Create a macOS Bootable USB with Ventoy： A Complete Guide for Mac Users

Hey, folks! Today, let’s talk about this thing called Ventoy and how you might get it to work with macOS. Now, this Ventoy, it’s like a magic tool for folks who want to boot up different operating systems on one USB. You don’t need to go formatting and erasing stuff every time you wanna try something new—just pop on your ISO files or other formats like WIM, IMG, VHD, and whatnot, and you’re good to go.

But now you’re thinking, “Well, does it work with macOS?” That’s the big question here, ain’t it? See, Ventoy works great with Windows, Linux, and a whole lot of other systems, but macOS? That’s where things get a bit tricky. macOS is a bit of a picky eater when it comes to booting from USB, especially if it’s not an official Apple drive. But don’t worry, there are some ways to get around this, if you’re a bit crafty!

What is Ventoy Anyway?

Alright, so for those not familiar, let’s break it down simple. Ventoy is an open-source tool, meaning it’s free, and folks from all around the world can make improvements on it. The main deal with Ventoy is that you can throw a bunch of different OS files—ISO, WIM, IMG, VHD(x), EFI files—onto one USB drive and boot from them without needing to reformat every time.

Imagine you want to try Linux on Monday, Windows on Tuesday, and maybe something else on Wednesday. Ventoy makes that easy. Just put those files on the USB, plug it in, and when you turn on the computer, Ventoy shows you a menu where you can pick which system to boot up.

Using Ventoy for macOS: Is It Possible?

Now, here’s the thing: Ventoy doesn’t officially support macOS installer images. Yep, that’s right. If you’re looking to boot up macOS from Ventoy like you would with Windows or Linux, it might not go so smoothly. But there’s still hope. Some folks have found ways around it, like using a modified macOS image, but that’s tricky business and not guaranteed to work every time.

Here’s a little trick that might help if you’re stubborn enough to try: Make sure your USB is formatted correctly and that your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings are compatible with macOS. And if you’re looking to boot up something like a macOS installer, well, some folks say it’s hit or miss with Ventoy. So keep that in mind.

Steps to Try Ventoy on macOS

If you’re ready to give it a shot, here’s a rundown of what to do:

• Step 1: Download and install the latest version of Ventoy from their official website. Make sure you’ve got a big enough USB drive to hold everything.
• Step 2: Format the USB using the proper partition style. Ventoy works well with MBR or GPT partitions, but macOS can be fussy, so try GPT first.
• Step 3: Copy over your ISO or other bootable files. Now, for macOS, you might need a modified installer image, so just be prepared for that.
• Step 4: Restart your computer, open up the boot menu (usually a key like F12 or ESC), and choose your USB drive.
• Step 5: Cross your fingers and select the macOS image from the Ventoy menu. If it boots, great! If not, well, you gave it a shot.

Now, if it doesn’t work, don’t go pulling your hair out. macOS just wasn’t made to play nice with bootable USB drives that aren’t from Apple. You might get better luck with a MacBook that’s a bit older, or using an alternative method altogether.

Ventoy for Advanced Users

Alright, maybe you’re feeling adventurous and have some tech knowledge. In that case, you might be able to make macOS work with Ventoy by creating a “hackintosh-style” USB drive. This involves a bit more effort, and you’ll need to be comfortable with command-line instructions and some fiddling with settings. It’s worth looking into if you’ve got a lot of patience and are keen to try!

Tips and Tricks

If you’re still having trouble, here are a few more tips:

• Check if your USB is in the GPT partition style, as that’s often what macOS prefers.
• Try using an older macOS installer file if the newest version doesn’t work.
• Look online for community solutions—lots of folks have shared ways they made it work, even if it’s a bit roundabout.

So, there you have it, folks. Ventoy can be a real lifesaver if you want to boot multiple systems, and while it’s a bit tricky to make it work with macOS, it’s not entirely impossible. Just remember to have a backup plan and maybe keep a separate USB for macOS if Ventoy doesn’t play nice. But hey, it’s free, it’s handy, and for Linux and Windows, it’s about as smooth as butter!

Tags: [Ventoy, macOS, Bootable USB, Ventoy macOS, ISO boot mac]