> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://rolloutready.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Install VirtualBox on Mac: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide - URL: https://rolloutready.com/install-virtualbox-mac/ - Published: 2026-10-27T23:02:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-27T23:02:00.000Z - Description: Step-by-step guide to install VirtualBox on Mac, covering Intel and Apple Silicon compatibility, macOS settings, and troubleshooting tips. - Author: Daniel Hayes - Tags: Virtualization, Mac Software, Tech Guides, Software Installation **Short answer:** To install VirtualBox on Mac, you need to download the appropriate VirtualBox installer from the official Oracle website and follow a tailored installation process based on your Mac’s architecture—Intel or Apple Silicon (M1, M4). VirtualBox supports most macOS versions but requires specific settings adjustments for system security and virtualization permissions. This guide covers how to install VirtualBox on Mac step-by-step, focusing on differences between Intel and Apple Silicon models, compatibility with macOS versions from High Sierra to the latest releases, and how to handle common installation hurdles. You’ll also find practical advice on setting up your first macOS virtual machine and optimizing VirtualBox performance for your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or other models. ## Before you start: What you need to install VirtualBox on Mac Preparing your Mac before installing VirtualBox ensures a smooth process without unexpected errors. First, identify your Mac’s architecture because VirtualBox has different compatibility levels depending on the chip. Intel-based Macs support the standard VirtualBox installer, while Apple Silicon models (M1, M4) have limited or no official support, requiring alternative approaches. | Mac Architecture | VirtualBox Support | | ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Intel (x86\_64) | Fully supported with official installer | | Apple M1 (ARM64) | Limited support; official VirtualBox version does not fully support ARM yet | | Apple M4 (ARM64) | Same as M1; check for third-party solutions or updates | Next, check your macOS version. VirtualBox runs well on macOS High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura, but each version may have specific security and permission settings. For example, on macOS Catalina and later, you must manually allow kernel extensions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. Download the latest VirtualBox installer only from the official Oracle website ([https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads](https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads?ref=rolloutready.com)) to avoid malware or outdated versions. Make sure you choose the macOS host package matching your system architecture. You also need administrator privileges to install VirtualBox and approve system extensions. Be ready to enter your admin password and allow system prompts during installation. Lastly, install Xcode command line tools if you haven’t already, as some VirtualBox components require them. Open Terminal and run **xcode-select --install**. A prompt will guide you through installation. 1. Confirm your Mac architecture: Click the Apple menu > About This Mac > Overview tab > check Processor or Chip. You should see either Intel or Apple M1/M4. 2. Verify your macOS version: Apple menu > About This Mac > Overview tab > note macOS name and version number. 3. Download the correct VirtualBox installer from [Oracle’s official site](https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads?ref=rolloutready.com). After download, you should see a.dmg file in your Downloads folder. 4. Ensure you have administrator privileges: go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > check your account type. 5. Install Xcode command line tools if prompted by running *xcode-select --install* in Terminal and completing the dialog. Following these steps prepares your Mac and sets realistic expectations for VirtualBox installation success. ## Download and install VirtualBox on Mac Intel and Intel-based MacBooks Installing VirtualBox on Intel Macs is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to download and set up VirtualBox correctly. 1. **Visit the official VirtualBox website.** Open Safari or your preferred browser and go to [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads](https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads?ref=rolloutready.com). Locate the *OS X hosts* link under the VirtualBox platform packages section. 2. **Download the macOS installer.** Click the OS X hosts link to download the VirtualBox.dmg file for Intel-based Macs. The file size is approximately 120 MB. Wait for the download to complete. 3. **Open the installer package.** Double-click the downloaded.dmg file to mount it, then double-click the VirtualBox.pkg installer to launch the installation wizard. 4. **Follow the installation prompts.** Click through the installer screens, selecting the destination disk and agreeing to the license terms. When prompted, enter your administrator password to authorize the installation. 5. **Allow system extensions if prompted.** During installation, macOS may block kernel extensions required by VirtualBox. To approve, open *System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General*, then click *Allow* next to the message about blocked software from Oracle America, Inc. This step is crucial for VirtualBox's functionality. 6. **Complete the installation.** After granting permission, the installer will finish. You should see a confirmation screen indicating successful installation. 7. **Launch VirtualBox to verify installation.** Open the Applications folder and start VirtualBox. The application window should open without errors. Check the version by selecting *VirtualBox > About VirtualBox* from the menu bar; verify it matches the installer version. 8. **Install the VirtualBox Extension Pack (optional but recommended).** Return to the VirtualBox downloads page, download the Extension Pack matching your VirtualBox version, then double-click it to install. This adds USB 2.0/3.0 support, RDP, and other features. Following these steps ensures VirtualBox runs smoothly on your Intel Mac, ready for creating and managing virtual machines. - Download the OS X hosts installer from the official VirtualBox site. - Run the installer and enter admin credentials when prompted. - Approve Oracle kernel extensions in Security & Privacy settings. - Verify installation by launching VirtualBox and checking its version. - Optionally, install the Extension Pack for enhanced features. ## How to install VirtualBox on Mac M1 and M4 models: What you need to know VirtualBox currently does not offer native support for Apple Silicon chips like the M1 and M4 due to fundamental architecture differences compared to Intel processors. This limitation means you cannot run VirtualBox directly on these Macs with the same performance and compatibility as on Intel-based models. ![How to install VirtualBox on Mac M1 and M4 models: What you need to know – how to install VirtualBox on Mac](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/install-virtualbox-mac-2.webp) One workaround is to run VirtualBox under Rosetta 2, Apple's translation layer designed to allow Intel apps to run on Apple Silicon. However, this approach has significant drawbacks: performance is notably reduced, and some virtualization features may be unstable or inaccessible. Users attempting this often report slower virtual machine responsiveness and occasional crashes. Given these challenges, alternative virtualization solutions optimized for Apple Silicon provide a more reliable experience. Tools like UTM and [Parallels Desktop](https://rolloutready.com/p/) are designed to leverage the ARM architecture effectively, offering better performance and broader compatibility with ARM-based guest operating systems. Oracle, the developer of VirtualBox, has acknowledged the current lack of Apple Silicon support and is reportedly working toward a native Apple Silicon version. Monitoring VirtualBox’s official channels will keep you informed about future releases that may resolve these limitations. 1. Check your Mac’s chip type by clicking the Apple menu > About This Mac > Overview. If it lists M1 or M4, native VirtualBox support is unavailable. 2. If you choose to proceed with VirtualBox under Rosetta 2, ensure Rosetta is installed by attempting to open any Intel app or running *softwareupdate --install-rosetta* in Terminal. Successful installation allows VirtualBox to launch. 3. Download the latest VirtualBox Intel installer from the official site. Install it as usual, but expect reduced performance and limited feature access on Apple Silicon. 4. Consider [installing UTM](https://rolloutready.com/p/) or Parallels Desktop, which offer native Apple Silicon virtualization support and improved stability. 5. Regularly check the VirtualBox official website or forums for announcements about Apple Silicon native support to plan future upgrades. ## Step-by-step: How to install VirtualBox on macOS High Sierra, Monterey, and other versions Installing VirtualBox on macOS involves navigating security features that vary by macOS version. High Sierra, Monterey, and later releases each handle kernel extension permissions differently, requiring specific actions during installation. 1. Begin the VirtualBox installation by opening the downloaded installer package. You should see the standard installer window prompting you to continue. 2. Proceed with the installation until you reach a security prompt indicating blocked system software from Oracle America, Inc. This may appear as a pop-up or a message in System Preferences depending on your macOS version. 3. Open **System Preferences** and navigate to **Security & Privacy > General**. Here you will find an “Allow” button near a message about blocked system software. 4. Click **Allow** to permit the Oracle kernel extensions. This approval is often time-sensitive—if you miss the window, restart the installation. 5. For macOS High Sierra (10.13), after clicking Allow, you may need to restart your Mac to complete the extension activation. 6. On Monterey (12.x) and newer versions, the system may require you to unlock the Security & Privacy pane with your administrator password before allowing the extension. Also, note that some versions may prompt you to reduce security settings by booting into Recovery Mode to enable kernel extension approval. 7. If you encounter persistent blocking, verify if your Mac uses a T2 security chip, as this requires additional steps: reboot into Recovery Mode, open Startup Security Utility, and select “Reduced Security” with kernel extensions enabled. 8. Once permissions are approved, continue the installation until it finishes successfully. 9. To verify, open Terminal and enter *VBoxManage --version*. A version number confirms a successful installation. | macOS Version | Kernel Extension Approval | Additional Steps | | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------- | | High Sierra (10.13) | Allow in Security & Privacy; restart required | None | | Monterey (12.x) | Allow in Security & Privacy after unlocking pane | May require Recovery Mode to reduce security on T2 Macs | | Ventura and Newer | Similar to Monterey; stricter checks | Recovery Mode adjustment often needed on T2 chip Macs | **Troubleshooting common blockers:** If the “Allow” button is grayed out or missing, ensure the installer is running and that you have administrator rights. Restarting the Mac or reinstalling VirtualBox can refresh system prompts. If kernel extensions remain blocked, check for third-party security software that might interfere. ## How to set up a macOS virtual machine on VirtualBox Running macOS in VirtualBox involves specific licensing and technical considerations. Apple’s software license restricts macOS virtualization to Apple hardware, so ensure you comply with these terms. Additionally, creating a macOS VM requires a macOS installer image, which you can generate from the App Store or obtain if you have a suitable macOS recovery image. 1. **Create a new VM:** Open VirtualBox and click *New*. Name your VM (e.g., "macOS VM") and set the Type to *Mac OS X* and the Version to *macOS 10.13 High Sierra (64-bit)* or the closest available to your installer image. Click *Continue*. You should see the VM appear in the list. 2. **Allocate CPU and RAM:** Assign at least 2 CPUs (more if your Mac supports it) and a minimum of 4 GB RAM for decent performance. Adjust these in the System > Processor and Motherboard > Base Memory settings. After setting, confirm that the VM reflects the new resource allocations. 3. **Create a virtual hard disk:** Choose *Create a virtual hard disk now*, select VDI format, set dynamic size, and allocate at least 40 GB. Confirm the disk appears in the Storage section of the VM settings. 4. **Attach the macOS installer image:** Go to Storage, click the empty optical drive, then click the disk icon and select *Choose a disk file*. Navigate to your macOS ISO or DMG converted to ISO. The installer should be visible as a mounted optical disk. 5. **Adjust VM settings for macOS:** Under System > Chipset, select *PIIX3* (if available). Under Display, allocate maximum video memory (128 MB). Disable EFI unless your macOS version explicitly requires it. Confirm these changes are saved. 6. **Start the VM and install macOS:** Click *Start*. The macOS installer should boot. If you see errors like "Boot Failed" or a black screen, check the VM’s system logs and verify the ISO integrity. Success is indicated by the macOS installer screen prompting for disk selection. 7. **Format the virtual disk:** Within the installer, open Disk Utility, select the virtual disk, and format it as *APFS* or *Mac OS Extended (Journaled)*. Close Disk Utility to proceed with installation. 8. **Complete macOS installation:** Follow on-screen prompts to install macOS. After installation, the VM will reboot, and you should reach the initial macOS setup screen, confirming a successful boot. Common challenges include boot failures often caused by incorrect VM settings or corrupted installer images. Adjusting CPU, RAM, and storage settings or recreating the ISO can resolve these. For screenshots, VirtualBox’s GUI clearly shows each setting pane, and after successful boot, you’ll see the macOS welcome screen inside the VM window. ## Troubleshooting common VirtualBox installation issues on Mac VirtualBox installation on Mac can encounter several hurdles, from system extension blocks to hardware recognition problems. Here’s how to identify and fix these issues effectively. ![Troubleshooting common VirtualBox installation issues on Mac – how to install VirtualBox on Mac](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/install-virtualbox-mac-3.webp) ### System Extension Blocked If you see an error like **“System Extension Blocked”** or VirtualBox fails to load kernel extensions, macOS is preventing VirtualBox from running its required system extensions. 1. Open **System Preferences** and go to **Security & Privacy**. 2. In the **General** tab, look for a message at the bottom stating that software from "Oracle America, Inc." was blocked. 3. Click **Allow** to enable these system extensions. 4. Restart your Mac to apply the changes. You should now be able to launch VirtualBox without the extension block error. ### VirtualBox Fails to Launch or Crashes on Startup Common error messages include *“Failed to open a session for the virtual machine”* or immediate application crashes. 1. Ensure no other virtualization software (e.g., VMware, Parallels) is running or conflicting with VirtualBox. 2. Check macOS security settings and confirm that kernel extensions are allowed (see previous section). 3. If crashes persist, uninstall VirtualBox completely, reboot, then reinstall the latest compatible version. ### Conflicting Software or Security Settings Third-party antivirus or firewall software can interfere with VirtualBox's operation, causing network or device issues. 1. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall apps and test VirtualBox functionality. 2. If VirtualBox works, add it to the antivirus/firewall whitelist or exclude its network adapters. 3. Review macOS **Privacy & Security** settings to ensure VirtualBox has permission to access necessary system resources (e.g., files and network). ### Network Adapter and USB Device Recognition Problems VirtualBox may fail to detect network adapters or USB devices due to permission or driver issues. 1. In VirtualBox, open the virtual machine settings and go to the **Network** and **USB** sections. 2. Verify that the appropriate adapters and USB controllers are enabled. 3. For USB issues, ensure your user account is added to the **vboxusers** group via Terminal; without this, USB devices won’t be recognized. 4. Grant full disk access to VirtualBox in **System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Full Disk Access**. 5. Restart VirtualBox and reconnect your devices. Following these steps resolves most installation and initial use problems, letting you focus on your virtual machines. ## Optimizing VirtualBox performance on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and other Mac models To enhance VirtualBox performance on your Mac, focus on configuring VM resource allocation and leveraging hardware features suited to your Mac model. 1. **Adjust CPU and RAM allocation:** Open the VirtualBox Manager, select your VM, and go to *Settings > System > Processor*. Allocate 2 to 4 CPU cores on a MacBook Air, while a MacBook Pro can handle 4 to 8 cores depending on its CPU. Next, under *Settings > System > Motherboard*, assign RAM carefully: 4GB is a practical minimum for MacBook Air, whereas MacBook Pro models often support 8GB or more. The VM should perform noticeably smoother after these changes. 2. **Enable hardware virtualization:** In the *System > Acceleration* tab, ensure that both *Enable VT-x/AMD-V* and *Enable Nested Paging* are checked if available. This allows VirtualBox to utilize your Mac’s CPU virtualization extensions, improving VM responsiveness and reducing CPU overhead. 3. **Install VirtualBox Guest Additions:** With your VM running, insert the Guest Additions CD image via the *Devices* menu. Follow on-screen installation prompts inside the guest OS. Guest Additions significantly improve graphics performance, shared folder access, and seamless mouse integration. 4. **Manage battery and thermal performance:** Virtualization can increase CPU usage and heat. Lower CPU and RAM allocations if you notice fan noise or battery drain. Using macOS's *Energy Saver* settings to balance performance and battery life helps maintain system stability during extended VM sessions. Example: A MacBook Air with an Intel i5 CPU and 8GB RAM performs best with 2 CPU cores and 4GB RAM assigned to the VM, delivering smooth operation without overheating. A MacBook Pro with an i7 CPU and 16GB RAM can allocate 6 CPU cores and 8GB RAM for more demanding workloads, noticeably reducing lag and boot times. ## Read next - [How to Install and Use CrossOver on Mac: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide](https://rolloutready.com/p/) ## Frequently asked questions ### How to get mac on virtualbox? To run macOS on VirtualBox, you need a macOS image (ISO or VMDK) that is compatible with VirtualBox. Ensure your Mac hardware supports virtualization and that you have the appropriate VirtualBox extension pack installed. Creating a macOS virtual machine involves setting specific configurations such as memory allocation, CPU cores, and enabling EFI boot mode. ### How to install VirtualBox on macOS? Download the latest VirtualBox installer from the official VirtualBox website. Open the downloaded.dmg file and run the VirtualBox.pkg installer. Follow the on-screen instructions, allowing system permissions when prompted, especially for kernel extension approvals in System Preferences under Security & Privacy. ### How to install VirtualBox on Mac M1? VirtualBox does not natively support Mac M1 or M4 ARM-based chips due to architectural differences. For virtualization on M1 Macs, consider alternatives like UTM or Parallels Desktop, which have ARM support. If you attempt VirtualBox, expect limited or no functionality, as it is built primarily for Intel-based Macs. ### How to install VirtualBox on MacBook Pro? Installing VirtualBox on a MacBook Pro follows the standard macOS installation process. Download the VirtualBox installer, run the.pkg file, and grant necessary permissions including system extension approvals. Make sure your MacBook Pro runs a supported macOS version and that virtualization is enabled in the system firmware. ### How to get macOS on VirtualBox? Getting macOS running on VirtualBox requires creating a virtual machine with settings tailored for macOS, such as setting the OS type to Mac OS X and configuring EFI. You'll need a macOS installation image obtained legally from Apple. After setting up the VM, boot it with the macOS installer image and follow the installation process inside VirtualBox. ## Quick checklist - Verify your Mac’s architecture: Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M4). - Check macOS version compatibility with VirtualBox. - Download the correct VirtualBox installer from the official website. - Allow kernel extensions in System Preferences if prompted during installation. - Follow step-by-step installation instructions specific to your Mac model. - Configure your virtual machine settings carefully to match your intended use. - Consult troubleshooting tips if installation or VM creation fails. - Adjust VirtualBox performance settings to optimize resource use on your Mac. ## What this guide does not cover VirtualBox currently lacks full native support for Apple Silicon (M1, M4) Macs, limiting its functionality on these models. This guide focuses primarily on Intel-based Macs and provides warnings and alternatives for users with Apple Silicon. If you rely heavily on virtualization with M1 or M4 Macs, consider native solutions like Apple’s Hypervisor framework or commercial software optimized for Apple Silicon, such as Parallels Desktop. The single most useful next step is to create and configure a simple virtual machine immediately after installation. This practical exercise clarifies VirtualBox’s interface and settings, helping you understand resource allocation and VM management before running more complex environments.