Download macOS High Sierra ISO Image for VMware and VirtualBox

In this article, we will share the direct links to download macOS High Sierra ISO image for VMware and VirtualBox.

Want to revisit or test one of Apple’s most stable and popular macOS versions in a virtual machine? macOS High Sierra (version 10.13), released in 2017, remains a reliable choice for developers, app testers, and retro-enthusiasts. It introduced the Apple File System (APFS), better HEVC video compression, Metal 2 graphics API, and enhanced privacy and performance improvements across the board.

Whether you’re using VMware or VirtualBox, running macOS virtually requires a compatible ISO image — something Apple doesn’t officially provide. That’s why we’ve prepared this post: to help you download and use the macOS High Sierra ISO file for virtualization with ease.

If you’re developing for older software, testing macOS compatibility, or simply exploring Apple’s ecosystem without a Mac, using a virtual machine powered by a High Sierra ISO is your best bet.

Why Choose macOS High Sierra?

macOS High Sierra was a pivotal update. It didn’t drastically change the interface, but focused on improving macOS under the hood:

• Apple File System (APFS) replaced HFS+, offering better speed and security.
• HEVC (H.265) support enables better compression for video content.
• Metal 2 improved GPU performance, benefiting developers and gamers.
• Native support for VR and external GPUs was introduced.
• Apps like Photos, Safari, and Mail got significant enhancements.

Because of its stability and backward compatibility with older 32-bit applications, High Sierra is still widely used in virtual machines for testing legacy software.

Why Use macOS High Sierra ISO on VMware or VirtualBox?

Running macOS virtually can be highly beneficial. Here’s why the macOS High Sierra ISO is still in demand:

• ✅ Legacy Software Support: Great for testing 32-bit apps not supported in newer macOS versions.
• ✅ Development & Testing: Developers can build and test macOS-compatible apps in a safe environment.
• ✅ Learning & Training: Practice system administration, macOS Terminal, and user workflows.
• ✅ No Risk to Host System: All changes and tests remain inside the VM.
• ✅ Cross-Platform: Can be run on Windows, Linux, or macOS systems using VMware or VirtualBox.

But the key requirement for all this? A clean, bootable macOS High Sierra ISO.

Download macOS High Sierra ISO Image

📥 Download macOS High Sierra ISO for VMware and VirtualBox

Looking for other macOS Version ISO files?

You can find all macOS ISO files here.

This ISO file is formatted to work with both VMware and VirtualBox and includes all necessary macOS installation files inside a bootable image. Be sure to verify the integrity of the file and configure your VM properly before starting the installation process.

How to Use macOS High Sierra ISO in VMware or VirtualBox

Here’s a quick overview for both platforms:

✅ For VMware:

1. Install VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Player.
2. Download and run the macOS Unlocker tool to enable Apple OS support.
3. Create a new virtual machine and select “macOS 10.13” as the guest OS.
4. Attach the macOS High Sierra ISO file to the virtual DVD drive.
5. Adjust system resources: at least 4 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores recommended.
6. Power on the VM and proceed with the macOS installation steps.

✅ For VirtualBox:

1. Install Oracle VirtualBox.
2. Create a new virtual machine and select “macOS 10.13 High Sierra” as the OS type.
3. Allocate 4 GB+ RAM and sufficient disk space (minimum 40 GB).
4. Mount the macOS High Sierra ISO in the optical drive section of VM settings.
5. Run required VBoxManage commands in Command Prompt or Terminal to fix boot and graphics issues.
6. Start the virtual machine and complete the macOS installation wizard.

⚠️ Note: Both VMware and VirtualBox may require additional tweaking (e.g., editing VM config files or adding EFI boot flags) to ensure a smooth setup. Refer to platform-specific guides if needed.

Conclusion

The macOS High Sierra ISO is an essential asset for anyone looking to run macOS virtually, especially for development, testing, or learning. It offers stability, legacy app support, and enough modern functionality to make it practical even in 2025.

By using VMware or VirtualBox, you can run macOS High Sierra on virtually any desktop setup. Whether you’re a developer needing a testbed or an enthusiast exploring macOS history, this ISO file makes the entire experience fast, clean, and risk-free.

Download the ISO, configure your virtual machine, and dive into macOS High Sierra today!