Creating a macOS bootable USB from a Windows PC is a practical solution for those who need to install macOS but do not have access to a Mac. Using Balena Etcher, a reliable and user-friendly tool, simplifies this process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps required to make a macOS bootable USB using Balena Etcher from a Windows PC.
Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
A Windows PC: The computer you will use to create the bootable USB.
USB Drive (at least 16GB): Ensure it is empty or contains no important data as it will be formatted.
macOS DMG or ISO file: Obtain the macOS installer file from a reliable source.
Balena Etcher: Download and install Balena Etcher from the official website: Balena Etcher.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download and Install Balena Etcher
- Visit the Balena Etcher download page.
- Download the Windows version of Balena Etcher.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Balena Etcher on your Windows PC.
Step 2: Obtain the macOS DMG or ISO File
- Download the macOS installer file (DMG or ISO format) from a trusted source. Ensure that the file is the correct version for the macOS you wish to install.
- Save the file to an easily accessible location on your Windows PC.
Step 3: Insert the USB Drive
- Insert your USB drive into an available USB port on your Windows PC.
- Ensure the USB drive is recognized by your computer. You can check this by opening “This PC” or “My Computer.”
Step 4: Open Balena Etcher
- Launch Balena Etcher from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
- You will see the main interface with three steps: Select Image, Select Drive, and Flash.
Step 5: Select the macOS Image
- Click on the “Flash from file” button in Balena Etcher.
- Browse and select the macOS DMG or ISO file you downloaded earlier.
Step 6: Select the USB Drive
- Click on the “Select target” button.
- Choose your USB drive from the list of available drives. Make sure you select the correct drive to avoid data loss.
Step 7: Flash the USB Drive
- Click on the “Flash!” button to start the process.
- Balena Etcher will begin creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time, so be patient.
- Once the flashing process is complete, you will see a success message.
Step 8: Safely Eject the USB Drive
- Close Balena Etcher.
- Safely eject the USB drive from your Windows PC by right-clicking on the USB drive icon in “This PC” and selecting “Eject.”
Using the Bootable USB
- Insert the bootable USB drive into the Mac where you want to install macOS.
- Turn on the Mac and immediately press and hold the “Option” (Alt) key until you see the Startup Manager.
- Select the USB drive as the startup disk and press Enter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS.
Troubleshooting Tips
- USB Drive Not Recognized: Ensure the USB drive is properly connected and not damaged. Try using a different USB port or drive if necessary.
- Etcher Error Messages: If you encounter errors during the flashing process, ensure the macOS file is not corrupted and the USB drive is properly formatted.
Conclusion
Creating a macOS bootable USB from a Windows PC using Balena Etcher is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can prepare a bootable USB drive to install macOS on a Mac without the need for a Mac to create the installer. This method is particularly useful for users who need to reinstall macOS or set up a new Mac.
watch the youtube video for step by step instructions
