how to make macos bootable usb with balena etcher from windows pc

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

1. Visit the Balena Etcher download page.
2. Download the Windows version of Balena Etcher.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. Save the file to an easily accessible location on your Windows PC.

Step 3: Insert the USB Drive

1. Insert your USB drive into an available USB port on your Windows PC.
2. 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

1. Launch Balena Etcher from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
2. You will see the main interface with three steps: Select Image, Select Drive, and Flash.

Step 5: Select the macOS Image

1. Click on the “Flash from file” button in Balena Etcher.
2. Browse and select the macOS DMG or ISO file you downloaded earlier.

Step 6: Select the USB Drive

1. Click on the “Select target” button.
2. 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

1. Click on the “Flash!” button to start the process.
2. Balena Etcher will begin creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time, so be patient.
3. Once the flashing process is complete, you will see a success message.

Step 8: Safely Eject the USB Drive

1. Close Balena Etcher.
2. 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

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the Mac where you want to install macOS.
2. Turn on the Mac and immediately press and hold the “Option” (Alt) key until you see the Startup Manager.
3. Select the USB drive as the startup disk and press Enter.
4. 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