Resolving macOS Big Sur Bootloop in VMware Workstation on Linux

Experiencing a bootloop while installing macOS Big Sur on VMware Workstation on a Linux host can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to try and resolve this issue.

Guide: Resolving macOS Big Sur Bootloop in VMware Workstation on Linux

Target Audience: Users with intermediate knowledge of virtualization and Linux systems

Objective:

To successfully install macOS Big Sur in VMware Workstation on a Linux host, addressing the bootloop issue.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Verify VMware Unlocker:

   • Ensure that the VMware Unlocker has been correctly applied. This tool is essential for enabling macOS virtual machines in VMware on non-Mac hardware.
   • Reapply the unlocker if you're unsure about the installation.

2. VMware Workstation Version:

   • Confirm that you're using a compatible version of VMware Workstation. Newer versions of macOS often require the latest VMware updates.

3. Virtual Machine Settings:

   • Ensure that your VM has sufficient resources allocated (CPU, RAM).
   • For macOS Big Sur, allocate at least 2 CPU cores and 4GB of RAM, though more is preferable for better performance.

4. Install Configuration:

   • During the installation, macOS will typically restart several times. Ensure that the VM is set to boot from the hard drive where macOS is being installed, not the installation ISO, after the first phase of the installation.
   • Adjust the boot order in the VM settings if necessary.

5. EFI Settings:

   • Sometimes, the issue could be with the EFI boot settings. Check that the VM is set to boot in UEFI mode with firmware type set to EFI.

6. VMware Compatibility Mode:

   • Experiment with different hardware compatibility settings in VMware. Sometimes, setting the VM to an older version of VMware compatibility can resolve boot issues.

7. Check VMX File:

   • Manually edit the .vmx file of your virtual machine to ensure that all macOS-specific settings are correctly configured.
   • Include or modify the line smc.version = "0" to bypass some of the Apple hardware checks that can cause boot issues.

8. Logs and Error Messages:

   • Review the VMware logs for your VM to look for specific error messages that might indicate the cause of the bootloop.
   • Pay attention to any ACPI or kernel-related errors.

Additional Suggestions:

• Virtual Disk Type: Use an AHCI SATA virtual disk instead of NVMe or SCSI as macOS has better compatibility with SATA in VMware.

• Clean Installation Attempt: If all else fails, try starting over with a new VM setup to ensure that no configuration issue is causing the bootloop.

Reminder:

• Ensure you have a backup of any important data.
• Be aware that running macOS on non-Apple hardware, even in a virtualized environment, may violate Apple's End User License Agreement.
• If you continue to encounter issues, consider seeking advice on virtualization forums or communities specializing in VMware and macOS installations.

The bootloop in the VM could be due to a variety of reasons, from incorrect VM configurations to issues with the macOS installation media. Carefully going through these troubleshooting steps can help identify and resolve the issue.