HOW TO QUICKLY CREATE A MACOS BOOTABLE USB ON WINDOWS 10

Need to install or reinstall macOS but don’t have a Mac handy? No problem. With the right tools, you can create a macOS bootable USB drive using your Windows 10 PC. Here’s the simplest, fastest way to get it done.

What You’ll Need

• A USB drive: 16GB or larger.
• A macOS installer file: Usually in .dmg or .app format (e.g., macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur).
• TransMac (or alternative): This utility lets you write macOS DMG files to USB on Windows.
• 7-Zip (optional): For extracting files if needed.

Step 1: Download the macOS Installer

First, get your hands on the macOS installer. You can find DMG files online, but make sure to use a trustworthy source—preferably Apple’s own servers, if possible.

Note: Downloading macOS from unofficial sources can be risky. Always check the file’s legitimacy.

Step 2: Download and Install TransMac

TransMac makes working with Mac-formatted drives easy on Windows.

• Go to TransMac’s official site.
• Download the free trial and install it.

Step 3: Plug in Your USB Drive

Insert your USB drive (16GB+). Back up anything important on it—this process will erase all data on the drive.

Step 4: Use TransMac to Restore the macOS DMG

1. Run TransMac as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator).
2. Find your USB drive in the left pane (it might say “Apple HFS” or “unformatted”).
3. Right-click the drive and select “Restore with Disk Image…”.
4. Browse and select your macOS .dmg or .iso file.
5. Click OK and confirm.

TransMac will now write the macOS image to your USB drive. This can take a while—anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the installer and your USB speed.

Step 5: Boot From the USB (On Your Mac)

• Insert the USB drive into the Mac you want to boot.
• Power it on while holding the Option key.
• Select your USB drive from the boot menu.

You’re ready to install macOS!

Final Tips

• Format Warnings: Double-check the USB drive selection—this process will erase it.
• Installer Compatibility: Make sure the macOS version you’re creating matches the Mac you’ll use it on.
• Troubleshooting: If the Mac won’t recognize the USB, try another port or re-do the process with a different USB drive.

Wrap-Up

Creating a macOS bootable USB from Windows is easier than most people think. With TransMac and a good installer file, you’ll be up and running fast—even if you don’t have access to a Mac.

Have questions or issues? Drop them in the comments!

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!