Software

Hackintosh: MacOS Big Sur in VMWare Workstation 16 Pro

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I installed a MacOS Big Sur image using an Unlocker tool from Geekrar.com on VMWare Workstation 16 on Windows 10. I downloaded the .iso file on my Mac, as shown in this Post.

Why did I build the VMWare?
Simple: The reason for builing this VM is to use FaceTime on my Windows 10 computer. I use the VMWare for stuff like Logic Pro X or viewing Notability notes, that are written on iPad and are stored in iCloud. Even the AppStore fully works, so you can download any Software from Apples AppStore.

I am running the VM on my RIG, that is equipped with a i7 9700K and 48GBs of Ram, so it could run fast enough. Anyway, the VM a little slow, even though I installed on a m.2 SSD, provided it 16GBs RAM and installed VMWare tools.

Performance
I have tested a few basic programs and have to say that the Vm runs quite laggy, despite the fact that I have allocated 16GB Ram to it. The programs start a bit slow and the whole behavior of the VM is not optimal. I even installed VMWare tools to speed up the VM, even that improved performance only slightly. However, if you only need one device, for example to verify an Apple ID, something like this is ideal.

Downside
Unfortunately, you can only use FaceTime if you assign a (invalid) serial number to the VM. I didn’t manage to do that with Clover or with a modification of the .vmx file. So i can’t use FaceTime/iMessage. Suggestions gladly in the comments! I think, if I would install BigSur natively on my Computer, assigning a serial number would be easier.

UPDATE: I actually managed to assign a serial number to the VM. I went to Reddit and followed this tutorial, it was really easy I must say! Despite that the VM now has a “real” serial number, FaceTime and iMessage keep crashing. The VM now shows up as a real computer in iCloud, which is good anyway.

Am I planning to build a „real“ Hackintosh in future?
I am planning to build a “real” Hackintosh in near future for using Final Cut Pro X and Airdrop. In order for Final Cut Pro X to run, you need a dedicated GPU, so a intel GPU isn’t sufficent. Maybe a RX 580 is fine for that project, hopefully the Airflow in my Computer Enclosure will be at least okay.

I found many useful and interesting stuff in the subreddit r/hackintosh. Just in Case, you are looking for help when building your hackintosh/hackintosh VM.

Disclaimer: I do not recommend anyone to use a VMware workstation with Big Sur, because this violates Apple’s terms of use. In the video I have only shown what is possible.

2 thoughts on “Hackintosh: MacOS Big Sur in VMWare Workstation 16 Pro

  1. Excellent blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any ideas? Cheers!

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