How to Create a macOS Sonoma Bootable USB on a PC or Mac
macOS Sonoma is the fourteenth major release of Apple’s operating system for Mac computers. It was announced during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023 and released to the public in the fall of the same year.
If you are eager to test it out, the first step is to create a bootable Sonoma USB so you can install it on a target computer. In this tutorial, we will show you how to create a macOS Sonoma Bootable USB on a Windows PC and Mac.
Part 1: Create a macOS Sonoma Bootable USB on a Windows PC
It is quite common to build a hackintosh these days. Before getting started with macOS Sonoma, you should make a macOS Sonoma installation drive first. Fortunately, you can do this on a Windows PC now, no matter it is Windows 11, Windows 10 or Windows 7. In addition, if your Mac was unable to boot in and you want to install macOS Sonoma on it, then you need to create a Sonoma bootable USB on a PC too.
Preparation:
- macOS DMG File
- UUByte DMG Editor
- A 3.0 or 3.1 USB flash drive (at least 16 GB)
UUByte DMG Editor is a powerful and user-friendly software designed to work with macOS disk image files, commonly known as DMG files. DMG files are a popular format used on Apple’s macOS to package and distribute software, and UUByte DMG Editor provides an efficient way to create bootable USB from macOS DMG files.
Whether you are a developer distributing software or a Mac user looking to customize and modify disk images, UUByte DMG Editor offers a comprehensive set of features to meet your needs. This software simplifies the process of working with DMG files, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
Step 1: Download macOS Sonoma DMG File
Below are a list of links you can use to download the latest macOS Sonoma DMG file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NaPVaoh_OfZK0FBy43PzA-cxQ4JuoV8w/view
Step 2: Backup and Connect a USB to PC
Insert the USB drive into your Mac. Note that all data on the USB drive will be erased during this process, so back up any important files before proceeding.
Step 3: Download and Install DMG Editor Software on Your PC
Download the UUByte DMG Editor setup file from here and follow the screen instruction to install it on the PC.
https://www.uubyte.com/download/dmg-editor.exe
Step 4: Open DMG Editor and Import Sonoma DMG File
Now, launch DMG Editor software from your PC and click the Burn button from the welcome screen. After that, import macOS Sonoma dmg file and pick up the USB drive name.
Step 4: Start Burning Sonoma DMG File to USB
Once the settings is completed, click the Burn button to start burning Sonoma dmg file to USB drive. This is the process for creating macOS Sonoma bootable USB on a Windows PC. You should wait about 8 minutes.
UUByte DMG Editor is an excellent choice for anyone working with DMG files on macOS. Whether you need to create bootable installation media, package software for distribution, or simply customize disk images to suit your preferences, UUByte DMG Editor provides the essential tools to get the job done efficiently.
Part 2: Create a macOS Sonoma Bootable USB on a Mac
The task becomes much easier when you are on a Mac because Apple has a built-in app for creating macOS bootable USB. You don’t need to download dmg file and third-party software to make a Sonoma bootable USB on Mac in this way.
Step 1: Download macOS Sonoma Install App
Make sure you have downloaded the macOS installer from the App Store. The installer will be available in the Applications folder with the name “Install macOS Sonoma.app.”
If you could not find the app in Mac App Store, please download the installation package from here:
Double click the .pkg file and follow the instructions. In a few minutes, you will see an app named “Install macOS Sonoma” in the Application folder.
Step 2: Plug in a USB Flash Drive
Connect a USB flash drive to your Mac and make sure you can see the drive name from the Finder app. This indicates the drive is recognized by this Mac.
Step 3: Open the Terminal app
Go to “Applications” > “Utilities” and launch “Terminal.” This is where you’ll enter the commands to create the bootable USB.
Step 4: Start Creating macOS Sonoma Bootable USB
In the Terminal window, enter the following command to create the bootable USB. Replace “MyVolume” with the actual name of USB drive.
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia — volume /Volumes/MyVolume
When prompted, enter your Mac’s administrator password. You won’t see the characters as you type and this is normal.
After entering your password, you’ll be asked to confirm the erasure of the USB drive. Type “Y” and press “Return” to proceed.
The Terminal will now start creating the bootable USB. This process may take some time, so be patient. Once it’s done, you’ll see a message indicating that the process was successful.
Your bootable Sonoma USB drive is now ready to be used. You can use it to install macOS Sonoma on other Mac computers or for troubleshooting purposes. Always ensure you have a backup of your important data before performing any OS installation or major modifications to your system.
Tips: If you don’t like command prompt or there were something wrong with the commands, you can use the DMG Editor app to create macOS Sonoma bootable USB instead. Just download the file from here and follow the steps in the Part 1.
https://www.uubyte.com/download/dmg-editor.dmg
That’s ! You will get a Sonoma bootable USB in no time!
Bonus: Why My macOS Sonoma USB Not Bootable?
There could be several reasons why your macOS Sonoma drive is not bootable. Some of the common issues and troubleshooting steps include:
Incorrect macOS Installer Image: Make sure you are using the correct macOS installer image (DMG or ISO) to create the bootable drive. The installer image may be corrupted or incomplete, which can prevent the creation of a bootable drive.
File Format: Ensure that the USB drive you are using is correctly formatted as “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” with the GUID Partition Map scheme. Improper formatting can lead to bootable drive creation failure.
Permissions: Verify that you have the necessary permissions and administrative privileges to create a bootable drive using TransMac. Running the software with administrative rights might be required.
USB Drive Issues: Ensure that the USB drive you are using is in good working condition and has enough free space to accommodate the macOS installer image.
Corrupted Download: If you downloaded the macOS installer image from an unofficial source or the download was interrupted, the image might be corrupted. Try re-downloading the macOS installer from the official App Store.
Antivirus or Firewall: Your antivirus or firewall software might be interfering with TransMac’s operation. Temporarily disable them before creating the bootable drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Rufus make macOS bootable USB?
Rufus is primarily a Windows-based utility used for creating bootable USB drives from ISO images of various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and other utilities. However, Rufus does not officially support creating bootable macOS USB drives from macOS installer images (DMG files) due to the different file systems and boot mechanisms used by macOS compared to Windows and Linux.
2. What software is used to make bootable macOS USB?
UUByte DMG Editor, SysGeeker UltraDMG and TransMac. These are the three software you can use on a PC to create a mac bootable USB on a Windows PC.
3. Can you install macOS Sonoma on a bootable USB?
Yes, you can install macOS on a bootable USB drive, and it is a useful method for various purposes, such as performing a clean macOS installation, troubleshooting macOS issues, or testing macOS on different computers.
4. How to install macOS Sonoma in Windows?
Yes. A Windows PC running macOS is usually referred to a hackintosh. It is a term used to describe a non-Apple computer (usually a PC) that has been modified or customized to run macOS, Apple’s operating system for Mac computers. In other words, it’s a computer built using off-the-shelf PC hardware components but configured to run macOS, which is typically designed to work exclusively on Apple’s proprietary hardware.
5. Is TransMac free?
No. TransMac is not a free software. It is a commercial application developed by Acute Systems, and a license is required to use its full features. TransMac is primarily used to access and manage Mac-formatted drives (HFS, HFS+, and APFS) on Windows computers. It allows Windows users to read, write, copy, and format Mac disks directly from their PCs.
6. What programs are similar to TransMac?
UUByte DMG Editor is the best alternative to TransMac if it does not work. Both are the popular programs to create Mac bootable USB on a Windows PC.
The Final Words
Creating a Sonoma bootable USB drive on both a PC and a Mac is a valuable skill that allows users to perform clean installations of macOS, troubleshoot system issues, and access the macOS recovery environment. While the process differs slightly between PC and Mac, the end result is a powerful tool that can be used on various Mac computers.
For PC users, creating a macOS bootable USB involves using third-party tools or virtualization software to access macOS installer images. This method requires careful attention to hardware compatibility and adherence to Apple’s licensing terms.
On the other hand, Mac users can easily create a macOS bootable USB using the Terminal application and an official macOS installer downloaded from the App Store. This method offers a more straightforward approach, ensuring compatibility with Mac hardware and adherence to Apple’s terms of service.
Regardless of the method used, a Sonoma bootable USB empowers users with a versatile tool to install, repair, or upgrade macOS systems efficiently. However, it is essential to exercise caution, back up important data, and use official macOS installer images from trusted sources to ensure a smooth and secure process.
Overall, knowing how to create a macOS Sonoma bootable USB on both PC and Mac platforms provides users with greater control over their macOS installations, enhancing their Mac computing experience and enabling them to make the most of Apple’s powerful operating system.
