Windows is the market leader by far, but that’s due in part to the huge range of devices that run Microsoft’s software. macOS’ unique design and integration with other Apple devices have made it a firm favourite for many people, although there are only a handful of expensive devices. What if you could get macOS to run on a device which is seemingly exclusive to Windows. It’s not a feature that’s officially available, but there is a way to do it. You’ll need to use a macOS device for it to work, though.
How to install macOS on Windows
Before proceeding, it’s worth testing out this method on a device other than your primary machine. While we know that the method works on the device we tried, there’s no guarantee that it will be exactly the same on all Windows PCs. It may also be difficult to revert back to Windows if you change your mind at any point. With that disclaimer out of the way, here are the steps you’ll need to take.
Make sure you have a compatible PC
For the process to work, you’ll need a PC with a 64 bit Intel processor. These are relatively common, but it may not work otherwise. It’s also important to have a second hard drive on the destination device, preferably one with more than 500GB of spare capacity. While you technically can run macOS from an external hard drive, the end result will be much better if it’s built-in. That’s especially true if you’re trying to install it onto a laptop. However, you will need a USB flash drive in order to transfer the data. A similar capacity as above is recommended. Also, make sure that the Mac you’re using is running macOS Sierra (2017) or later. Older versions will not be supported via the current method.
Create a macOS installer and install it on a flash drive
As you can see, it’s a long and complicated process, with lots of small tweaks necessary. For many people, it simply won’t be worth it. If you’d like to just simulate Windows on a Mac, instead of reinstalling the whole operating system, check out our guide on how to install a virtual machine in Windows 10.
Why would I want macOS on a Windows device?
Apple’s MacBook range has been the gold standard when it comes to premium design, but there are some hardware limitations that might frustrate people. The lack of face unlock, limited port selection and controversial butterfly keyboard (until 2020) are all reasons you might have a preference for another manufacturer’s hardware. MacBooks also don’t come cheap, with even entry-level models pushing four figures. If you’re looking for a desktop PC, the prices can rise steeply. All the entries in our best budget laptop chart are Windows devices. However, despite its popularity, Microsoft’s operating system definitely isn’t for everyone. Many people won’t appreciate the vast customisation options, while it has had problems with stability in recent months. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.