, w have an AMD 5600 I am using Workstation Pro 17 . I followed your tutorial and managed to get Sonoma to get to the recovery screen where you can select disk utility and format it. Is goes through different stages but just before the end setup stage it reboots then I get this Your computer restarted because of a problem. Press any key or wait a few seconds to continue starting up.” hope you can help solve the issue thanks. Regards Chris.
If your CPU is intel, check if it supports AVX2. If it doesn’t then there’s simply no way to boot macOS 13 or higher.
Same for me on AMD Ryzen
“Your computer restarted because of a problem. Press any key or wait a few seconds to continue starting up.”
No solution ?
Amazing guide, can someone please help me with the performance issues, the given ones are not working.
Amazing guide! I get it to work using both Sequoia and Sonoma, but cannot add a USB device. Using right click on the VM name -> Removable devices -> choose device -> Connect (disconnect from host) I get the message that the device is going to be unplugged from the host and connected to the virtual machine. Then I get a USB device error and all the device icons in the bottom bar disappear except for the drive, disk, network and sound. Very shortly after they all re-appear.
I have tried putting:
usb.quirks.device0 = “05ac:12ab skip-refresh”
usb.quirks.device0 = “05ac:12ab skip-setconfig”
usb.quirks.device0 = “05ac:12ab skip-reset, skip-refresh, skip-setconfig”
in the vmx (vid:05ac pid:12ab)
I have tried using usb2 (under settings -> USB controller) but then my keyboard and mouse are not recognised at bootup.
VMWare Tools are installed and the Daemon is running.
Another strange thing is that the background stays white – I have changed it and it is visible in the login screen, but in the finder / desktop it does not change.
Any hints are welcome!
Thank you for the clear feedback and for testing on both Sequoia and Sonoma — that is very helpful. The USB issue you described usually points to a controller problem or a host conflict rather than a quirk setting issue.
Please delete all lines in the .vmx file that begin with usb.quirks.device0. These lines are often unnecessary and can interfere with USB startup. Then, add the following lines to enable the xHCI controller and allow HID devices to function through it:
usb.present = "TRUE"ehci.present = "FALSE"
xhci.present = "TRUE"
usb.generic.allowHID = "TRUE"
usb.autoConnect.device0 = "0x05ac:0x12ab"
Shut down the virtual machine completely (do not just pause it), then restart it. If the issue persists, check for potential problems on the host machine. Avoid using USB hubs, try connecting the device to a different USB port, and in Windows Device Manager, disable “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” for each USB Root Hub.
If your device is manufactured by Apple (Vendor ID 05ac), Windows may claim it before VMware can assign it to the virtual machine. As a last-resort advanced fix, you can also add the following lines to the .vmx file to prevent device conflicts and apply less restrictive USB rules:
pciPassthru0.present = "FALSE"usb.restrictions.defaultAllow = "TRUE"
After applying these changes, reboot the host machine completely before testing again.
If the issue continues, please let me know your VMware version and host operating system, and I’ll help you investigate further.