You must use an (like Auto-Unlocker) to patch VMware so it natively lists macOS as a guest operating system option.
Step 1: Download the Official macOS Big Sur Installer (2021)
Using a Mac (or Hackintosh), open and use the softwareupdate tool to fetch the historical version. Note: Apple hides old versions, so you may need to use the installinstallmacos.py Python script from Github (by grahamperrin). macos big sur iso 2021
However, as an operating system, it is now in "maintenance mode," meaning it no longer receives feature updates and will eventually lose security support.
Mount the newly created disk image to your system so it can act as a target volume: You must use an (like Auto-Unlocker) to patch
Open the Mac App Store on a supported Mac and search for "macOS Big Sur." Download the installer. It will appear in your /Applications folder.
In the VM settings, go to the CD/DVD drive and select the BigSur.iso file you created. However, as an operating system, it is now
You now have a legitimate, safe ISO file on your desktop suitable for virtual machines.
For a step-by-step visual on executing these terminal commands and verifying the output: How to Create macOS Big Sur ISO image Mac2iPhone YouTube• 14 Jan 2021 4. Alternative: Pre-made ISOs How to download and install macOS - Apple Support (IN) 23 Dec 2025 —
At least 30-40 GB of free space (for the download, the ISO creation, and the file itself).