How to Make Bootable USB macOS Sierra on Windows 10: The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking to install or reinstall macOS Sierra on your Mac, but don’t have a bootable installer? Or perhaps you want to try out macOS Sierra on a virtual machine? This guide will walk you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive for macOS Sierra using Windows 10. This is a commonly sought-after method, especially for users who prefer the convenience of a Windows environment.

Understanding the Requirements

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the necessary tools and resources:

• macOS Sierra Installer: You’ll need the macOS Sierra installer application. If you don’t have it, you can download it from the Mac App Store.
• USB Drive: A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space. Make sure it’s formatted as **FAT32**.
• Windows 10 PC: A Windows 10 computer with an internet connection.
• Third-Party Tool: We’ll be using a third-party tool called **TransMac** to create the bootable USB drive. You can download a trial version of TransMac from their website.

Preparing the USB Drive

1. Backup Your Data: Before you begin, back up any important data on your USB drive, as the formatting process will erase all existing data.
2. Format the Drive: Connect your USB drive to your Windows 10 computer. Open **File Explorer** and locate your USB drive. Right-click on it and select **Format**.
3. Choose FAT32 File System: In the Format window, choose **FAT32** as the file system and ensure **Quick Format** is unchecked. Click **Start** and wait for the formatting process to complete.

Downloading the macOS Sierra Installer

1. Download macOS Sierra: Navigate to the Mac App Store on your Windows 10 computer. Search for “macOS Sierra” and click the **Get** button. The installer file will be downloaded to your Downloads folder.
2. Locate the Installer: Once the download is complete, open your Downloads folder and locate the macOS Sierra installer file. It will be named something like **”Install macOS Sierra.app”**.

Creating the Bootable USB Drive with TransMac

1. Install TransMac: Install the TransMac software on your Windows 10 computer.
2. Launch TransMac: Open TransMac and connect your formatted USB drive to your computer.
3. Select the USB Drive: In TransMac, select the USB drive from the list of available drives.
4. Image Mode: Click on the **Image** menu and select **Restore Disk…**.
5. Select the Installer: In the “Restore Disk” window, click the **Browse** button and locate the “Install macOS Sierra.app” file you downloaded earlier.
6. Start the Process: Click the **Open** button and then click the **Restore** button to start the process.
7. Wait for Completion: The process will take some time to complete. Do not interrupt the process or disconnect the USB drive.

Verifying the Bootable USB Drive

1. Eject the Drive: Once the process is complete, safely eject the USB drive from your Windows 10 computer.
2. Boot from USB: Restart your Mac and hold down the **Option** key while it starts. This will bring up the Startup Manager.
3. Select the USB Drive: Select the USB drive from the list of available boot options.
4. Install macOS Sierra: If you see the macOS Sierra installer screen, your bootable USB drive is ready.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Error Messages: If you encounter any error messages during the process, try restarting your computer and repeating the steps.
• Drive Not Recognized: Ensure that your USB drive is properly connected and formatted correctly.
• TransMac Trial Limits: The trial version of TransMac may have limitations on the size of the bootable drive you can create. Consider purchasing a full license for unlimited usage.

Final Touches: Setting Up macOS Sierra

1. Choose Language: Select your preferred language from the list.
2. Agree to Terms: Read and agree to the macOS Sierra license agreement.
3. Format the Hard Drive: Select the hard drive you want to install macOS Sierra on and format it.
4. Install macOS Sierra: Click the **Install** button and wait for the installation process to complete.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Features

• Using Virtual Machines: You can also use the bootable USB drive to install macOS Sierra on a virtual machine, such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. This allows you to run macOS Sierra alongside Windows 10 on your computer.
• Creating a Bootable USB Drive for Other macOS Versions: The process for creating a bootable USB drive for other versions of macOS is similar. You can find detailed instructions online for specific versions.

Embracing the macOS Sierra Experience

Now that you’ve successfully created a bootable USB drive for macOS Sierra, you’re ready to explore the world of macOS. Whether you’re installing it on your Mac or using it in a virtual machine, you’ll discover a user-friendly and visually stunning operating system.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use a different tool to create a bootable USB drive for macOS Sierra?

A: Yes, there are other tools available, such as **UNetbootin** and **Rufus**, but they may require additional steps or have compatibility issues. TransMac is a reliable and user-friendly option for creating bootable USB drives for macOS.

Q: Can I use this bootable USB drive to upgrade from an older version of macOS?

A: No, this bootable USB drive is specifically for installing or reinstalling macOS Sierra. To upgrade from an older version, you’ll need to use the macOS installer that comes with the upgrade.

Q: What happens to my existing data on the Mac during installation?

A: Installing macOS Sierra will erase the entire hard drive. It’s important to back up your data before proceeding with the installation.

Q: Can I create a bootable USB drive for macOS Sierra on a different operating system?

A: While it’s possible to create a bootable USB drive for macOS Sierra on other operating systems, the process may be more complex and require additional tools. TransMac is specifically designed for Windows and offers a straightforward solution.

Q: What if I encounter an error during the installation process?

A: If you encounter an error, try restarting your computer and repeating the steps. If the issue persists, consult Apple’s support website or seek help from a qualified technician.