Download the full installer for macOS Big Sur directly on a compatible Mac.
Note: Many ISO files are hosted on platforms like Baidu Netdisk, Tianyi Cloud, or MediaFire, which may require registration or payment for high-speed downloads.
VirtualBox has notoriously poor macOS support. The 2021 Big Sur ISO works where newer ISOs fail because VirtualBox 6.1/7.0 relies on an outdated audio driver (HDA) that Apple removed in Monterey.
Running macOS Big Sur inside a virtual machine (VM) on Windows, Linux, or another Mac using VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, or Parallels Desktop.
If you do not own a Mac, creating an ISO is impossible. In this scenario, you must rely on third-party archives. macos big sur iso 2021
If you absolutely cannot access a Mac to create the ISO, consider these reputable (relatively) sources for the :
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 11.7.10 Direct Link: If the App Store fails, verified databases like Mr. Macintosh provide direct links to Apple’s servers for the InstallAssistant.pkg Apple Support 3. Create the ISO Image (Step-by-Step) Once "Install macOS Big Sur.app" is in your Applications folder, run these commands in Terminal one by one: Create a blank disk image:
hdiutil create -o /tmp/BigSur -size 14g -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J Use code with caution.
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/BigSurInstaller --nointeraction Use code with caution. Download the full installer for macOS Big Sur
If you do not own a Mac, you cannot natively use the method above. Many users in 2021 resorted to downloading pre-compiled macOS Big Sur ISO files from third-party archives, tech forums, or Google Drive links shared by tech bloggers.
Wait for the createinstallmedia command to finish (~20 minutes). Then detach and convert:
I can provide the exact optimization settings or configuration files for your specific setup. Share public link
sudo hdiutil attach /tmp/BigSur.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/BigSur The 2021 Big Sur ISO works where newer
During the shift towards the Apple silicon era in 2021, macOS Big Sur (version 11) emerged as a pivotal release. While Apple typically distributes its operating systems through the App Store , advanced users, developers, and IT professionals often require a standalone file for virtualization in software like VMware or VirtualBox. The Significance of the ISO Format
A Complete Guide to macOS Big Sur ISO (2021) macOS Big Sur marked one of the most significant updates in Apple's history, introducing a complete visual redesign and native support for Apple Silicon. While regular Mac users can easily upgrade through the App Store, developers, system administrators, and virtualization enthusiasts often require a standalone macOS Big Sur ISO file.
Once you have your BigSur.iso file, you can load it into your preferred virtualization platform. Quick VirtualBox Setup Notes
Use the following command to download the installer directly to your Applications folder:
: This is often the final OS supported by certain 2013-2014 MacBook Air/Pro models.
Create a new Virtual Machine in your software.