Open Terminal (Finder > Utilities > Terminal) and paste the following command, replacing [Version] with your actual installer name.
For macOS Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia:
hdiutil create -o /tmp/MacOS -size 14g -volname macOS -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J
hdiutil attach /tmp/MacOS.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/macOS
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [Version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/macOS --nointeraction
hdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ [Version]/
hdiutil convert /tmp/MacOS.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/macOS_64bit.iso
mv ~/Desktop/macOS_64bit.iso.cdr ~/Desktop/macOS_64bit.iso
rm /tmp/MacOS.dmg
Explanation:
Meta Description: Searching for a "Mac OS download ISO 64 bit"? This guide explains the truth about macOS ISO files, where to get official installers, and how to create a bootable ISO for virtualization or USB recovery.
Downloading a pre-made ISO from third-party websites is risky (malware, modified kernels, lack of updates). If you still want to proceed for VM testing on non-Apple hardware (unofficial/unlicensed): Mac Os Download Iso 64 Bit
Example using gibMacOS on Windows:
git clone https://github.com/corpnewt/gibMacOS
cd gibMacOS
python gibMacOS.py
Select a version → downloads .pkg or .dmg → then convert using dmg2img tool to ISO.
First, it is crucial to clarify a common misconception: Apple does not officially distribute macOS in the standard .iso format used for Windows or Linux. Apple uses a different package format (.app installer bundled inside a disk image .dmg or a distribution .pkg).
However, an “ISO” in this context typically means a bootable disk image (using the ISO 9660 standard or UDF) that can be: Open Terminal (Finder > Utilities > Terminal) and
Apple hides older installers. Use these direct links (copy into your browser on a Mac):
If those fail, Apple’s support page "How to get old macOS versions" provides .dmg files for as far back as El Capitan.
macOS is proprietary software. Downloading it from the Mac App Store is free, but the license agreement states it is intended for use on Apple-branded hardware. Installing macOS on non-Apple hardware (a Hackintosh) is a gray area legally. Always ensure you are downloading from legitimate sources to avoid malware.
Solution: Older Macs (pre-2012) may not support APFS. For macOS High Sierra or later, you need a firmware update. Stick to macOS Sierra (10.12) or El Capitan (10.11) for very old Intel Macs. Explanation: Meta Description: Searching for a "Mac OS
If you’d like, I can:
(Related search suggestions provided.)
It sounds like you’re looking for a macOS ISO file (64-bit) to install or run macOS in a virtual machine (like VMware, VirtualBox, or Proxmox) or for a clean USB install.
Here’s what you need to know: