How to Install macOS on a PC (OpenCore)

Prerequisites

Prepare a Windows Vista or newer PC, a 16 GB or larger USB drive, stable internet, and ideally an ethernet connection. Note your CPU, GPU, motherboard model and BIOS version.

Check Compatibility

Identify the highest macOS version your hardware supports. Verify chipset, iGPU/dGPU, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and storage controller support in community guides. If a component is unsupported, plan alternatives or kexts before proceeding.

Build the EFI

Create an EFI folder tailored to your hardware. Gather the correct kexts, ACPI patches, and drivers. Use a plist editor to configure your settings and remove unused entries to keep things minimal.

Create the macOS Installer

Download macOS recovery files, then write a bootable USB. Confirm the correct SMBIOS is set for your target version, and ensure your USB is partitioned with an EFI system partition that contains your OpenCore files.

BIOS Setup

Update to a stable BIOS and load optimized defaults. Common switches include enabling AHCI, disabling Secure Boot and Fast Boot, setting primary display (iGPU/dGPU) appropriately, and turning off VT-d unless you have proper kernel patches.

Install macOS

Boot from the USB, select the installer, format the target disk as APFS/GPT, and proceed. After the first reboot, continue until setup completes. If you must choose a boot entry, select the freshly installed macOS volume.

Post-Install

Mount the internal disk’s EFI partition and copy your working EFI from the USB. Verify sleep, audio, graphics acceleration, and networking. Keep backups of a known-good EFI before experimenting.

Troubleshooting

• Boot loops: Recheck ACPI patches and kernel quirks.
• No network: Confirm the NIC/Wi-Fi chipset and load the proper kexts.
• Black screen: Validate GPU support and platform-id settings.
• USB issues: Map ports properly to avoid install or sleep problems.