How to create a virtual machine with MacOS easily and quickly? step by step guide

As its name indicates, a virtual machine is software that has the ability to load another operating system inside it. Thus, instead of being a physical console, computer or machine, it is virtual or emulated.

In macOS, the Virtual machines allow users to boot into totally different desktops via a Mac. So, for example, it is useful to run Windows either linux, as if a different machine had booted.

Due to its great usefulness, there are numerous users of macOS who are interested in knowing how to create a virtual machine correctly. Therefore, we will provide you with two effective methods for you to choose the one you prefer.

What is a virtual machine with MacOS for?

Generally speaking, virtual machines are used to emulate almost any standard operating system and since they run on an isolated and different software layer, it serves to try various operating systems, programs, or settings on your real computer, mainly.

In this sense, its main advantage is that, if something fails in the virtual machine, this inconvenience will not affect the computer running it, not at all. Therefore, it is a safe and reliable method. Now, it is necessary to highlight what is a virtual machine for in macOS or what are its most common uses.

Which we specify below:

• For try other operating systems through the same Mac.
• For Start a certain application in different systems.
• For use applications designed exclusively for other OS.
• To run old or outdated programs.
• For Add an extra layer of security.

What do I need to create a virtual machine with Mac?

One of the most frequent doubts when creating a virtual machine with Mac or with any operating system, it is about the necessary requirements to be able to carry it out.

Therefore, at a general level, we highlight the main requirements to create a virtual machine with MacOS:

• A utility, program, or software that allows create the virtual machine.
• A ISO image of the MacOS version that you want to install.
• Any Intel-based Macs.
• A Windows 10 computer (or with the other operating system you want to link with macOS).
• Minimal knowledge about command prompt.
• 8GB of memoryAs minimum.

Nevertheless, everything will depend on the tool you will use to create your virtual machine. So these requirements may vary slightly.

Learn how to create a virtual machine with MacOS operating system

There are two types: System virtual machine and process virtual machine. Thus, the first type refers to a machine that emulates a complete computer and has its own virtual hardware (memory, hard drive, graphics card, etc.). Whereas, a process virtual machine it only executes a specific process of a system in its execution environment (such as an application).

In this case, we will introduce you to two highly efficient methods to create a system virtual machine with MacOS:

in VirtualBox

This is an application that is used to make virtual machines with installations of operating systems. Thus, it allows run a certain OS on a computer that operates with a different one.

In order to download the application, you simply have to access its official website and there you can do it for free. Note that, In this case, the requirements are: An Intel 3rd generation or later processor, a system with more than 6 GB of RAM, install the latest version of VirtualBox and the resource extension pack “VirtualBox Extension Pack”.

That done, the steps to follow to get your own virtual machine on Windows with MacOS are as follows:

• After install VirtualBoxthe next step is download macOS ISO image. If you are an Apple user, you can get any version of MacOS through the Apple Store. Otherwise, you must resort to third-party platforms (be very careful).
• After downloading, unzipping and saving the ISO image, you have to launch the VirtualBox application on your PC. So from the top click on “New”.

• Later, in the Name and operating system window, you have to execute the following: Put a name for the virtual machine, choose the location folder and select the version of MacOS to install. To continue, press the “Next” button on the bottom.

• Then it’s time to set the amount of RAM that will have the virtual machine reserved. To do this, simply slide the switch to the sweet spot (minimum 2GB recommended). A) Yes, click on “Next”.

• Using the Hard Drive window, the application allows you to select whether or not you want to add a virtual hard drive. If so, check the box “Create a virtual hard drive now” and at a minimum, it must be 30 GB. Next, click on “Next”.

• Now, it’s time to choose the type of hard drive you prefer to create. By default, it is recommended to select “VDI (Virtual Box Disk Image)”. Once you check the box you want, click on “Next”.

• From the next section, choose a box based on how you want the hard drive to grow, either “Dynamically Reserved” or “Fixed Size”. If you choose the first option, you will have to choose a maximum size of the virtual disk and the space will be allocated whenever it is necessary. Whereas, with the fixed size it will always occupy the maximum size and will not be able to grow once it is full. After selecting it, click on “Next”.

• Finally, the process of creating the virtual machine with MacOS will start and just wait for it to finishto proceed to its configuration through VirtualBox and install MacOS.

in Fusion

The program “VMwareFusion”designed to Macintosh computers with Intel processor, is a system that allows operating with software emulating a physical system. So it can also be used for create a virtual machine with MacOS. This mainly used to install MacOS X, OS X, or MacOS in a virtual machine through the installation wizard and together with VMwareTools which takes care of loading the drivers required to improve the performance of the virtual machine.

However, it does not support accelerated 3D graphics or multiple displays. Apart from that, it is important to have an image file from a directory that the host system can access. Which, is available on the App Store. But, just as well, it can be done with a physical installation disc. Taking into account that, you must have the OS with the necessary product key.

Clarified all of the above, we proceed to explain each and every one of the steps to follow to easily create a MacOS virtual machine with Fusion:

• After installing the program, go into it and click on “File” to choose the option “New”.
• You will then be shown the panel “Select installation method” and from it, you have to look for the installation ISO file to drag and drop it to “Install from disk or image”.
• One time The Create a new virtual machine wizard starts.it is time to choose the operating system that will be installed along with its version and click on “Continue”.
• Next, we recommend you uncheck the box that says “Use easy install” and press on “Continue”. This is optional.
• Now, via the Finish panel, proceed to indicate the location where the virtual machine will be stored (you can leave the default) and click “To finalize”.
• In case you prefer to customize the settings before powering on the virtual machine to start its installation, you must choose “Customize settings” in the Finish panel, save the new virtual machine and make any changes you want (disk size, processor usage, removable devices, etc.).

Main errors when using a virtual machine and how to solve them

Unfortunately, after installing and configuring a virtual machine, users get errors when using it.

Here, we point out which are the main ones and how they should be solved:

Use virtualization without administrator permissions

The virtualization system makes certain applications believe that they are in a location where administrative privileges are required and are actually storing data in a different location accessible at all times. In the case of VMware, it is a program that requires administrator permissions to work perfectly. To do this, you must start a terminal as Administrator and run the command “services.msc”to proceed to search for the “VMWare Authorization Service” and activate it.

If errors occur, it is best check for Hyper-V installation errors which are the most common, which prevent configuring machines correctly. To fix it, check the following: The equipment has a 64-bit processor with SLAT function, available 4 GB of RAM and has a CPU with support for VM Monitor Mode Extension.

invalid screen

The invalid screen is an error that can occur for various reasons and among the most common are: Syntax error or circular dependency. In the case of the syntax error, it usually presents an error message that normally implies an insufficiency in the structure. In this case, it is important examine the syntax of the expression carefully and/or use Visual Studio Code with the Bicep extension.

On the other hand, if the invalid screen is produced by circular dependency (when the resources depend on each other that prevent the initialization of the virtual machine), what you have to do is look for the identified resource, examine the “dependsOn” property and all uses of the “reference” function to see what resources they depend on.

SKU not available

It is usually generated when the SKY of the selected resource not available for chosen location. Which shows a specific error code and message on the computer. One of the most effective solutions is to make use of the latest version of PowerShell. Well, this utility helps you determine which SKUs are available in a region and filter the results by location. These results, provide a list of SKUs for location and restrictions.

Best Tools to create a virtual machine

In addition to the programs specified above for create a virtual machine with MacOSexist other quality options.

For this reason, we present 5 optimal tools to easily create and use a virtual machine:

parallels.com

It is a utility that allows virtualize a Windows system on MacOS-based computers. Which has a synchronized clipboard, shared folders and use of host peripherals.

QEMU.org

It’s free and compatible with Windows, MacOS and Linux. Among its biggest pros, we highlight that it allows you to have several virtual machines, provides optimal performance and serves as a machine emulator as well.

vmware.com

One of the most used in the business world and provides a free experience on a personal level. This is easy to configure and has a cloning system that makes the implementation of several instances of a similar VM very simple.

Hyper-V

This Microsoft virtualization program that does not require the use of third-party tools to create Windows virtual machines and any other operating system like Linux or MacOS. It is characterized by providing advanced settings.

XenProject.org

Consists in a free open source tool that guarantees high performance in virtualized environments and offers secure host resource control. Noting that, Intel has cooperated by adding support to many of its extensions.