A standard Apple installer is a .app or .dmg file. To install on virtual machines (like VirtualBox or VMware), you must convert this file into an .iso format. How to Create a Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan ISO File

sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/install_build --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app --nointeraction Use code with caution.

This is the most critical section of this guide. Where you get your software matters. Here's a comparison of your options and the risks involved.

Disclaimer: Ensure you download the OS from authorized sources to avoid malware. The information provided is based on public Apple support documentation as of 2026.

Insert a blank USB drive (minimum 16 GB) into your Windows PC.