9 Steps to Install macOS 10.15 Catalina on VirtualBox on Windows PC

Looking to put in macOS Catalina in VirtualField on Windows 10? 

Then you’ve come to the best place. This is the information that we want we had after we first spent numerous hours determining how to get macOS Catalina onto Virtualbox on Windows. We’ve written this information primarily based on all 300+ precious feedback and suggestions we’ve acquired on our earlier two well-liked guides which you may additionally select if you wish to check out any of their earlier variations of macOS with Virtualbox: 

The new macOS Catalina 10.15 is the newest model as of immediately (18 December 2019) suitable to run with Virtualbox and it is without doubt one of the many iterations of Catalina which brings about an entire host of modifications and new options which might be fascinating to check out upon getting it up and operating.

 

What You Will Need

 

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FAQ: Why Use Virtualbox? Which model of Virtualbox do I would like to put in? Here’s every thing it is advisable know.

Since you possibly can’t run a macOS (Mac working system) with out an precise Macintosh device made by Apple, you will have to make use of virtualization software program.

There are two well-known and strong virtualization software program that has labored like a attraction through the years and that’s 1) VirtualField and a couple of) VMware. Now we don’t encourage forcing you to decide on one program over the opposite and each applications are equally good nevertheless for the needs of this information we’ll use VirtualField (we’re at the moment engaged on writing up the VMware model for this too, so ensure that to subscribe above to be notified)

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VirtualField as aforementioned is a virtualization software program and its divine goal is to help you create digital environments that may run a number of working programs comparable to Linux, macOS or Windows side-by-side on prime of an working system like Windows (you’re using on this case in your PC). 

The next query we regularly get from our readers is “Which version of Virtualbox do I need to install in order to install macOS on Windows?”.

The reply: Any model of Virtualbox is feasible though we actually advocate that you simply attempt to set up the newest model of Virtualbox to be able to stop persistent points or bugs that will plague legacy variations.

Another query acquired was, “How do we allow macOS Catalina on Virtualbox to bypass the USB 3.0 issue?”.

Since the soar to USB 3.0 on macOS Catalina, there was a number of points that got here with throughout establishing virtualization. Thankfully, using the Virtualbox Extension Pack supplied beneath, you possibly can repair the assorted points and permit to attach your USBs to the Virtualbox and have it seem on macOS Catalina.

Here is the record of information you may be needing for this information (don’t fear, we’ll let you already know when to put in them as you observe the steps beneath :)) :

• Download the newest Virtualbox model.
• Download macOS 10.15 Catalina ISO Image.
• Download Virtualbox Extension Pack.
• Download Virtualbox Boot Disk.

 

Anyways, with out losing any more treasured time, let’s soar proper into it.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Step 1: Download macOS Catalina File from the Mac App Store
2. Step 2: Creating an ISO File from Our Downloaded macOS Catalina DMG File
3. Step 3: Time to Install VirtualField
4. Step 4: Creating Our New Virtual Machine 
5. Step 5: Tweaking Our Virtual Machine For Performance 💪
6. Step 6: Adding Our macOS Catalina ISO File and Setting Up Our Boot Disk
7. Step 7: Close VirtualField and Add The Below Code on Virtualbox using Command Prompt
8. Step 8: Putting Our Finishing Touches
9. Step 9: Voila! Run macOS Catalina 🍻

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How to Install macOS Catalina on VirtualField on Windows PC: 9 Steps

 

Step 1: Download macOS Catalina File from the Mac App Store.

First issues first, you will have to obtain the file that comprises the macOS Catalina. The best method to get hold of this file is to get it immediately from the Mac App Store since it can include all the newest patches and fixes which Apple often releases.

Now it’s possible you’ll be saying “If I had a Mac, then I wouldn’t need to do all this.” and also you’re proper, nevertheless, Apple doesn’t publicly host their macOS Catalina information to obtain which is the issue. If you possibly can ask your mates or relations in the event you can borrow their Mac to obtain the macOS Catalina file from the Mac App Store.

Thankfully, we have been capable of get the file and we’ve linked it beneath:

• Download macOS Catalina Final (.dmg) – 7GB //Updated on 18 Dec 2019

Once you’ve downloaded the macOS Catalina Final (.dmg) file what you will have to do is extract the information right into a single folder. This will be carried out using an extraction service like WinRar or 7zip.

 

Note

If you’re on an Intel consumer, then make it possible for Intel VT-x is enabled. You can observe the information right here on how to try this. If you’re an AMD consumer, then you possibly can merely ignore this. This is to make it possible for virtualization is enabled in your device.

https://www.geekrar.com/enable-intel-vt-x-amd-v-bios-or-uefi-firmware/

 

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Step 2: Creating an ISO File from Our Downloaded macOS Catalina DMG File

In order to make use of our downloaded macOS Catalina file with Virtualbox on Windows, we’ll first want it to be transformed from DMB to ISO file sort. Now there are two methods to go round this: 1) convert the file using Mac 2) using an internet converter.

We will go over every of the 3 ways and you’ll resolve which is most handy so that you can attempt:

 

• Converting DMG to ISO Using A Mac

If you continue to have entry to your good friend’s or member of the family’s Mac which you used to obtain the macOS Catalina DMG file from then right here’s what you do:

Step 1: Firstly, find the downloaded macOS Catalina.app file and transfer it into the Application folder.

Step 2: To convert the DMG to ISO, we might want to use the Terminal (situated in Applications > Utilities) to be able to make that occur. 

Step 3: Great. Once you have got Terminal open, you will have to create a digital disk image first. To do that copy-paste the next command:

hdiutil create -o /tmp/Catalina -size 8500m -volname Catalina -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J

 

Step 4: Next, you will have to mount the image created in Step 3 to the macOS. To do that copy-paste the next command:

hdiutil connect /tmp/Catalina.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/Catalina

 

Step 5: Now using the macOS Createinstallmedia Tool we should create an Installer Image. To do that copy-paste the next command which must be referred to as using the sudo command:

sudo /Applications/Install/macOS/Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Catalina --nointeraction

 

Step 5: Then to unmount the Catalina disk: 

hdiutil detach /volumes/Install/macOS/Catalina

 

Step 6: Next, we might want to convert our Catalina.dmg file to  an .iso file sort for Virtualbox.: 

hdiutil convert /tmp/Catalina.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/Catalina.cdr

 

Step 7: Lastly, merely transfer and rename the Catalina image to the principle desktop using the command beneath

mv ~/Desktop/Catalina.cdr ~/Desktop/Catalina.iso

 

From right here on you possibly can ship the file to your self to apply it to your Windows device the place Virtualbox is put in.

 

 

• Convert DMG to ISO using an Online Converter.

There is a good choice of on-line converters on the market which might be able to changing DMG information to ISO information. To identify our two favorites: PowerISO or dmg2img.

You can obtain them and proceed to transform your downloaded macOS Catalina DMG file to ISO. We’ve written a step-by-step information on how to make use of dmg2img to transform DMG information to ISO which you should use as a reference. 🙂

https://www.howtogeek.com/102983/how-to-convert-dmg-files-to-iso-files-on-windows/

For the needs of this information, we’ve went with using a Mac to immediately convert the DMG to ISO since we managed to get the DMG file (above) using a Mac too.

 

 

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Step 3: Time to Install VirtualField.

Now that we’ve the macOS Catalian ISO file, we will proceed with the Virtualbox-side of issues. 

If you haven’t already put in Virtualbox, then you possibly can obtain and set up Virtualbox by heading over to the hyperlink beneath:

• Download Virtualbox Latest Version 6

 

Installing Virtualbox is rather like some other program merely keep hitting Next > till it’s carried out. 

You also can obtain the Virtualbox Extension Pack beneath:

• Download Virtualbox Extension Pack

 

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Step 4: Creating Our New Virtual Machine.

So you have got arrange Virtualbox fully  and your macOS Catalina ISO file prepared from Step 2. Now what it is advisable do is to enter Virtualbox and create a brand new digital machine to be able to home our macOS Catalina ISO file.

 

To create a brand new digital machine in Virtualbox, from the Home web page in Virtualbox click on on the New choice (as proven beneath).

 

-New button in VB pic-

 

This will start the method you may be requested for info comparable to what Name do you wish to give this Virtual Machine, which Folder (Machine Folder) would you like it to be saved, what Type of working system is being run, and what Version of working system is run.  

Enter the next info:

 

Name: macOS Catalina 10.15

Type: Mac OS X

Version: macOS 10.13 High Sierra (64-bit)

 

-Virtualbox pic-

 

The Name will be something however it’s a good observe to call the digital machine the model of working system being run. For Type it’s Mac OS X (after all). For Version, though we’re operating macOS 10.15 Catalina, the very best model we will select from the record is 10.13 therefore which is why we select 10.13. Now don’t fear as this won’t have an effect on the method in anyway in any respect. If something it’s the following part it’s important to be cautious of. 

 

At one level throughout the creation of the digital machine, you’ll be requested to decide on your Memory Size (RAM) to be allotted for the digital machine. The rule of thumb right here is to decide on the quantity that’s round 50% of your bodily RAM out there in your machine. How do you test how a lot bodily RAM you have got on Windows? Go into Search (backside left), sort in “RAM” and click on on View RAM Info. As proven beneath, the machine we’re using has 8GB RAM. So we’ll go together with 4GB. If yours is 4GB RAM go together with 2GB and and many others.

 

-Virtualbox RAM pic and View RAM Info pic-

 

We’re virtually carried out creating our digital machine. Next, you may be requested in regards to the Hard Disk which you wish to use for the newly created digital machine. The choices given to you’re as follows however we’ll go together with the Create a digital exhausting disk now choice. 

 

Lastly, that is one other essential part to be cautious about. When selecting the File location and dimension, ensure that to decide on the macOS 10.15 Catalina.vmdk file’s location. You can change the File location by clicking on the file icon next to it after which choose the trail. We will use our Virtualbox VMsmacOS Catalia path as a result of that’s the place our macOS 10.15 Catalina.vmdk is saved. Additionally, when selecting the exhausting disk dimension you possibly can select anyplace 100GB or lesser relying on the quantity of storage you possibly can allocate. Don’t go overboard on this and select 2TB in the event you can not help it. We might be going with 100 GB.

 

Finally hit Create and also you’re carried out creating your digital machine. 

 

 

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Step 5: Tweaking Our Virtual Machine For Performance. 💪⚡(*)

For most points our readers have had within the earlier guides we’ve written, that is the part the place they both made a mistake or the configurations they’d set didn’t play nicely with their very own machines. 

 

So take your time and be sure you undergo this step with cautious thought. Let’s start.

 

We now have our new digital machine born nevertheless it nonetheless lacks the readiness to run an working system like macOS Catalina easily. Thus we have to make some modifications. 

To begin off, go into your digital machine Settings 

 And then from the left-hand sidebar choose System. 

Motherboard

 

Now underneath the Motherboard tab ensure that the next choices are chosen for Boot Order and in addition make it possible for Enable EFI (particular OSes solely) is chosen too. For the Base Memory ensure that the reminiscence is similar reminiscence (RAM) you had chosen in Step 3 throughout the digital machine creation course of.

 

The most essential change to make on this web page right here is the Chipset the place you will have it to be set to PIIX3 and never the rest. 

 

Processor

 

Next, within the Processor tab, is one other essential step the place the quantity of Processor(s) and Execution Cap settings will play a component in how briskly or sluggish your macOS Catalina runs on Virtualbox. For the Processor(s) once more the rule of thumb to observe is 50% of on this case your machine’s CPU (bodily processor) so if it quad-core then select 2, whether it is 8 cores then 4. To learn how a lot cores your Windows PC has, merely go to Search (backside left), sort “Processor” after which choose View Processor Info. From right here find your processor identify and google how a lot processor it has (as proven beneath).

 

-image processor google intel-

 

Additionally, ensure that next to Extended Features that you choose Enable PAE/NX choice. Not enabling this problem may cause efficiency associated points when booting up the macOS Catalina later. 

 

Display

From the left sidebar, choose Display (proper underneath System). Now underneath the Screen tab, you will have to make it possible for the Video Memory of your digital machine is ready to 128MB and the Graphics Controller is ready to VMSVGA. Just a few different guides we’ve discovered on-line didn’t point out that it is usually essential that you simply depart each choices underneath Acceleration unchecked which may trigger sure lags and delays throughout runtime.

 

The remaining part is the USB part. Since macOS Catalina helps USB 3.0 we might want to manually set this for the digital machine within the Settings. So just remember to test the choice to Enable USB Controller after which choose the choice USB 3.0 (xHCI) Controller. 

 

Finally, and don’t overlook, hit the OK button.

 

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Step 6: Adding Our macOS Catalina ISO File and Setting Up Our Boot Disk. 

 

Now that we’re carried out fully configuring our digital machine for efficiency, it’s about time that we load our macOS Catalina ISO file into the digital machine and set it up too. 

 

Let’s try this first. Go into your digital reminiscence’s Settings after which choose Storage from the left sidebar. On the Storage web page, click on the spherical CD/DVD icon after which select to open your macOS Catalina.iso file (as proven beneath).

 

-img-

 

Great. Now what you will have to do is obtain the VirtualField Boot Disk which is able to assist us with configuring the boot settings of the disk:

 

• Download Virtualbox Boot Disk (Latest)

You can place the Virtualbox Boot Disk anyplace in your machine so long as you’re capable of find it later. 

 

Next, inside the identical Storage web page, choose your Controller: SATA underneath Storage Devices and you will note two icons will pop up proper next to it. Click on the second icon which is the Add Virtual Disk button. You might be prompted with a query asking you whether or not you’re positive you wish to create a brand new, empty file to carry present disk contents of create a brand new disk. In this case we’ll wish to select Choose present disk. Remember the Virtualbox Boot Disk we had downloaded? You want to pick that and hit OK.

 

-pic-

 

Lastly, hit OK to substantiate the modifications.

 

-pic-

 

 

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Step 7: Close VirtualField and Add The Below Code on Virtualbox using Command Prompt.

Before you do something, it’s essential that you simply shut Virtualbox earlier than going any additional. Don’t fear all of the modifications you’ve made within the earlier steps are intact and won’t be eliminated. 

What you’re going to now could be fairly easy, simply obtain the code that’s supplied beneath: 

 

• Download Virtualbox Code (Updated December 2019)

 

We have additionally added the identical code right here beneath too simply in case in the event you don’t wish to obtain the code from above or for comfort. Both codes are the identical and are up to date.

 

Here is the code:

 

cd “C:Program FilesOracleVirtualBox”

VBoxManage.exe modifyvm “Your VM Name” –cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff

VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct” “iMac11,3”

VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemVersion” “1.0”

 

VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiBoardProduct” “Iloveapple”

VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey” “ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc”

VBoxManage setextradata “Your VM Name” “VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC” 1

So what the heck do you do with the code above? Well, it is advisable first just remember to copy-paste the code into an software like Notepad. Then, that is essential, exchange all of the “Your VM Name” components of the code with the identify that you simply gave your digital machine in Step 2. If you don’t bear in mind it, open Virtualbox as soon as once more, then in your digital machine Settings choose General from the left sidebar and find the Name. Since we referred to as the digital machine as “macOS Catalina 10.15” then we use that (as proven beneath). 

 

-Notepad pic-

 

Once we’ve carried out the changing, it’s time we run the code. Again, ensure that to shut down Virtualbox fully earlier than doing the following step. Firstly, you will have to go to your Windows Search (backside left) after which sort in CMD. You will discover hat Command Prompt will seem within the search outcomes, right-click on Command Prompt after which click on on Run as administrator. Not choosing Run as administrator will convey points when operating the code above. 

Once Command Prompt opens, copy-paste the code one-by-one into the Command Prompt. Which means you enter the the primary a part of code cd “C:Program FilesOracleVirtualBox” then hit Enter. Repeat till you copy-paste all of the code.

 

Lastly, when you’re carried out, it’s possible you’ll proceed to the following step. Don’t shut Command Prompt for now simply but.

 

You’re getting nearer, younger padawan.

 

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Step 8: Putting Our Finishing Touches.

Go forward open Virtualbox as soon as once more after which ensure that to pick your macOS Catalina digital machine after which hit the Start button from the left sidebar. 

If every thing goes fly it is best to that the digital machine will begin operating (as proven beneath).

-pic-

 

Awesome it is a good signal. You might be introduced with the macOS Utilities and from the record of choices out there, select the Disk Utility choice and hit Continue.

 

-pic-

 

On the Disk Utility web page, underneath the Internal heading (left sidebar) choose the VBOX Virtual Disk (VBOX HARDDISK Media). You might be prompted with a message saying Erase “VBOX HARDDISK Media”?. What you wish to do is for Format, as an alternative of selecting Mac OS Extended (Journaled) it would be best to choose Mac OS Extended (HFS) from the dropdown field. Once you’ve chosen it, hit Erase. 

 

Now as you proceed with putting in macOS Catalina, you’ll discover that it’s going to reboot within the course of. 

 

Once it reboots up fully, you will have to return into Virtualbox and switch off the digital machine. Then, choose your digital machine’s Settings and select Storage. From underneath the Storage web page, take away the macOS Catalina ISO file which we had added back in Step 6 by choosing it after which hitting the little x icon beneath it (as proven beneath). Then hit OK.

 

Go back to the Virtualbox most important display screen and switch your macOS Catalina digital machine back on once more and because it activates press and maintain down in your Escape key to enter the UEFI Shell mode. It seems a bit of creepy nevertheless all it’s important to do right here is simply enter set up.nsh and hit the Enter key (as proven beneath).

 

You will now discover that the macOS Catalina set up might be full and can present the next web page which asks you to Restart. Simply shut your VirtualField.

 

 

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Step 9: Voila! Run macOS Catalina 🍻.

You can now run your new macOS Catalina by opening Virtualbox once more after which operating your digital machine. Assuming you’ve adopted all of the steps above accurately, you’ll discover the beneath display screen. It’s just like an precise Mac, the place you will have to undergo the entire setup course of to get it up and operating. You solely have to set it up as soon as precisely like a daily Mac.

 

Once it’s set and carried out, you’ll be introduced with the beautiful macOS Catalina residence display screen.

Celebrate, seize a glass of positive wine as a result of this was no straightforward job however you handle to do it. :claps:

 

If you have got any questions or points please remark down beneath, both of us will reply your questions or one in all useful readers will do too. You can all the time CTRL+F on Google Chrome and sort within the key phrases on your problem down beneath to search out if the problem has been already solved.