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
Head to the downloads page on tonymac86. com and look for ‘UniBeast’ for the software version that your device is running. If you’re not sure, click the Apple logo in the top left of the screen and choose ‘About This Mac’ Once downloaded, make sure it’s installed, as you would with any other appPlug-in the USB flash drive and open Disk Utility. The easiest way is by clicking the magnifying glass in the corner and searching for itIf the device has more than one ‘partition’, click the Partition option at the top of the screen and click the minus (-) icon below the pie chart that appears. Before hitting apply, ensure the Format is set to ‘Mac OS Extended (Journaled)’ and Scheme as ‘GUID partition map’Launch the UniBeast app that you previously installed and select the USB drive as the destination for the installerProceed through the next few screens, until you see one asking which operating system you’d like to install. Select the same version as is installed on that deviceOn the next screen, choose UEFI. In the unlikely event that you’re using a device with BIOS instead (usually pre-2007), hit Legacy insteadIf you have built-in Intel graphics, you should be fine to skip the next screen. You only need to specify your graphics card if it’s not compatible with macOSDownload the MultiBeast app from the same website as before. Again, make sure you’ve selected the correct version of macOS that you’re movingOnce installed, drag it onto the USB flash drive, as you’ll need it for the installation processInstall macOS on the Windows deviceOn the PC or laptop, plug the USB flash drive in and restart your deviceIt should now boot back into UniBeast by default. Navigate with the arrow keys to ‘External’ and hit enterSelect the destination drive if it’s displayed. If not, head to Disk Utility, right-click on the where you want to install it and click ‘Erase’. Again, before you hit apply, make sure Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is selected and the Scheme is set to GUID Partition Map Once it’s been erased, you should now see that option as a destination drive. Click on it and wait until macOS begins installing. The process should take around 30 minutesOnce complete, restart your device, making sure the USB drive is still plugged inSelect the UniBoot menu and your PC will now boot into macOS!
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.
