Creating a bootable macOS USB installer using a Windows PC might seem daunting, but it’s entirely feasible with the right tools and guidance. Whether you’re aiming to install macOS on a Mac, perform a clean installation, or set up a Hackintosh, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore the most effective methods to create a bootable macOS USB from Windows, ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions and hardware.
Why Create a Bootable macOS USB on Windows?
There are several scenarios where creating a bootable macOS USB on a Windows machine is beneficial:
- No Access to a Mac: If you don’t have a functioning Mac, using Windows is your alternative.
- Hackintosh Setup: For installing macOS on non-Apple hardware.
- System Recovery: To troubleshoot or reinstall macOS on a Mac that’s not booting properly.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:
- USB Drive: At least 16GB of storage.
- macOS Installer: A DMG or ISO file of the desired macOS version.
- Windows PC: Running Windows 10 or later.
- Administrative Rights: To install and run necessary software.
Methods to Create a Bootable macOS USB on Windows
1. Using TransMac
TransMac is a paid application (with a 15-day trial) that allows you to write DMG files to USB drives.
- Download and install TransMac.
- Insert your USB drive.
- Right-click the USB drive in TransMac and select “Format Disk for Mac.”
- After formatting, right-click again and choose “Restore with Disk Image.”
- Select your macOS DMG file and proceed with the restoration.
2. Using UltraDMG
UltraDMG is a user-friendly tool designed to create macOS bootable USB drives from Windows.
- Download and install UltraDMG.
- Launch the application and select your macOS DMG file.
- Choose your USB drive from the list.
- Click “Burn” to start the process.
3. Using GibMacOS and MakeInstall
This method involves downloading macOS directly from Apple’s servers and creating a bootable USB.
- Download GibMacOS from GitHub.
- Run
gibMacOS.batand select the macOS version to download. - After downloading, run
MakeInstall.batto create the bootable USB.
4. Using UUByte DMG Editor
UUByte DMG Editor is a premium tool that simplifies the process of burning DMG files to USB drives.
- Download and install UUByte DMG Editor.
- Open the application and load your macOS DMG file.
- Select your USB drive and initiate the burning process.
5. Using PowerISO
PowerISO is a versatile tool that can handle various disk image formats.
- Download and install PowerISO.
- Open your macOS DMG file with PowerISO.
- Navigate to “Tools” > “Create Bootable USB Drive.”
- Select your USB drive and start the process.
6. Using Balena Etcher
Balena Etcher is an open-source tool known for its simplicity and effectiveness.
- Download and install Balena Etcher.
- Launch the application and select your macOS DMG or ISO file.
- Choose your USB drive and click “Flash” to begin.
7. Using Rufus (with limitations)
Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives, but it has limited support for macOS DMG files.
- Download and install Rufus.
- Convert your macOS DMG file to ISO format using a tool like dmg2img.
- Open Rufus, select your USB drive, and load the converted ISO file.
- Start the process to create the bootable USB.
8. Using Ventoy
Ventoy allows you to create a multiboot USB drive by simply copying ISO files to it.
- Download and install Ventoy.
- Install Ventoy on your USB drive.
- Copy your macOS ISO file to the USB drive.
- Boot from the USB and select the macOS installer.
9. Using 7-Zip and dd for Windows
This method involves extracting the DMG file and writing it to the USB using dd.
- Use 7-Zip to extract the macOS DMG file.
- Download and install dd for Windows.
- Use dd to write the extracted image to your USB drive.
10. Using UniBeast (for Hackintosh)
UniBeast is a tool designed for creating macOS bootable USB drives for Hackintosh setups.
- Download UniBeast from tonymacx86.com.
- Follow the provided guide to create the bootable USB.
11. Using Mist (for macOS Sonoma)
Mist is a tool tailored for creating macOS Sonoma bootable USB drives.
- Download and install Mist.
- Prepare your USB drive.
- Download the macOS Sonoma installer through Mist.
- Create the bootable USB using the application.
Booting from the USB Installer on Mac
Once you’ve created the bootable USB, follow these steps to install macOS:
- Insert the USB drive into your Mac.
- Power on the Mac and immediately press and hold the Option (⌥) key.
- Select the USB drive from the boot menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS.
Creating a bootable macOS USB from Windows is entirely possible with the right tools and steps. Whether you’re setting up a Hackintosh, performing a clean installation, or recovering a system, the methods outlined above cater to various needs and preferences.
Always ensure you download macOS installers from trusted sources and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to create a bootable macOS USB using your Windows PC in 2025.
