[Brief Guide] How to Install macOS on a Non-Apple PC

Installing macOS on a non-Apple PC, often referred to as creating a "Hackintosh," can be complex and involves several steps. Here's a brief guide to help you get started.

Tips : As install macOS on other device is not always success, So we're not responsible for any potential damage that might occur, so you're performing this process at your own risk.

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Hardware: Ensure your hardware is compatible with macOS. You'll have the best luck with Intel CPUs and compatible integrated GPUs. You can click here to visit OpenCore's guide to ensure that each of your hardware is comaptiable for macOS. Including CPU, GPU, Motherboard, Wireless LAN Card and so on.

Research: Visit forums like Hackintosh to see if others have successfully built a Hackintosh with similar hardware. You can learn something from their post, as different computers have their own specific EFI config files to install macOS.

Step 2 : Prepare Necessary Tools and Files.

A macOS Installer: You'll need a Mac or a virtual machine running macOS to create the installer.

USB Drive: A USB drive with at least 16GB of storage.

Clover or OpenCore: These are bootloaders used to boot macOS on non-Apple hardware. OpenCore is the recommended choice for newer setups.

You can click the following urls to visit their website and download them, please download the Beta version of Opencore.

OpenCore

Clover

Step 3 : Create a Bootable macOS USB Installer.

Format the USB Drive: Open Disk Utility on macOS. Select your USB drive and format it as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID Partition Map.

Create the Installer: Press Command + Space and type "Terminal", open Terminal and run the command I provide below to create a bootable installer (find your version and input the correct command)

When the progress is finish, your USB drive will become a macOS bootable installer, but that's not enough, you need follow the next steps to install macOS.

Sonoma: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Ventura: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Monterey: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Big Sur: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Catalina: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Mojave: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

High Sierra: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

El Capitan: sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app

Step 4 : Install Clover or OpenCore on the USB Drive.

Clover: Open the Clover install file we download before. Then plug in your USB drive and follow this guide to finish the installation.

OpenCore: Download OpenCore from github.com. Follow this guide on the OpenCore documentation site.

Step 5 : Configure the Bootloader.

This is one of the hardest and most complex steps in the entire installation process, as you'll need to install multiple kext files to your config.plist, which will help macOS successfully recognize your hardware and run it, the equivalent of a driver file in Windows

Clover: Use Clover Configurator to customize your config.plist. Add necessary kexts (kernel extensions) to /EFI/CLOVER/kexts/Other.

OpenCore: Follow the configuration steps in the OpenCore guide for your specific hardware. Place kexts in /EFI/OC/Kexts and configure config.plist.

The following kext you may need:

Lilu.kext Click here to download

WhateverGreen.kext Click here to download

VirtualSMC.kext Click here to download

There are also some other hardware drivers that also need to add the kext file to the config.plist, and users can search for the compatiable kext files and add them.

Step 6 : Boot and Install macOS

BIOS Settings:

Disable Secure Boot.

Enable AHCI mode for SATA.

Enable UEFI boot mode.

Boot from USB:

Insert the USB drive and boot your PC.

Select the USB drive from the boot menu.

Install macOS:

Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS on your PC.

Step 7 : Post-Installation.

Configure Bootloader: Install Clover or OpenCore on your system drive. Transfer and configure config.plist, kexts, and drivers as needed

Drivers and Kexts: Install any additional drivers and kexts required for your hardware.

Step 8 : Troubleshooting.

Refer to Hackintosh forums for common issues and solutions. Be prepared to make adjustments to your config.plist and try different kexts.

Disclaimer :

Creating a Hackintosh may violate Apple's End User License Agreement (EULA) for macOS. Proceed at your own risk and consider using this for educational purposes.