How to create and set up macOS VMs for virtualisers. The structure of a VM, creation and first run explained. How to enhance it, and how to run it in isolation.
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Which versions of macOS can run in a VM? Can they run Intel apps too, and Intel macOS? How well do they perform? Can they access iCloud and run App Store apps?
A bug, most probably in the early part of kernel boot in guest macOS, prevents M4 Macs virtualising macOS prior to 13.4.
macOS virtual machines are preferentially run on P cores. Details on their performance, core allocation, frequencies and power use/
periodic has been removed from Sequoia. AI doesn’t appear to activate in macOS 15.1 VMs, and they may get a surprise update intended for M4 Macs.
Sparse bundles (UDSB), read-write disk images (UDRW) and sparse images (UDSP) compared on two SSD, with and without container encryption.
Step by step guide to building and installing a VM running macOS 15.0 Sequoia with Apple Account access to iCloud, and updating XProtect.
If you want to update or install macOS differently from what is offered in Software Update, here are the options, and what each is best for.
What can cause low copy speeds for very large and possibly sparse files, such as VMs? Causes explained, and tools you can use to discover why.
How secure and private can you make a macOS VM on Apple silicon? Follow these steps to create your own private Mac within macOS.
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