How to Install macOS Big Sur in VirtualBox on Windows

Want to run macOS Big Sur on your Windows PC? Whether you’re testing apps, exploring macOS features, or just curious, VirtualBox lets you create a virtual Mac without buying Apple hardware.

In this guide, we’ll walk through installing macOS Big Sur in VirtualBox on Windows from start to finish.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A Windows 10 or 11 PC (64-bit, at least 8GB RAM recommended)
• VirtualBox – Free virtualization software from Oracle
  Download VirtualBox here
• VirtualBox Extension Pack – Adds USB 3.0 support and other features
  Download Extension Pack here
• macOS Big Sur ISO file – Download from Archive.org here
• At least 50GB free disk space

Step 1 – Install VirtualBox and Extension Pack

1. Download the latest VirtualBox installer for Windows and run it.
2. Follow the prompts and complete the installation.
3. Double-click the Extension Pack file you downloaded and let VirtualBox install it.

Step 2 – Create a New macOS Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name it something like “macOS Big Sur.”
   • Type: Mac OS X
   • Version: Mac OS X (64-bit)
3. Click Next and assign at least 4GB RAM (8GB if possible).
4. Create a new virtual hard disk:
   • Size: 50GB or more
   • Type: VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) or VDI
5. Finish setup.

If you ever need more storage later, here’s how to enlarge your VirtualBox disk.

Step 3 – Attach the macOS Big Sur ISO

1. Select your new VM and click Settings.
2. Go to Storage → Empty CD icon → Choose a disk file.
3. Browse and select the macOS Big Sur ISO you downloaded.
4. Click OK.

Step 4 – Adjust VM Settings for macOS

To avoid boot errors, tweak these settings:

• System → Motherboard:
  • Uncheck Floppy
  • Set Chipset to PIIX3
• System → Processor:
  • Assign 2 or more CPU cores
  • Enable PAE/NX
• Display → Video Memory: Set to 128MB
• USB: Select USB 3.0 (xHCI) Controller

Step 5 – Apply macOS VirtualBox Code

VirtualBox needs some extra configuration via Command Prompt.

1. Close VirtualBox completely.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Get the pre-made VirtualBox macOS Big Sur code here:
   Download VirtualBox macOS Big Sur code
4. Replace "Your VM Name" with your VM’s exact name when running the commands.

Step 6 – Start the Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and start your macOS Big Sur VM.
2. Follow the on-screen macOS installation steps:
   • Choose your language
   • Use Disk Utility to erase the virtual hard disk (APFS format)
   • Install macOS Big Sur

The installation process may take a while. The VM might restart several times—this is normal.

Step 7 – Complete Setup

Once macOS boots to the welcome screen:

1. Set your region, keyboard, and Apple ID (optional).
2. Adjust privacy settings.
3. You’re now inside macOS Big Sur on your Windows PC.
   If you want the VM to fill your whole display, here’s how to make VirtualBox full screen.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Stuck at Apple logo? Double-check the CPU, chipset, and EFI settings.
• Mouse/keyboard lag? Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (though macOS support is limited).
• Performance slow? Increase CPU cores and RAM allocation.

Final Thoughts

Running macOS Big Sur in VirtualBox on Windows isn’t as smooth as on a real Mac, but it’s a great way to test Apple’s OS without dedicated Apple hardware. Just remember: performance depends on your PC’s specs, and this is best for light use, not heavy video editing.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!