MacOS on Windows

Sometimes I just use macOS for AppleScript debugging. But after my mid-2015 got fried. I had to find another solution. And here is where VMware Workstation comes to help. Virtualizing MacOS on Windows.

After a clean install of VMware Workstation I started having small issues:

1. I am on AMD trying to run OS which loves Intel
2. Virtualization was disabled by default in BIOS
3. VMware errors

Enabling Virtualization

How to enable Virtualization on AMD B450 Carbon Pro Ac:

- Boot into Bios using "Delete" Key
- Select "Overclocking"
- Go to "OC Explore Mode" and turn that to "Expert"
- Scroll down to "CPU Features"
- Select "SVM Mode" and "Enable"
- Save and Exit

Just some tips on Installing macOS on VMware

Just to save you some headaches:

1. Use VMware Workstation Pro 15.0.0 or 15.1, or anything in-between (I used 15.0.3 and it worked, some also say it worked on 15.1 and 15.0.0. Just test it)
2. If you have previously installed Unlocker > then completely delete it  - VMware 15 doesn't need it anymore.
3. Use your own clean ISO (none of the 3rd party ones worked for me)
4. During VM creation:
   
   Typical > point to ISO file > You won't see Mac OS version (as you would with Unlocker) just hit next

   Install it on SSD
   “Store virtual disk as a single file”
   Hardware: Memory: 8GB
   Processors: 2x2
   Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI
   USB Controller: Show all USB input Devices (this will allow to troubleshoot disabled/not working keyboard)
   Accelerate 3D Graphics: 2GB
   

5. Change Hardware Compatibility to 10.X (either through .vmx file or through VMware software made no difference to me)
   Inside VMware, right-click on your VM > Manage > "Change Hardware Compatibility..." > Select "Wokstation 10.x"
   
   
   
   
   OR
   
   Inside VMware, right-click on your VM > "Open VM Directory" > a new folder should open > find .vmx file > open it with "Notepad" > change: virtualHW.version to version you require 10.

       6. If you are using AMD you need to mask your CPUID. Add the following to the end of your .vmx file.

7.  VM > Settings > Options > Select: Windows 64x

8. Launch VM

9. If keyboard doesn’t work: VM > Removable Devices > select your Keyboard > Connect (this might disable your Host keyboard temporarily)

10. Disk Utility > VM HDD > Erase > Mac OS Extended (Journaled): GUID

DONT use APFS, even though its better on SSDs - it wont work ;/

You will stay stuck in Boot Loop, even if you change to Mac OS (in VM > Settings > Options > General > MacOS 10.14) you will get stuck at Apple Logo or even worse you will get error that Boot failed and:

EFI vmware virtual sata hard drive (0.0) ... unsuccessful
EFI vmware virtual sata CDROM drive (2.0) ... unsuccessful

etc… )

11. When you boot back to Recovery Mode > Shut Down the VM

12. VM > Settings > Options> Select: Mac OS 10.14 (If not you will get stuck on Apple Logo)

13. Launch the VM > Follow the on screen instructions

14. Boot into OS, then Shut down

15. VM > Settings.. > CD/DVD (SATA) > Change to Use physical drive > “OK”

16. Launch VM > when inside MacOS > at the top select VM > “Install VMware tools..” > a new CD drive should automatically launch on the desktop from where you can easily install the Tools > after Install > Restart

17. Change the resolution: 

 

sudo '/Library/Application Support/VMware Tools/vmware-resolutionSet' width height

18. Relaunch VM. Done.

Dealing with VMware Error messages

"The CPU has been disabled by the guest operating system"

Mask the CPU. Or enable Virtualization in BIOS.

"Failed to start the virtual machine"

Downgrade to 15.0.3

"Feature 'cpuid.ds' was absent, but must be present."

.vmx file corrupt/ VM corrupt. If you have made any changes to the .vmx file. then try to revert it back. If you haven't done anything to it, then delete the VM in question & set it up from the start.

"This virtual machine requires AVX2 but AVX is not present. This virtual machine cannot be powered on."

 Follow the steps from above.

"Module 'featurecompat' power on failed"

 Please check the type of quote marks you use. Most of the time when copy pasting from the internet, I would get “” , instead of "" .

Correct:

Wrong:

Extra troubleshooting: 

Ctrl + R > "services.msc" > double click  "VMware Workstation Server" > and change "Startup Time:" to "Automatic (Delayed start)" 

Troubleshooting Keyboard or Mouse not working:

"To pair a Bluetooth keyboard, turn it on and wait for your computer to connect to it"

Full installation video: