How to Install macOS Monterey on VirtualBox on Windows 10/11

Running macOS Monterey on your Windows PC is a great way to explore Apple’s operating system without buying a Mac. Using VirtualBox, you can create a virtual Mac environment for testing apps, learning macOS, or just exploring what it has to offer. Here’s a straightforward guide to installing macOS Monterey on VirtualBox in Windows 10 or 11.

Before You Begin

What You’ll Need:

• A PC running Windows 10 or 11 (with at least 8GB RAM, more is better)
• Oracle VM VirtualBox (free)
• VirtualBox Extension Pack (free)
• macOS Monterey ISO file
  Download macOS Monterey ISO – Link 1
  Download macOS Monterey ISO – Link 2
• 30-50GB free storage space

Note: Installing macOS on non-Apple hardware is against Apple’s End User License Agreement. Use this guide for educational purposes.

Step 1: Install VirtualBox and Extension Pack

1. Download VirtualBox: Get the latest version from here.
2. Install VirtualBox: Run the installer and follow the prompts.
3. Install Extension Pack: Download the Extension Pack from the same page. Double-click to install; it enhances USB support and other features.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine for macOS Monterey

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name your VM (e.g., “macOS Monterey”).
3. Set Type to “Mac OS X” and Version to “Mac OS X (64-bit)”.
4. Allocate at least 4GB RAM (8GB is better if you have it).
5. Create a virtual hard disk. Choose VDI, Dynamically allocated, and set at least 40GB.

Step 3: Add the macOS Monterey ISO

1. With your VM selected, click Settings > Storage.
2. Under Controller: SATA, click the empty disc icon.
3. Click the disc icon next to “Optical Drive,” then Choose a disk file.
4. Select your macOS Monterey ISO file.

Step 4: Adjust System Settings for macOS

1. In Settings > System > Motherboard:
   • Uncheck Floppy.
   • Make sure Chipset is set to ICH9 (if available).
2. In Settings > System > Processor:
   • Set at least 2 CPUs (4 is better if your PC supports it).
   • Enable PAE/NX.
3. In Settings > Display:
   • Set Video Memory to 128MB (maximum).
   • Enable 3D Acceleration.

Step 5: Apply VirtualBox Code for macOS Compatibility

VirtualBox doesn’t officially support macOS on Windows, so you need to run some commands to tweak your VM.

• Download the pre-made VirtualBox codes for macOS Monterey here:
  VirtualBox Codes for macOS Monterey

1. Close VirtualBox completely.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Run the code from the link above, or use the following commands one by one (replace YourVMName with your actual VM name):
   cd "C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\"
VBoxManage.exe modifyvm "YourVMName" --cpuidset 00000001 000306a9 00020800 80000201 178bfbff
VBoxManage setextradata "YourVMName" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct" "iMac19,1"
VBoxManage setextradata "YourVMName" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemVersion" "1.0"
VBoxManage setextradata "YourVMName" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiBoardProduct" "Mac-AA95B1DDAB278B95"
VBoxManage setextradata "YourVMName" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey" "ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc"
VBoxManage setextradata "YourVMName" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC" 1

Step 6: Start the macOS Monterey Installation

1. Reopen VirtualBox.
2. Start your macOS Monterey VM.
3. In the installer, select Disk Utility. Format your virtual hard disk as APFS (name it “Macintosh HD”).
4. Exit Disk Utility and choose Install macOS Monterey.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions. Installation may take a while and the VM will restart multiple times.

Step 7: First Boot and macOS Setup

1. After installation, set up macOS as you would on a real Mac.
2. If you get stuck at any point (e.g., black screen or boot loops), close the VM, increase RAM/CPU, or check your settings.
3. Once you reach the macOS desktop, you’re all set!

Bonus: Useful VirtualBox Tips

• Full Screen Mode: Want macOS to fill your monitor? Check this tutorial:
  How to make VirtualBox full screen for Windows 11(or 10), macOS, and Linux VMs
• Resize Virtual Disk: Need more space for your virtual Mac? Follow this guide:
  How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the VM is slow, allocate more RAM or CPU if possible.
• If you get “guru meditation” errors, double-check your VM settings and code commands.
• Google specific error messages for community solutions.

Final Thoughts

Installing macOS Monterey on VirtualBox is a great way to learn macOS without extra hardware. Performance won’t match a real Mac, but it’s perfect for basic exploration and software testing. Remember to use the VM for learning or development purposes.

Have questions or run into issues? Drop them in the comments below!

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!