Compatibility Assessment and Troubleshooting Guide for Running macOS on Lenovo L340-15IRH

GUIDE STEP BY STEP:

1. Compatibility Check:

   • Understand that macOS typically requires Intel-based graphics for newer versions, and NVIDIA support was dropped after High Sierra.
   • The i5 9300HF CPU is compatible in theory, but without an integrated GPU, macOS beyond High Sierra may not function properly.

2. High Sierra Attempt:

   • If you want to attempt running macOS, High Sierra is the newest version you could try due to NVIDIA support.

3. Create Bootable Installer:

   • Use a Mac or a virtual machine to download macOS High Sierra.
   • Create a bootable USB drive using a tool like UniBeast or createinstallmedia.

4. BIOS Settings:

   • Disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot.
   • Set SATA to AHCI mode.
   • Disable VT-d (if not needed) or set the appropriate boot flag.

5. Prepare Bootloader:

   • Use Clover or OpenCore as your bootloader.
   • Make sure it's properly set up with the correct drivers and kexts for High Sierra.

6. Config.plist Configuration:

   • Configure your config.plist according to your hardware specifications.
   • Use SMBIOS that matches a system with a similar processor.
   • Use boot flags like nv_disable=1 to disable unsupported NVIDIA graphics in newer macOS versions, or nvda_drv=1 in High Sierra with NVIDIA Web Drivers.

7. Kexts and Drivers:

   • Gather necessary kexts such as FakeSMC/VirtualSMC, USBInjectAll, VoodooPS2Controller (for keyboard and trackpad), and appropriate network kexts.
   • For High Sierra, download NVIDIA Web Drivers that match the macOS build number.

8. First Boot:

   • Boot from the USB installer in verbose mode (using the boot flag -v) to identify potential errors.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS High Sierra.

9. Post-Installation:

   • Install Clover or OpenCore to your hard drive's EFI partition.
   • Transfer your working EFI folder from the USB to the EFI partition.
   • Install NVIDIA Web Drivers if you successfully reach the desktop.

10. Dual-Booting:

    • Partition your hard drive appropriately for Windows 11 and macOS.
    • Install Windows 11 on the separate partition.

11. Troubleshooting Boot Issues:

    • Take note of where the boot process fails and research the error messages.
    • Adjust config.plist settings, add or remove kexts, and tweak BIOS settings as needed.
    • Consult Hackintosh forums for specific error guidance.

12. Continued Support and Learning:

    • Engage with the Hackintosh community for continued support and updates.
    • Be prepared for a steep learning curve and the need for regular troubleshooting.

Note: Attempting to install macOS on non-Apple hardware is against Apple's EULA and is not supported by Apple. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always ensure you have backups of your important data before proceeding with any installation or modification of your system.

Running macOS on non-Apple hardware, also known as creating a Hackintosh, is a complex process and can vary greatly depending on the specific hardware components of your system. In the case of your Lenovo L340-15IRH with an Intel Core i5 9300HF and a GTX 1050, there are several important factors to consider:

1. NVIDIA Graphics Card: Modern versions of macOS (after High Sierra) do not support NVIDIA graphics cards due to the lack of web drivers. Since your system does not have an Intel UHD integrated GPU and relies solely on the NVIDIA GTX 1050, it would not be compatible with macOS versions beyond High Sierra.

2. Processor: The Intel Core i5 9300HF should theoretically be compatible with macOS as it is part of the Intel Core family that is supported by Hackintosh.

3. RAM: The amount and configuration of RAM (1x16GB) should not be an issue for running macOS.

4. Storage: Dual-booting with Windows 11 is possible, but it requires careful partitioning of your hard drive and correct bootloader configuration to manage both operating systems.

Given these considerations, here's what you need to know:

• macOS Sonoma (which is not a known public macOS version as of my last update in April 2023) or other recent macOS versions likely will not work with your setup due to the NVIDIA-only graphics configuration.
• macOS High Sierra is the last version that supports NVIDIA graphics with web drivers, but even then, it may not support the GTX 1050 as it was released after NVIDIA stopped receiving support from macOS.

For troubleshooting the errors you are experiencing:

• Error Analysis: Each error you encounter during the boot process could be pointing to different issues such as configuration problems, incompatible drivers (kexts), or hardware incompatibility.
• Verbose Mode: Boot in verbose mode (using the boot flag -v) to see more detailed error messages which can help in diagnosing the issue.
• Config.plist: Ensure your config.plist is correctly configured for your hardware. This includes setting the correct SMBIOS for your CPU and disabling unsupported features like the NVIDIA GPU.
• Bootloader: Using the correct version of the bootloader like OpenCore or Clover is crucial. Ensure it's up to date and configured correctly.
• Hackintosh Communities: You mentioned following a guide; it's also worthwhile to seek help on forums like tonymacx86, Reddit's r/hackintosh, or InsanelyMac where many users share their build experiences and solutions.

Remember that creating a Hackintosh is against Apple's End User License Agreement (EULA), and while it is a popular hobbyist endeavor, it comes with legal and stability implications. If you decide to proceed, it will be a learning process that requires patience and a willingness to troubleshoot and learn from the community.