How to Install macOS Sonoma on VMware – 2025 Easiest Complete Guide

Running macOS on a Windows PC may sound complex, but with the right tools and steps, you can easily install macOS Sonoma on VMware. Whether you’re using an AMD or Intel processor, this guide walks you through every detail to set up a smooth macOS virtual machine. The process involves setting up VMware Workstation, applying necessary patches, using OpenCore for boot support, and fine-tuning the virtual machine for maximum performance.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Ensure you comply with Apple’s software license agreement.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure:

• Virtualization is enabled in BIOS (AMD-V for AMD, Intel VT for Intel).
• Your system supports virtualization and has at least 8GB RAM (16GB recommended).
• You have VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.3 (free for all users now).

Checkout our another article on Enable Virtualization Technology on HP Lenovo Dell Asus Acer Systems.

Download Tools & Files

• VMware Workstation Pro 17.6.3: Download from Mega
• VMware Unlocker Tool: Download New Version
• Sonoma 14.6.1 ISO: Download
• VMware Tools ISO: Download
• Download the Right OpenCore Boot Image (VMDK)
  • For Intel Processors:
    • Download Intel Boot Disk
  • For AMD Processors:
    • 4 Cores: Download this if you want to give 4 cores to your macOS
    • 8 Cores: Download this if you want to give 8 cores to your macOS
    • 16 Cores: Download this if you want to give 16 cores to your macOS

Note: Each OpenCore Boot Disk (VMDK) includes OpenCore 1.0.4 on an EFI partition. It must be used on SATA 0:0 in VMware settings.

Prepare VMware Workstation and Run Unlocker

1. Install VMware: Install VMware Workstation 17 Pro on your host machine.
2. Close VMware: Shut down VMware completely, ensuring no related processes are running.
3. Obtain and Run Unlocker: Download a compatible VMware Unlocker tool. Run the Unlocker script (as administrator on Windows) to patch VMware and add the “Apple Mac OS X” guest OS option.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Let’s detail the steps to install macOS Sonoma on VMware using the OpenCore method:

1. Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VMware Workstation 17 Pro.
2. Create a new VM > Choose “Typical”
3. Select “I will install the OS later”
4. OS: Apple Mac OS X > Version: macOS 14
5. Name the VM and choose a location
6. Set maximum disk size (80GB+ recommended)
7. Finish the wizard.

2. Configure Virtual Machine Settings

Hardware Settings:

• Memory: 8GB minimum (50% of system RAM is ideal)
• Processors:
  • Intel: 50% of available cores
  • AMD: Match the downloaded OpenCore image (4, 8, or 16 cores)
• Hard Disk (SATA 0:0): Select the OpenCore VMDK (matching CPU & core count) and If prompted while adding VMDK, choose “Keep existing format.”
• Hard Disk 2: Create new virtual disk for macOS installation
• CD/DVD (SATA): Load macOS Sonoma ISO
• USB Controller: Set to USB 3.1
• Network Adapter: NAT

Note: This method uses OpenCore EFI image to boot and install the macOS Sonoma, So, You do not need to edit the .vmx file manually.

3. Install macOS Sonoma

1. Power on the VM
2. Choose Language.
3. Open Disk Utility.
4. Use Disk Utility to erase Hard Disk 2 (never touch OpenCore disk).
5. Click Erase. Name it (e.g., “macOS Sonoma”), choose Format: APFS, Scheme: GUID Partition Map. Erase the disk.
6. Close Disk Utility.
7. Select Install macOS Sonoma.
8. Choose the “macOS Sonoma” drive you just erased.
9. Follow the installer prompts. The VM will restart multiple times. Let OpenCore boot again and select the “Boot macOS Install from macOS Sonoma” or similar option each time until the installation is complete.
10. After the final restart, you’ll reach the macOS Setup Assistant. Complete the initial configuration (country, account, etc.).

Ready to try Apple’s latest? Dive into our complete guide on how to install macOS Sequoia on VMware—fully compatible with AMD and Intel PCs! Check it out here →

4. Final Tweaks

Install VMware Tools

Install VMware Tools: Since the latest VMware versions no longer support direct installation of VMware Tools for macOS, follow this manual method:

1. Download the darwin.iso file for macOS VMware Tools from the link provided above.
2. Attach darwin.iso as a CD/DVD drive in your VM settings.
3. Start your virtual machine.
4. Open the mounted VMware Tools disk inside macOS.
5. Begin the installation process.
6. macOS will likely block the installation. Go to System Settings > Security & Privacy and allow the VMware Tools installation to proceed.
7. Once installation is complete, reboot the VM.

Set Custom Resolution (Optional)

To set a custom resolution inside macOS, open Terminal and type:

sudo /Library/Application\ Support/VMware\ Tools/vmware-resolutionSet 1600 1100

Ensure the selected resolution is supported by VMware display settings.

Common Issues & Fixes

• Crashes or boot loops (Disable Hypervisor): Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run –

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity" /v "Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Restart your PC.

• White Wallpaper: Go to System Settings > Wallpaper > Disable “Show as screen saver”
• macOS not detecting disk: Ensure only Hard Disk 2 is formatted

Conclusion

Now you know how to install macOS Sonoma on VMware on any AMD or Intel PC. With correct tools, patches, and configurations, you can run macOS reliably without editing system files manually. This method is ideal for app testing, development, or exploring macOS without a Mac.

For best performance, always match your OpenCore image to your system specs and install VMware Tools after setup.

Stay updated with future macOS releases and share this guide with others who want to run macOS on Windows!