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Will balena e-tcher create macos installer usb from Windows PC?
As far as I know, Balena E-tcher can't create macOS installer on Windows PC. The main purpose is for creating bootable Linux USB and SD Card. However, you can create a macOS virtual machine in Windows PC if you need to make a macOS installer.
First, ensure that the Windows PC meets the necessary hardware requirements, including sufficient RAM (at least 8GB is recommended), ample storage space, and a compatible CPU that supports virtualization technology. You'll also need virtualization software such as VMware Workstation, both of which are popular choices for running virtual machines on Windows.
Once you have the required hardware and software, begin by installing your chosen virtualization platform on your Windows PC. For instance, if you opt for VMware Workstation, download and install it from the official website. After installation, you may need to apply specific patches or use customized versions of the virtualization software to enable macOS support, as standard versions typically do not support macOS out of the box. Its users might need to use the "VBoxManage" command-line tool to modify VM settings to accommodate macOS.
Next, create a new virtual machine within your virtualization software, configuring it to emulate a Mac environment. Allocate adequate resources to the VM, such as setting at least 4GB of RAM and multiple CPU cores to ensure smooth performance. Attach the macOS installer image to the VM's virtual optical drive. It's important to adjust the VM's settings to match the hardware specifications recommended for macOS, including enabling EFI firmware and configuring the virtual hard drive with sufficient space. These adjustments help ensure that the macOS installation proceeds without issues.
After configuring the VM, proceed to install macOS by booting the virtual machine from the attached installer image. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process, which may involve formatting the virtual hard drive using Disk Utility and proceeding through the standard macOS setup steps. Once macOS is successfully installed and running within the VM, you can use it to create a bootable macOS USB drive. Connect a USB drive to your Windows PC, ensure it's properly recognized by the VM, and use macOS's built-in Disk Utility or terminal commands like "createinstallmedia" to make the USB bootable.
Finally, after creating the bootable macOS USB, it's advisable to test it on a compatible Mac to ensure it functions correctly. Keep in mind that running macOS on non-Apple hardware may not provide the same stability and performance as running it on official Apple devices. Additionally, always respect Apple's licensing agreements and use macOS in compliance with their terms. Creating a macOS VM on a Windows PC can be a powerful tool for developers and enthusiasts, but it requires careful setup and adherence to legal guidelines to ensure a smooth and lawful experience.
You can follow the above trick if balena e-tcher create macos installer failed. Make sure you have at least 50 GB free space on your PC in order to get this done smoothly.