Why can’t a macOS be installed in a Windows computer?
macOS, also known as Mac OS X, is a proprietary operating system developed and maintained by Apple Inc. for use on Apple’s Macintosh computers. This operating system is not designed to be installed on non-Apple hardware, such as a Windows computer. This is because macOS is specifically built to work with Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem, and is therefore not compatible with the hardware and software of a Windows computer. Additionally, Apple has put in place technical and legal restrictions to prevent macOS from being installed on non-Apple hardware.

Apple don’t want that to happen.
Not because they want to extract more money from hardware sales (Apple hardware is actually cheap for the quality you get anyway), not because they wouldn’t sell OS X as a product if they could.
It’s really simple: they did the math on the support costs of random third party hardware, and the numbers came up “nope”.
Apple actually did this long before OS X was a thing; for a short while you could actually get a licensed non-Apple MacOS computer.
But the support costs killed it.
To actually do this and make money, they’d have to sell OS X for a couple of thousand dollars, or maybe a subscription at about $50/month. That’s to pay for the three or four thousand developers and ten or so thousand support people they’d have to hire to deal with all the random crap hardware out there.
And it still wouldn’t meet their quality targets anyway.
So how can Microsoft do it?
They get the OEMs and hardware manufacturers to deal with most of it. Which they mostly do badly, but people have somehow become used to the resulting mess.
Making the OS itself free does mean that they don’t want people to install it on third party hardware because that would mean zero profits from the extra user (unless they use services such as iCloud in a premium fashion — more than just what’s given free).
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution to help you prepare for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Exam, look no further than this AWS Cloud Practitioner CCP CLFC01 book below.

I guess that makes the hackintoshing phenomenon an issue. Now, when the support for the last Intel based Mac ends hackintoshing will be a real issue (I mean, some explicitly limit themselves to High Sierra because of some NVidia GPUs that aren’t supported on newer versions at all…). But for now, if you have good, compatible hardware, you can reap the benefits just fine.
I am currently a hackintosher but intend to get an actual MacBook Pro (Intel based) soon. Wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t get a good hackintosh. So I’d say, don’t fight those who try it out like this and then migrate to actual Apple products, since that’s actually a profit vector. Only fight those that do it despite that.
The better question to ask is “How does Linux do it?”. You can find drivers for most of “the random crap hardware out there”… You can “google yourself” the support for most of the issues you’d run into, unlike Windows, etc. Support is a “thing” mostly for corporate users. Companies need someone to sue in case they’d somehow lose a penny because of hw/sw issues.
Using Windows would be much better than hackintoshing. Windows has its issues, it is not as reliable as macOS. However, Windows is much more flexible than macOS. It is much more programmer friendly than macOS. Most of the advantages of macOS will cease to exist once you take it out of the integration with Apple hardware.
You can, not so easily, run the OSX on a windows machine as you would run a second version of windows or Linux or any other OS. My current machine has around 4 different OS in 2 drives. The machine was originally assembled keeping in mind running it on OSX, endearingly known by the community as Hackintoshs. I did run an OSX version of Snow Leopard for a few months but didn’t have much use of it as I already own a MacBook Pro. A fun project but not without hastles.
Also, I did shift my 10+ year old MacBooks drive into the machine, before writing this reply, just for fun. Given the changes over time, the OSX failed to recognise half the peripherals which is solvable, but would need a lot of work.
You can. Such computers are called a “Hackintosh.” The procedure is totally unsupported, but I suppose it can save the user some money, when it works.
It’s not that it can’t. It’s a violation of the end-user license. If you’d like to give a try, just google out Hackintosh. I am not aware of any prosecution if you do. Definitely nothing like the infamous Microsoft initiated BSA raids on companies and individual users.
- Should I accept the offer?by /u/vogelkop11 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 2:38 pm
I have a good offer for an unused MacBook Pro 13 M1 16GB 1TB. Price is extremely good, 1200$, it's new, but the only catch is - it doesn't have a warranty. What's your opinion, would you go for it? submitted by /u/vogelkop11 [link] [comments]
- Mac Won’t Turn Onby /u/fischbonez (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Hope this is the right sub to post in but my Macbook pro was fine yesterday and now will not turn on. I hold the power button and nothing. the trackpad is stuck as well. My computer is fully charged. is there a way to reset it? Anyone know what the problem might be? submitted by /u/fischbonez [link] [comments]
- is 32gb ram worth it for photo/video editing?by /u/Iggytje (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 2:21 pm
I want to buy a macbook for school and personal use. The one I am looking at rn is the 14-inch mackbook pro, the standard is 16gig but I would like to upgrade to 32 gig so it wont crash as much, but that is 460 euros to upgrade is that worth it? submitted by /u/Iggytje [link] [comments]
- Is there a way to connect a Studio Display to a MacBook Pro wirelessly?by /u/bentloy (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 2:17 pm
I can connect my MacBook Pro to any TV bought within the last 5 years, through Airplay. I can Sidecar with my iPad. So why can't I connect my laptop to my very expensive display? If you know of any peripheral or hack, please do help! Thanks. submitted by /u/bentloy [link] [comments]
- Working between many desktopsby /u/connorj9000 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 2:05 pm
I usually have 5-10 desktops open for different tasks, work, school, and personal, etc, and I am curious whether there is a way to make an app float between windows like the iMessage app does. There are a few apps I often use that I use with each desktop and finding and switching to that desktop constantly gets exhausting with how often I need to use these apps on every desktop. Does anyone know if there is a way to make an app float to whatever desktop you're on when you click the icon? I know iMessage does it already, curious if you can make any app do that? submitted by /u/connorj9000 [link] [comments]
- How can I disable calendar integration in Mac's Mail?by /u/DisgJoliot (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Is there a way of completely disabling the e-mail siri/calendar integration? I don´t want Siri telling me that they found an event nor I want the option to decline/maybe/accept (and, much worse, I don't want to send automatically an email if I click on any of the options!) (context, irreleveant, but in case you're interested: currently I have a work mail & calendar account, so when I get added to work events they automatically appear in the calendar but I also get an email as a reminder. The Mail app then decides this is another event and asks me to add it. If I do, it gets added twice! If by mistake I try to click maybe or decline, then everybody gets an email saying that I´ve declined the event! I don't need this feature and I want to disable it!) submitted by /u/DisgJoliot [link] [comments]
- Mac Mini vs Mac Studioby /u/No_Abroad_3503 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 1:28 pm
Guys I need some help in choosing. I do 3D modeling using C4D, Corona Render using CPU, and photoshop. Don’t know much about benchmarks, so any advice would be great. Aiming for the Mini to save some money. Mac Mini Specs: Apple M2 Pro with 10‑core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine 32GB unified memory 512GB SSD storage Gigabit Ethernet Four Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, two USB‑A ports, headphone jack Mac Studio Specs: Apple M1 Max with 10-core CPU, 24-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 32GB unified memory 512GB SSD storage Front: Two USB-C ports, one SDXC card slot Back: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one 10Gb Ethernet port, one 3.5 mm headphone jack submitted by /u/No_Abroad_3503 [link] [comments]
- Problems with 2020 iMac. I am stumped.by /u/GoAskAlice669 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 1:13 pm
I have an iMac from 2020 that randomly will freeze for up to 30 seconds, display a colorful, static-like screen and then boot me to the login screen. It mainly happens when I use Zoom and share screen, but it has happened without it. I have checked the RAM. I tested the RAM with Rember, ran Apple diagnostics, etc and the hardware is testing fine each time. It seems it may be software related, and is most likely Zoom if it is. But why would the iMac crash other times, when I’m not running Zoom? Another time I ran EtreCheck and read the crash reports. I saw mention of kernel panics. Could they be caused by Zoom, though? I’m stumped. I’ve tried reinstalling Ventura (clean install), tested my RAM, tried each stick one by one just to be thorough, I’ve done everything except not install Zoom. I need it for meetings and such. I could attempt to go into safe mode, but how could I duplicate the problem there if I need Zoom and to go online to do it? I’ve had this issue for a while now. I’m pretty baffled. Can anyone give some sort of ideas of what to try next (besides get rid of Zoom)? I don’t really have the money to get this serviced, so I’m hoping I can do this on my own. Specs: Processor: 3.1 GHz 6-core Intel core i5 Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 4GB RAM: 16GB 2667 MHz DDR4 It has an SSD drive, 256GB. Thx. submitted by /u/GoAskAlice669 [link] [comments]
- Good android emulator for mac montereyby /u/E7wonders1 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 1:11 pm
Since monterey is not supported for Bluestack, I need an alternate option. Can you guys recommend one? submitted by /u/E7wonders1 [link] [comments]
- Switching External Hard Drive Photo Library from ExFat to APFS/Mac OS Ext. Formatby /u/discgolfer1234 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Hello, I wanted to clear up space on my macbook so I moved some photos in a photo library to an external hard drive, but that drive is ExFat format. I have now learned that the drive should either be in APFS/Mac OS Ext format. I am wondering how I can remove this library and then reformat the drive correctly? There is not enough space on my Mac to bring the photo library back onto it. I have a secondary external hard drive though. Could I partition a section of my secondary hard drive as APFS or Mac OS Ext, move the photo library there, then reformat my primary drive to move the photo library back onto it? Thanks. submitted by /u/discgolfer1234 [link] [comments]
- Macbook Air (2016) won't startby /u/Individual_Link_6793 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 12:39 pm
I got a new laptop about 1.5 year ago and haven't used my old Macbook air much since then. Before that it functioned well though. I had no issues with it being slow, poor battery or whatsoever. I recently wanted to turn it on in order to collect some old photos and stuff so I don't lose them. But even though the macbook is charged and everything, it just lights up and freezes at the Apple logo. I tried again and the Apple logo has been showing for minutes now. Is there anything I can do? submitted by /u/Individual_Link_6793 [link] [comments]
- Macbook Air M1 - What monitors are compatible?by /u/pistachiomacaroon023 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 12:35 pm
I purchased a Dell UltraSharp 24 Monitor - U2422H only to find it is NOT compatible with newer Mac models (bought a USB C but display was still showing pixelated). Are there any Dell monitors compatible with a macbook air M1? Or do I need to stick to an Apple monitor? submitted by /u/pistachiomacaroon023 [link] [comments]
- Recommendations for Blu-Ray Player for M1 MBPby /u/GusFawkes (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 12:33 pm
I have a M1 MBP (2021 16"). I'd like to play Blu-Rays from my MBP to my TV via HDMI. Can someone recommend a compatible Blu-Ray Player and App? I've been on Amazon but there's so much crap there, I don't trust the reviews. Would love a first hand recommendation of a solution that works with MacOS - or if this is not a good idea and I should just get a Blu-Ray player apart from my laptop, appreciate that recommendation too. submitted by /u/GusFawkes [link] [comments]
- How to turn on the screensaver between 2 & 5 minutes?by /u/rhossain_49 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 12:24 pm
submitted by /u/rhossain_49 [link] [comments]
- Buying advice for mid-2011 iMacs? GPU issues?by /u/bankyan (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 12:08 pm
Locally I found very cheap mid-2011 iMacs (both 21.5" and 27") and I am wondering whether they are safe to buy since I have heard the GPUs are very unreliable. Which GPUs are problematic though: AMD HD 6750M, 6770M or 6790M? Is it mostly the 27" or both? I don't care about MacOS support as they will be Linux or Windows machines for the family. Could they be used as external monitors for M1 Macs or PCs? Thanks submitted by /u/bankyan [link] [comments]
- Should I update to big sur?by /u/Shezzanator (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 12:02 pm
About to update my Macbook air 2014 running on Catalina 10.15.5 to big sur. However my mac is crippled for storage already and update is 16GB or so. How much storage will big sur take up once I have installed the update? 16GB would effectively brick my laptop submitted by /u/Shezzanator [link] [comments]
- Any vpn’s that don’t turn off Auto proxy discovery for MacBooks?by /u/ChemicalSession5653 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 11:21 am
Am currently looking for vpns that don’t turn off auto proxy discovery when I use them because when I turn it off I can’t connect to my school’s internet. Any suggestions? submitted by /u/ChemicalSession5653 [link] [comments]
- My drive change itself to "bu", what could've happened?by /u/pororoca_surfer (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 10:24 am
submitted by /u/pororoca_surfer [link] [comments]
- Should i switch my i9 mac to the M1 ?by /u/Past-Professor6719 (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 6:43 am
submitted by /u/Past-Professor6719 [link] [comments]
- Why iPhone OS is betterby Waseem Amjad (Mouseri) (Apple on Medium) on March 20, 2023 at 4:41 am
Introduction:Continue reading on Medium »
- 3 Life Changing Quotes. Simpleby Harish Gokul (Apple on Medium) on March 20, 2023 at 4:12 am
Motivation at Its Finest: Words That Will Inspire You to Take ActionContinue reading on ILLUMINATION »
- Apple’s Green Crusade: Revolutionizing Tech Sustainabilityby Tan Han Wei (Apple on Medium) on March 20, 2023 at 4:01 am
How Apple’s eco-friendly initiatives are inspiring an industry-wide transformation towards a greener future.Continue reading on Medium »
- Mac apps that make my life betterby /u/cherrysandwich- (Mac) on March 20, 2023 at 2:12 am
submitted by /u/cherrysandwich- [link] [comments]
- Apple Tea Barbeque Sauce — Saucesby Your Business Wife (Apple on Medium) on March 19, 2023 at 11:01 pm
Apple Tea Barbeque Sauce — SaucesContinue reading on Medium »
- iPhone 15 Pro Max is said to have the thinnest bezel on a smartphone, at 0.06 inchesby HAZ ID (Apple on Medium) on March 19, 2023 at 9:18 pm
Xiaomi 13 currently has the thinnest bezel, at 0.07 inches, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to surpass that number in the coming…Continue reading on Medium »
- IPad Pro ZUGU Case – Worth It?by LukeTechReviews (Apple on Medium) on March 19, 2023 at 9:02 pm
I’ve been using the ZUGU case on my M1 IPad Pro 12.9 for a couple of months now and wanted to share my thoughts on it, as I believe it is…Continue reading on Medium »
- my finder images have all disappeared. i've rebooted a bunch of times and booted in safe mode. what can i do to fix this?by /u/llbeanjamin (Mac) on March 19, 2023 at 8:41 pm
submitted by /u/llbeanjamin [link] [comments]
- Just enough time to put the kettle on.by /u/rickestmorty123 (Mac) on March 19, 2023 at 8:04 pm
submitted by /u/rickestmorty123 [link] [comments]
- The computer for the rest of us.by /u/SteveGribbin (Mac) on March 19, 2023 at 7:33 pm
submitted by /u/SteveGribbin [link] [comments]
- How to transfer files and folder from Windows 11 PC to MacOS Ventura over WiFi network (with…by Animesh Shukla (Apple on Medium) on March 19, 2023 at 5:05 pm
Here we will learn how to transfer files from Windows 11 PC to a Mac over wifi using a simple procedure.Continue reading on Medium »
- Össur Powerby provital (Apple on Medium) on March 19, 2023 at 4:52 pm
Össur Power: Eklem Hafifliği Franki CihazıContinue reading on Medium »
- Ottobock 3R41by provital (Apple on Medium) on March 19, 2023 at 4:50 pm
Gözetim İçin Son Teknoloji: Ottobock 3R41Continue reading on Medium »
- I HAVE SOLVED THE macOS PHANTOM MESSAGES NOTIFICATION BUG!by /u/ZeMole (Mac) on March 19, 2023 at 2:22 pm
Ask Siri to read you all unread messages. I’ve wasted so much time scrolling only to never find a blue dot. I’ve killed the dock. I’ve disabled iMessages. I’ve signed out and signed back in. I’ve disabled notifications for Messages. None of that worked more than temporarily. Clicking View > Unread Messages just left me with a blank result. Right clicking the icon showed nothing unread. But Siri did it. The red bubble has been eradicated for days now. There’s plenty left to be desired about Siri’s shortfalls (especially with ChatGPT dominating the news), but this is one problem only Siri could solve. submitted by /u/ZeMole [link] [comments]
- The greatest laptop ever, the Powerbook 100by /u/albertserene (Mac) on March 19, 2023 at 11:08 am
submitted by /u/albertserene [link] [comments]
- M2 Mac mini and MacBook Pro Discussion Threadby /u/ChampJamie153 (Mac) on January 17, 2023 at 4:35 pm
New Macs have been announced! Here's what we got: An updated Mac mini The new Mac mini has been updated for the first time since the original M1 launch in late 2020 Three standard models are available, two with the 8-core M2 chip and one with the 10-core M2 Pro chip Models with the M2 chip can be configured with up to 24GB of memory The M2 Pro model can be configured with up to 32GB of memory M2 Pro brings additional I/O support, including four Thunderbolt ports and support for three external displays Wireless connectivity has also been improved, and the mini now supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 US prices start at $599, and the new mini will be available starting January 24th Updated 14" and 16" MacBook Pros The 14" and 16" MacBook Pros now feature the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, improving on the incredible performance from the previous M1 models No changes have been made to the design, so these MacBooks still use the Liquid Retina XDR displays introduced in 2021 M2 Pro models feature 10-core or 12-core CPUs, and the M2 Max is only available with a 12-core CPU The GPU core count ranges from 16 in the lowest end 14" MBP up to 38 in the 16". These can be configured during the ordering process RAM support has been increased, and an option for 96GB of RAM is available with the 38-core GPU version of the M2 Max chip The HDMI port has been updated, and it now supports 8K output at 60Hz Wireless connectivity has been updated, and these MacBooks now support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 US Prices start at $1999, and the updated MacBook Pros will be available starting January 24th M2 Pro and M2 Max The new chips featured in the Mac mini and the 14" and 16" MacBook Pros follow the naming pattern of the previous M1 Pro and M1 Max chips M2 Pro comes in 10-core and 12-core CPU varieties, and offer 16 or 19 GPU cores M2 Max has 12 CPU cores, and can be configured with either 30 or 38 GPU cores M2 Max also brings support for up to 96GB of unified memory, an amount that has never been offered in a Mac laptop before All M2 Pro and M2 Max chips feature a 16-core Neural Engine The 13" MacBook Pro with M2 still remains available alongside the 14" and 16" models. The 2018 Intel Mac mini has finally been removed from the Mac mini lineup. submitted by /u/ChampJamie153 [link] [comments]