Let’s welcome macOS Sonoma. However, if you want to install and test macOS Sonoma on virtual machines like VMware Workstation then you’ll learn here the process to install macOS Sonoma on VMware Workstation Pro 17 in Windows 11.

The future major update of macOS, Apple’s operating system for Mac computers, is called Sonoma (version 14). It was revealed as the replacement for macOS Ventura during Apple’s WWDC 2023 on June 5, 2023, and a late 2023 release was predicted. On June 5, 2023, the initial developer beta was made available. The Sonoma, California-based operating system bears this name. 

According to Apple’s normal annual schedule, a public beta of macOS Sonoma should be available sometime in July, and the complete release should follow in September. Any mention of generative AI, which Microsoft is integrating into Windows with Copilot, is notable for its omission. However, if you own a Mac that was made after 2018, these are the most notable new features of Apple’s next desktop OS update.

Before we start to install macOS Sonoma on VMware Workstation, let’s have a look at compatible Macs for macOS Sonoma and its features.

Compatible Macs for macOS Sonoma (macOS 14)

macOS Sonoma drops support for the following Macs:

• 2017 MacBook Pro
• 2017 iMac
• 2017 MacBook (12-Inch)

macOS Sonoma remains compatible with the following Macs:

• MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
• MacBook Air: 2018 and later
• Mac mini: 2018 and later
• iMac: 2019 and later
• iMac Pro: 2017
• Mac Studio: 2022 and later
• Mac Pro: 2019 and later

macOS Sonoma New Features

1. Widgets on the Desktop

Widgets were restricted to the notification sidebar on the right side of the desktop in earlier iterations of the macOS operating system. You may put them wherever on the desktop while using Sonoma. When you launch an app window, desktop widgets become translucent and tinted to match your wallpaper so as not to be distracting. You can utilize widgets on your Mac desktop if you use them on an iPhone. These “anywhere widgets” have been compared to the desktop widgets Microsoft released in Windows Vista back in 2006, albeit widgets have returned in Windows 11, where they are (for the time being) restricted to their own panel. What is thrown out, is thrown back.

2. Gaming Mode

A new Gaming mode for Macs with Apple Silicon processors aims to change the fact that Apple has never been the primary choice for playing PC games. To celebrate the release of a director’s cut of his 2019 title Death Stranding on the Mac, the firm even brought in gaming veteran Hideo Kojima at WWDC 2023. The new macOS Game Mode will release system resources from background processes so the game can make use of them, just like Windows’ Game Mode does. Additionally, the mode is designed to lessen controller latency for the Xbox and PlayStation.

3. Video Conferencing Tools

The need to engage in video conferences is common among business customers, and Apple has released several enhancements that improve the experience whether you’re using Zoom, Teams, or Webex. Users can overlay a cutout or thumbnail image of themselves over a shared desktop using the Presenter Overlay function. Reaction films, which embellish your own video feed with balloons and streamers, are another innovation. For more visit here.

Required Files to Install macOS Sonoma on VMware in Windows 11

In order to install macOS Sonoma on VMware Workstation on Windows, you’ll need to download the below-given links:

Note: Make sure that Virtualization Technology is enabled on your Windows 10/11 PC or laptop.

So, without wasting any more time, here are the steps to install macOS Sonoma on VMware Workstation Pro 17 in Windows 10/11:

Step 1. Install VMware Workstation Pro 17

VMware Workstation Pro is a piece of software that helps you to run various operating systems on a single desktop machine without having to install them. This method allows engineers, teachers, and businesses to test applications on their devices without the need for several machines to manage various procedures. It also creates the ideal environment for cloud and platform testing.

VMware has a long history of creating virtualization applications for both students and businesses. They update their software so much that it’s difficult to pinpoint the most recent edition and they’re always modernizing to keep up with the times. The workstation offers a sandbox system in which you can test and allow whatever you’re working on to function under different circumstances. On both Linux and Windows, the software runs smoothly.

• Click on the VMware installer, if prompted, click Yes and select Next.
• Check the box next to I accept the terms in the License Agreement and click Next.
• Click Next and Next on the upcoming screens.
• Finally, click Install and Finish.

Step 2. Unlock VMware to Install macOS Sonoma on Windows

VMware Unlocker for macOS is a useful tool that replaces a few files, like VMware.vmx, vmwarebase.dll, and vmwarebase. So, and patches macOS settings and installation features including preferences, booting, and installation settings into VMware, as well as downloading a copy of the latest version of VMware Tools for macOS if you want. As a consequence, after you’ve installed the fix, you’ll be able to work out VMware settings and load every variant of macOS on VMware without any limitations.

Note: Make sure the VMware Workstation application is closed completely.

• When you downloaded macOS Unlocker V3 for VMware GitHub then extract it. Open the extracted folder.

• Right-click on win-install. cmd and click Run as Administrator. Click Yes, if you are prompted.

• It will pop up a command prompt running some commands and wait until it’s done.

Step 3. Create & Customize macOS Sonoma VM

1. Launch the VMware Workstation and click Create a New Virtual Machine.

2. The default option is Typical (recommended). Click Next.

3. Select I will install the operating system later and click Next.

4. Choose Apple Mac OS X as a guest operating system, after that, you have to choose the version, macOS 14. Click Next.

5. Give your virtual machine a name like macOS Sonoma or macOS 14 and click Next.

6. Specify the disk size and select Store virtual disk as a single file and click Next. 80GB is recommended.

7. click on Customize Hardware.

8. On the Memory tab, allocate the amount of RAM. Higher RAM, higher performance.

9. On the Processors tab, increase the CPU processor core.

10. Click the New CD/DVD (SATA) option, click Use ISO image file, and click Browse.

11. Locate the macOS Sonoma ISO file and click Open.

12. To save all the changes, click Close.

13. Click Finish.

Step 4. Edit macOS Sonoma VMX File

Before editing the “vmx” file of macOS Sonoma make sure to close the VMware Workstation completely.

Find the location where you’ve saved the macOS Sonoma virtual machine. Right-click on a file with the extension of VMX and open it with Notepad.

Once it is opened, locate the code Ethernet0.VirtualDev = “e1000e” and replace “el000e” with vmxnet3 to fix the internet settings. 

Scroll down to the end and insert the below code:

smc.version = “0”

Click on File > Save.

Step 5. Power on macOS Sonoma Virtual Machine

Launch VMware Workstation, select the macOS Sonoma VM and click Power on this virtual machine.

Here, you will see the Apple logo.

Select your preferred language and click the arrow icon at the bottom right-hand corner.

Select Disk Utility and click Continue.

Choose VMware Virtual SATA Hard Drive Media then click Erase.

Here, select the following options: Name: macOS Sonoma (optional), Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and Scheme: GUID Partition Map. Click Erase.

When finished, click Done.

 

Click the Disk Utility tab and select Quit Disk Utility.

Select Install macOS 14 Beta and click Continue.

Click Continue. 

On the next screen, click Agree and once again select Agree.

Select the macOS Sonoma hard disk and click Continue.

Now, wait patiently. It will take a good 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the speed of your PC or laptop. Bear in mind that the macOS Sonoma virtual machines will restart several times. Be patient!

Step 6. Setup macOS Sonoma for the First Time

While the VMware installation of macOS Sonoma on a Windows PC has been successful. As a result, you must finish configuring macOS Sonoma on VMware before using it for the first time. The procedures listed below should be followed to finish configuring macOS Sonoma on VMware.

• Select your country/region and click Continue.

• Choose your preferred language and continue.

• On the Accessibility page, click Not Now.

• Click Continue on the Data & Privacy page.

• On the Migration Assistant screen, click the Not Now button to continue.

• Sign in to your Apple ID or set it up later.

• Select Agree to Terms and Conditions. Once again select Agree.

• Create an account with a Full name and password. Click Continue.

• Enable location services and click Continue.
• Select your time zone and continue.
• Click Continue on Analaytics screen.
• Setup Screen time later and continue.
• Now, select your preferred look like Light, Dark, or Auto, and click Continue.
• Finally, macOS Sonoma is successfully installed on VMware Workstation Pro 17.

That’s it. This is how you can install and run macOS 14 Sonoma on VMware Workstation on a Windows 11 PC or laptop. The installation process was really easy. All you need to do is download the required files and make sure Virtualization Technology is enabled from BIOS.

Read next

How to Install macOS Ventura on VMware Workstation in Windows 10/11

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