Can I run Mac OS X as a Hyper-V Virtual Machine?

Question

I would like to know if it is possible, (not from a legality standpoint, but from a technical standpoint), to run Mac OS X on a Hyper-V VM. This would make testing so much easier as I would not have to go dig up and old Mac or find someone and borrow their laptop.

Answer 1

No. Hyper-V is very specific about supported OS's and the generic drivers are very Microsoft specific.

Answer 2

Contrary to BinaryMisfit's answer, apparently it is possible, although not supported by either Apple or Microsoft.

In the past, I've heard that people have found it easier to run Mac OS X using VMware Workstation, or possibly VirtualBox (with a bit more work), and Hyper-V used less for this, but I'm told it's possible.

I will quote the steps as mentioned in this Github thread, which refers to using MacHyperVSupport as published on Github:

It is pretty simple to use MacHyperVSupport.kext under Hyper-V.

Prerequisites: Prepare the EFI folder and config.plist.

• You can start from https://github.com/acidanthera/OpenCorePkg/blob/master/Docs/Sample.plist as the base of your config.plist.
• Apply all necessary changes documented in https://github.com/acidanthera/MacHyperVSupport/blob/master/README.md. You don't need to apply all the changes unless you want to run a very old version of macOS.
• Add all the essential kexts including MacHyperVSupport.kext

Create the boot VHDX

• You can create a small 1GB VHDX, initialize as GUID partition table (GPT), and format as FAT32
• Place your EFI folder under the root. You should have directories EFI\Boot and EFI\OC. Technically you need to use EFI system partition, but Hyper-V recognizes regular FAT32 partition.

Prepare installer or recovery VHDX. (Only need to pick one)

• You can follow the doc https://github.com/acidanthera/MacHyperVSupport/blob/master/README.md about create and use the installer. This may need another Mac to do.
• You can also create a recovery VHDX. https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Install-Guide/installer-guide/winblows-install.html is your best friend to guide you, and replace the USB with the recovery VHDX you created.

Install macOS

• Create a Generation 2 VM
• Disable Secure Boot on the VM
• Attach the boot VHDX, installer/recovery VHDX created above
• Create an empty VHDX for the final macOS installation
• Boot the VM and select Recovery or Installer
• Follow the screen to install the operating system

You should have macOS running under Hyper-V now. Hope this helps.

Many thanks to the acidanthera team for making this happen.

This thread on InsanelyMac.com also offers some additional tips.

Answer 3

If you have access to it, VMware Fusion can run macOS. Virtualbox and VMWare player can as well, but it's unclear whether it's legal.