How to set up a VM with UTM on a hosted Mac mini

Reviewed on April 15, 2025

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. UTM is a free and open-source software that leverages Apple's Hypervisor framework and QEMU to provide virtualization capabilities.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• An SSH key
• A Mac mini
• VNC access to your Mac

Installating UTM

1. Download and install UTM on the Mac mini:
   • From the official Mac App Store or
   • Directly from the official website.
2. Download the macOS IPSW file. The IPSW file is a compressed file format used to install iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, HomePod, watchOS, and macOS firmware for devices equipped with Apple silicon.
   • Obtain the macOS IPSW file from the official Apple Developer website.
   Note

   You need an Apple Developer account to access these files.

3. Create a new virtual machine:
   • Open UTM and click the "+" button to create a new VM.
   • Select "Virtualize" and then "macOS".
   • Browse and select your downloaded IPSW file.
   • Configure your VM's properties:
     • Set your desired CPU cores (recommended at least 2 cores).
     • Allocate RAM (recommended at least 4 GB). Open Image over content
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     • Configure the disk storage size (recommended at least 64 GB). Open Image over content
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     • Click "Save" to create the VM.
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4. Start and set up your macOS VM:
   • Once the VM is installed with your properties, click the "Run" button in UTM.
   • A GUI window will open displaying your VM. Open Image over content
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   • Follow the macOS installation process:
     • Select language preferences.
     • Set up your Apple ID (optional).
     • Create a user account with a username and password.
     • Choose time zone and other basic settings.
     • Wait for the installation to complete.

Troubleshooting

You are experiencing IPSW compatibility issues

• Ensure your IPSW file is compatible with UTM by checking the following points:
  • The macOS version is supported by your UTM version
  • The IPSW architecture matches your Mac's architecture (in our case, arm64 for Apple silicon architecture)
  • The IPSW file is not corrupted (verify checksums if available)
• For performance issues, try adjusting the allocated CPU cores and RAM

Additional tips

• Take snapshots of your VM before making significant changes
• Use shared folders to easily transfer files between the host and guest systems
• For testing purposes, consider creating multiple VMs with different macOS versions

This setup allows you to run a complete and isolated macOS environment within your Scaleway-hosted Mac mini, perfect for testing applications, MDM profiles, or other macOS-specific tasks.