How to install macOS in virtual machine on Mac using parallels desktop?

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Installing macOS in a virtual machine (VM) on a Mac using Parallels Desktop is a great way to test software, run multiple macOS versions, or experiment without affecting your main system.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you’re using an Intel-based Mac or an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, etc.), as Parallels Desktop adapts to the hardware.

Below are detailed steps tailored for both architectures, assuming you have Parallels Desktop installed (version 19 or later).

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Prerequisites

• Parallels Desktop: Installed on your Mac. Download from parallels.com (trial or licensed version).
• Mac Hardware: Intel-based or Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4).
• macOS Version: Your host macOS should be compatible with Parallels (e.g., Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia).
• Space: At least 20GB free for the VM (64GB+ recommended for performance).
• Internet: Required for downloading macOS files.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

For Intel-Based Macs

Intel Macs allow more flexibility, including installing macOS from a recovery partition or a .app installer file.

1- Launch Parallels Desktop:

• Open Parallels Desktop from /Applications or the Dock.

2- Start a New VM:

• Click File > New in the menu bar, or press the + button in the Parallels Control Center.

3- Choose Installation Method:

• Option 1: Download macOS (Simplest)
  • In the “Installation Assistant,” select Download macOS under “Free Systems.”
  • Click Continue. Parallels will download the latest public macOS version compatible with your host (e.g., Sonoma as of April 2025).
  • Wait for the download (12-15GB, depending on the version).
• Option 2: Use Recovery Partition
  • Select Install macOS [Version] Using the Recovery Partition (e.g., “Install macOS Sonoma”).
  • Click Continue. This uses your Mac’s built-in recovery to create the VM—no download needed.
• Option 3: Use Installer App
  • If you have Install macOS [Version].app in /Applications (e.g., from the App Store or gibMacOS):
  • Select Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an Image File.
  • Drag the .app file into the window or click Choose Manually to locate it.
  • Click Continue.

4- Configure the VM:

• Name your VM (e.g., “macOS Sonoma Test”).
• Adjust settings (optional):
  • Click Customize Settings Before Installation.
  • Under Hardware > CPU & Memory, allocate resources (e.g., 4 CPUs, 8GB RAM for decent performance).
  • Default disk size is 64GB—adjust if needed under Hard Disk.
• Click Create or Continue.

5- Install macOS:

• The VM boots to the macOS installer.
• Select your language, then choose Install macOS > Continue.
• Agree to the terms, select the virtual disk, and click Install.
• The VM will restart multiple times (20-40 minutes total).

6- Set Up macOS:

• After installation, follow the on-screen setup (language, Apple ID, etc.) to reach the macOS desktop.

7- Install Parallels Tools (Optional):

• For better integration (e.g., clipboard sharing, resolution scaling):
  • In the VM, go to Parallels menu > Actions > Install Parallels Tools.
  • Mounts a virtual CD—double-click Install and follow prompts.
• Restart the VM when done.

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For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4)

Apple Silicon uses Apple’s Virtualization Framework, limiting options to macOS Monterey (12) or later and requiring .ipsw files instead of .app installers.

1- Launch Parallels Desktop:

• Open Parallels Desktop.

2- Start a New VM:

• Click File > New or the + button in Control Center.

3- Choose Installation Method:

• Option 1: Download macOS (Simplest)
  • Select Download macOS under “Free Systems.”
  • Click Continue. Parallels downloads the same macOS version as your host (e.g., Sonoma if you’re on Sonoma).
  • Wait for the download to complete.
• Option 2: Use an .ipsw File (For Different Versions)
  • Download an .ipsw file for your desired macOS (e.g., Ventura, Sonoma):
  • Visit developer.apple.com/download (requires an Apple ID) or a trusted source like mrmacintosh.com.
  • Example: UniversalMac_14.4_23E214_Restore.ipsw for Sonoma 14.4.
  • Double-click the .ipsw file (ensure Parallels is set to open .ipsw files: right-click > Get Info > Open with > Parallels Desktop > Change All).
  • Or, in Parallels, select Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an Image File, then choose the .ipsw.

4- Configure the VM:

• Name the VM (e.g., “Sonoma VM”).
• Customize (optional):
  • Open Configuration > Hardware > CPU & Memory (e.g., 4 CPUs, 8GB RAM).
  • Disk size defaults to 64GB—resize via Hard Disk if needed (note: resizing after creation has limits due to the recovery partition).
• Click Create.

5- Install macOS:

• The VM boots to the installer.
• Select language, then Install macOS > Continue.
• Follow prompts to install (20-40 minutes with restarts).

6- Set Up macOS:

• Complete the setup process (language, user account, etc.).

7- Install Parallels Tools (Limited Functionality):

• Go to Parallels menu > Actions > Install Parallels Tools.
• Follow prompts—note that features like Coherence mode aren’t supported on Apple Silicon yet.

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Which macOS version are you targeting (e.g., Sonoma, Sequoia, …), and is your Mac Intel or Apple Silicon? share your experience with me 🙂