Set Up a macOS Virtual Machine on VMware Fusion: Step-by-Step Guide

Running macOS in a virtual machine is a powerful way to test apps, explore new system features, or isolate environments without affecting your main system. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up a fully functional macOS virtual machine using VMware Fusion, from start to finish.

This walkthrough is based on macOS Sequoia, but the process is nearly identical for recent versions such as Sonoma, Ventura, or Monterey. Whether you're a developer, tester, or enthusiast, this guide helps you create a safe, flexible macOS virtual machine in minutes.

By the end, you’ll have a clean, bootable macOS VM ready for experimentation, without risking your main installation. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Install VMware Fusion #

Install using Homebrew:

bash 
brew install --cask vmware-fusion

Step 2: Download macOS #

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search for the macOS version you want (e.g. macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura)
  3. Click Get to start the download

The installer will be saved to /Applications as:

text 
Install macOS <version>.app

Example: Install macOS Sequoia.app

Step 3: Create ISO #

1. Create Blank Disk Image #

Create a writable disk image to hold the installer:

bash 
hdiutil create -o ~/macos_sequoia_installer.dmg -size 16g -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J -volname InstallVolume

This creates a 16 GB image named InstallVolume, used later as the target for the macOS installer.

2. Mount Disk Image #

Mount the disk image as a writable volume:

bash 
hdiutil attach ~/macos_sequoia_installer.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/InstallVolume

This mounts the image at /Volumes/InstallVolume, making it behave like a USB drive for the installer.

3. Run createinstallmedia #

Use createinstallmedia to write the macOS installer to the mounted image:

bash 
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/InstallVolume
  • When prompted, type Y and press Return to confirm
  • Wait for the process to complete

The bootable installer will be available at:

text 
/Volumes/Install macOS Sequoia

4. Convert to ISO #

Once the installer is ready, convert the disk image to ISO format:

1. Unmount the image:

bash 
hdiutil detach /Volumes/"Install macOS Sequoia"

2. Convert the .dmg to ISO:

bash 
hdiutil convert ~/macos_sequoia_installer.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/macos_sequoia_installer.iso

3. Rename the output:

bash 
mv ~/macos_sequoia_installer.iso.cdr ~/macos_sequoia_installer.iso

You now have a bootable ISO at ~/macos_sequoia_installer.iso.

Step 4: Set Up VM #

Create #

  • Open VMware Fusion
  • Go to File > New
  • Select ISO file
  • Click Customize Settings
    • Rename the VM (e.g., macos-xx.x.vmwarevm)
    • Uncheck Share this virtual machine with other users

Configure #

System Settings

  • Sharing
    • Name: vm-shared
    • Folder: ~/documents/vm-shared
    • Permissions: Read & Write
  • Keyboard and Mouse
    • Profile: Mac
  • Processors and Memory
    • Processors: 4
    • Memory: 16 GB (16000 MB)
  • Display
    • Accelerate 3D Graphics: Enabled
    • Shared Graphics Memory: Maximum (recommended)
    • Use Full Resolution for Retina Display: Enabled

Removable Devices Settings

  • Run VM from SSD for best performance.

  • Pre-allocate disk space to prevent fragmentation and performance drops.

  • Turn off unused devices to free up system resources.

  • Hard disk:
    • File name: .vmdk
    • Disk size: 50 GB
    • Bus type: SATA
    • Pre-allocate disk space: Enabled
    • Split into multiple files: Enabled
  • CD/DVD:
    • Select disk image: Choose .iso file
    • Bus type: SATA
  • Disabled devices:
    • Sound card: Removed
    • Floppy drive: Removed
    • Camera: Removed

Other Settings

  • Startup Disk
    • Hard disk (SCSI): Enabled
  • Encryption
    • Not encrypted
  • Isolation
    • Enable drag and drop: Enabled
    • Enable copy and paste: Enabled
  • Advanced
    • Synchronize time: Enabled
    • Firmware type: UEFI

Step 5: Install macOS #

Set Language #

Choose English at the language selection screen.

Format the Disk #

  1. In the macOS Utilities window, open Disk Utility
  2. Click View > Show All Devices
  3. Under Internal, select VMware Virtual SATA Hard Drive Media
  4. Click Erase, then configure:
    • Name: Macintosh HD (or your preferred name)
    • Format: APFS
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  5. Click Erase to format the drive
  6. Close Disk Utility

The disk is now ready for installation.

Install macOS #

  • Return to the Utilities window and select Install macOS
  • Choose the newly formatted disk (e.g., Macintosh HD)
  • Begin the installation

Setup Configuration #

  • Region: Choose your region
  • User Account:
    • Full name
    • Account name
    • Password
  • Time Zone: Set accordingly
  • Appearance: Select Dark Mode or your preference

Step 6: Set Up macOS #

By default, the display resolution is limited to 1024×768.

Clean Up the Dock

  • Remove all default items
  • Keep only: Finder, Terminal, and Launchpad

Step 7: Clean Up #

1. Remove the .dmg file:

bash 
rm ~/macos_sequoia_installer.dmg

2. Remove the installer app:

bash 
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app

Next Steps #

Now that your macOS VM is ready, here are the most common use cases:

  • Running Developer Tools
    Use Xcode, Homebrew, and CLI tools without cluttering your host.
  • Testing Scripts and Configurations
    Safely validate scripts, automation, or system changes.
  • Learning and Experimentation
    Use as a sandbox for macOS workflows, Terminal, or development.