|
| 1 | +--- |
| 2 | +meta: |
| 3 | + title: How to setup a VM with UTM on a hosted Mac mini |
| 4 | + description: Learn how to create a fully independent and functional virtual machine inside a Scaleway Mac using UTM, a powerful virtualization tool for macOS. |
| 5 | +content: |
| 6 | + h1: How to setup a VM with UTM on a hosted Mac mini |
| 7 | + paragraph: Learn how to create a fully independent and functional virtual machine inside a Scaleway Mac using UTM, a powerful virtualization tool for macOS. |
| 8 | +tags: vm utm virtual-machine |
| 9 | +dates: |
| 10 | + validation: 2025-04-15 |
| 11 | + posted: 2025-04-15 |
| 12 | +categories: |
| 13 | + - bare-metal |
| 14 | +--- |
| 15 | + |
| 16 | + |
| 17 | + |
| 18 | +This guide explains the process to create a fully independent and functional virtual machine inside a Scaleway Mac using UTM, a powerful virtualization tool for macOS. |
| 19 | +UTM is free and open-source software that leverages Apple's Hypervisor framework and QEMU to provide virtualization capabilities. |
| 20 | + |
| 21 | +<Macro id="requirements" /> |
| 22 | + |
| 23 | +- A Scaleway account logged into the [console](https://console.scaleway.com) |
| 24 | +- [Owner](/iam/concepts/#owner) status or [IAM permissions](/iam/concepts/#permission) allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization |
| 25 | +- An [SSH key](/organizations-and-projects/how-to/create-ssh-key/) |
| 26 | +- A [Mac mini](/apple-silicon/how-to/create-mac-mini/) |
| 27 | +- [VNC access](/apple-silicon/how-to/access-remote-desktop-mac-mini/) to your Mac |
| 28 | + |
| 29 | +## Installating UTM |
| 30 | + |
| 31 | +1. Download and install UTM on the Mac mini: |
| 32 | + * From the official [Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/utm-virtual-machines/id1538878817) or |
| 33 | + * Directly from the [official website](https://getutm.app/). |
| 34 | +2. Download the macOS IPSW file. |
| 35 | + The IPSW file is a compressed a file format used to install iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, HomePod, watchOS, macOS firmware for devices equipped with Apple silicon. |
| 36 | + * Obtain the macOS IPSW file from the official [Apple Developer website](https://developer.apple.com/download/). |
| 37 | + <Message type="note"> |
| 38 | + You need an [Apple Developer account](/apple-silicon/troubleshooting/cant-create-apple-account/) to access these files. |
| 39 | + </Message> |
| 40 | +3. Create a new virtual machine: |
| 41 | + * Open UTM and click the "+" button to create a new VM. |
| 42 | + * Select "Virtualize" and then "macOS". |
| 43 | + * Browse and select your downloaded IPSW file. |
| 44 | + * Configure your VM's properties: |
| 45 | + * Set your desired CPU cores (recommended at least 2 cores). |
| 46 | + * Allocate RAM (recommended at least 4GB). |
| 47 | + <Lightbox src="scaleway-aps-utm-1.webp" size="medium" alt="The RAM allocation window of UTM with 4096 MB of RAM selected" /> |
| 48 | + * Configure the disk storage size (recommended at least 64GB). |
| 49 | + <Lightbox src="scaleway-aps-utm-2.webp" size="medium" alt="The disk size confgiration window of UTM with 64GB of storage chosen" /> |
| 50 | + * Click "Save" to create the VM. |
| 51 | + <Lightbox src="scaleway-aps-utm-3.webp" size="medium" alt="Summary of the VM configuration displaying the Save button to apply the configuration" /> |
| 52 | +4. Start and set Up your macOS VM: |
| 53 | + * Once the VM is installed with your properties, click the "Run" button in UTM. |
| 54 | + * A GUI window will open displaying your VM. |
| 55 | + <Lightbox src="scaleway-aps-utm-4.webp" size="medium" alt="Mac OS setup wizard" /> |
| 56 | + * Follow the macOS installation process: |
| 57 | + * Select language preferences. |
| 58 | + * Set up your Apple ID (optional). |
| 59 | + * Create a user account with username and password. |
| 60 | + * Choose time zone and other basic settings. |
| 61 | + * Wait for the installation to complete. |
| 62 | + |
| 63 | +## Troubleshooting |
| 64 | +### You are experiencing IPSW compatibility issues |
| 65 | +- Ensure your IPSW file is compatible with UTM by checking the following points: |
| 66 | + - The macOS version is supported by your UTM version |
| 67 | + - The IPSW architecture matches your Mac's architecture (in our case, `arm64` for Apple silicon architecture) |
| 68 | + - The IPSW file is not corrupted (verify checksums if available) |
| 69 | +- For performance issues, try adjusting the allocated CPU cores and RAM |
| 70 | + |
| 71 | +## Additional tips |
| 72 | +- Take snapshots of your VM before making significant changes |
| 73 | +- Use shared folders to easily transfer files between the host and guest systems |
| 74 | +- For testing purposes, consider creating multiple VMs with different macOS versions |
| 75 | + |
| 76 | +<Message type="tip"> |
| 77 | + For more advanced information about UTM, refer to the [official UTM documentation](https://docs.getutm.app/) |
| 78 | +</Message> |
| 79 | + |
| 80 | +This setup allows you to run a complete and isolated macOS environment within your Scaleway mac instance, perfect for testing applications, MDM profiles, or other macOS-specific tasks. |
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