So what is a virtual machine? It’s a computer file (often referred to as an image) that behaves like an actual computer. If you have a favorite, let people know about it in the comments below!

I’ve heard that Parallels Desktop is amazing and wildly faster that VirtualBox, but I haven’t actually tried it myself. If it’s speed and graphics that you’re after, you might want to check out a paid version. There are, of course, some details like 3D graphics that might not be as good on VirtualBox as they might be on something you pay for. VirtualBoxĪlthough there are a number of popular VM programs out there, VirtualBox is completely free, open-source, and awesome. There’s no need for constant backups and restores. If something goes wrong, whether with software installations or by infecting your system with a virus, you can easily switch back to a previous snapshot. This lets you experiment freely with your environment. You can, at any point, save the state of your machine with a “snapshot” and revert back to that state if you need to. Because you can configure your virtual hardware, you can even install an old OS like DOS or OS/2. You can run software written for one OS on another without needing to reboot. Click “New” to create your new virtual machine.Virtual machines allow you to run more than one OS at a time. Install VirtualBox on your Windows PC by following the instructions in the installation wizard.This is an easier, and hence preferred, method for getting access to Apple software. However, the amount of technical knowledge you need for this is way less. There are plenty of sites that have them, but downloading an ISO from an unofficial site does come with a level of risk. You will still need to convert this APP file to a DMG and then convert it from a DMG to an ISO in order to be able to install it in VirtualBox.Īn easier but also less secure option is to search for an ISO of your desired version of macOS online. Regardless of the macOS version your Mac is running, open the App Store page of the latest macOS version – Monterey – and download the installer from there.

Even if you have access to a Mac, you won’t be able to download a copy of the OS you already have installed. Getting hold of an ISO is actually more difficult than you might expect. You’ll also need an ISO image of the macOS version you want to install. First, you’ll need to download a copy of Oracle VM VirtualBox.

Install macos on windows 10 virtualbox