This paper outlines the technical process and considerations for creating a macOS Virtual Machine (VM) image for use within VMware Workstation or Fusion.
A macOS VMware image is a pre-configured virtual machine file that allows you to run Apple’s operating system on non-Apple hardware, such as a Windows PC or Linux workstation, using software like VMware Workstation or VMware Player. Core Components mac os vmware image
| Host CPU | Virtualization Platform | macOS Guest Support | |----------|------------------------|----------------------| | Intel (VT-x) | VMware Workstation/Fusion | Any macOS version (Mojave → Sonoma/Sequoia) | | Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) | VMware Fusion 13+ | macOS 12 Monterey+ (ARM64 guests only) | | AMD (SVM) | VMware Workstation | Patched kernels required; unstable | This paper outlines the technical process and considerations
5. Install VMware Tools (Darwin.iso)
Once booted into macOS, mount darwin.iso (located in VMware’s installation folder). Run the installer to enable: Hardware compatibility : Mac OS may not support