cd /tmp/unlocker sudo python3 unlocker.py --uninstall
A modernized, actively maintained version designed to work with newer releases like VMware Workstation 17.x. Prerequisites and Preparation
Watch the terminal output closely. The script will back up your original VMware binaries, download the darwin.iso tools, and apply the hex patches. Once it finishes without errors, restart your VMware services: sudo systemctl start vmware Use code with caution. Creating Your First macOS Virtual Machine
sudo ./unlock
: Needed to download the unlocker tool and dependencies. Step-by-Step Guide: Installing VMware Unlocker on Ubuntu vmware unlocker ubuntu
It downloads the specific Darwin ISO images required for graphics acceleration, clipboard sharing, and folder syncing inside the macOS virtual machine. Popular Variations
To recap the essential steps:
You must also have or VMware Workstation Player already installed. The Unlocker does not install VMware; it only patches it.
Practical notes for Ubuntu users
cpuid.1.eax = "0000:0000:0000:0001:0000:0110:1010:0101"
: Ensure the scripts have execution permissions using chmod +x . Execute : Run the unlock script with root privileges: Newer versions (Go-based) : sudo ./unlock . Legacy versions (Python/Bash) : sudo ./lnx-install.sh .
Running macOS on non-Apple hardware is a common challenge for developers, sysadmins, and tech enthusiasts. While VMware Workstation and VMware Player are powerful virtualization tools on Linux, they do not natively support macOS guests due to Apple's licensing restrictions.
Before modifying your virtualization environment, ensure your Ubuntu system meets the core requirements. System Requirements Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS, or newer. cd /tmp/unlocker sudo python3 unlocker
By default, VMware products only show macOS as an option if they are running on Apple-branded hardware (like VMware Fusion on a Mac). The Unlocker patches the VMware installation to:
The unlocker performs several critical system modifications:
The tool will handle all the patching and tool downloading just like the original, but with a more robust, compiled binary. The --uninstall and --download-tools flags give you granular control, much like the original unlocker.
To bypass this limitation and enable the macOS option in your virtual machine creation wizard, you need a specialized tool known as . This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about installing, configuring, and troubleshooting VMware Unlocker on an Ubuntu host. What is VMware Unlocker? Once it finishes without errors, restart your VMware