GUIDE How to Upgrade to macOS Tahoe on PC [Intel/AMD]

How to Upgrade to macOS Tahoe on PC [Intel/AMD]​

This guide describes how to upgrade directly to macOS Tahoe on Intel or AMD PC using Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to upgrade an existing system running any macOS version provided that the hardware you have is compatible with macOS Tahoe.

Overview​

Apple announced its new macOS version i.e. macOS Tahoe (26.0) at WWDC25, which is the next major revision to its Operating System in the macOS lineup. As usual, a Developer Preview version will be available immediately for Developers who are enrolled in the developer program, and a Public Beta which is expected in July, coming this fall.

Although, macOS Tahoe is still in the beta phase, existing users running macOS Ventura or prior who wish to update their systems directly to macOS Tahoe, can upgrade now. Please be advised that due to macOS Tahoe being in the beta phase, it may contain several bugs and that is why it is not recommended to use it as a daily driver as it can affect your workflow. This method does not involve bootable USB creation or such preparation and allows you to preserve your files along with the system settings.

If you are looking to perform a clean installation, follow the guide linked below:

https://elitemacx86.com/threads/how-to-install-macos-tahoe-on-pc-intel-amd.2366/

Compatibility​

Before you proceed with an upgrade, we suggest you to check the hardware compatibility of your system:

Hardware Compatibility

Hardware Discussion and Compatibility

elitemacx86.com

Requirements​

Following are the requirements for upgrading your existing system running macOS Ventura or prior to macOS Tahoe. Please ensure you meet the requirements before proceeding with this guide.

• A system running any existing version of macOS Ventura or prior.
• A working Internet connection.
• At least 50GB of free storage space on the boot drive.

NOTE:

• If you're running OS X Mountain Lion, you must upgrade your Mac to OS X El Capitan first and then try upgrading to macOS Tahoe.

STEP 1: Back up your System​

Before you proceed with an upgrade, we strongly recommend performing a full backup of your existing installation using Carbon Copy Cloner or Time Machine, or any other reliable backup/restore tool. In case the upgrade fails or you encounter any issues with the upgrade, you can always roll back to your existing installation and then attempt again to upgrade.

STEP 2: Update EFI for macOS Tahoe​

With each macOS release, Apple tends to make several changes in terms of hardware, implementations and introduction of new features. Due to such changes made by Apple, it is important to adapt the OpenCore EFI accordingly in order to boot new macOS version. To update the EFI for macOS Tahoe, follow the steps below:

GUIDE Thread 'How to Update OpenCore EFI for macOS Tahoe'

Jul 1, 2025

How to Update OpenCore EFI for macOS Tahoe​

This guide describes how to Update OpenCore EFI for upgrading or installing macOS Tahoe. By following this guide, you'll be able to boot the macOS Tahoe on your non-Apple target computer and would be able to upgrade or can perform a clean install. This guide supports both, Intel and AMD Desktops and Laptops. The upgrade and clean installation has been covered in a separate thread.

STEP 1: Create OpenCore EFI​

If you do not have an existing OpenCore EFI, you'll have to create an OpenCore EFI to start. Those who already have...

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• Forum: OpenCore

STEP 3: Reboot System​

After performing all the above steps, restart your system for the applied changes to take effect. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.

STEP 4: Apply pending updates​

If there are any updates pending and you haven't updated the system yet, its highly recommended to apply such pending updates first.

1. Open System Settings and navigate to General>Software Update.
2. Click on Check for Updates.
3. Complete the pending updates.

STEP 5: Download macOS Tahoe​

As macOS Tahoe is not officially released for the general public, but only for developers, you would need an Apple Developer Account along with the Software Enrollment to download a copy of macOS Tahoe. If you have a Developer Account, follow the steps below:

Method #1

1. Open System Settings and navigate to General>Software Update
2. Click on info button next to Beta Updates and select macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta from the drop-down list and click on Done.
3. Quit System Settings
4. Open System Settings again and navigate to General>Software Update
5. Click on Check for Updates and the updates will be fetches from Apple servers in a while.
6. After the upgrade package is fetched from Apple servers, click on Upgrade Now button.
7. When prompted, click on Agree to accept the license terms.
8. When prompted, enter your password and wait for the upgrade to complete.
During this time, the system will download the upgrade package and install it automatically.

Method #2
However, if you've not enrolled in the beta program, you can download an official copy of macOS Tahoe directly from Apple Server using the guide linked below:

https://elitemacx86.com/threads/how-to-download-macos-tahoe-without-developer-account.2350/

This method is also preferred If for any reason, the upgrade does not work, follow the step

STEP 6: Upgrade to macOS Tahoe​

Once you have everything set, the next step is to proceed with the upgrade. To upgrade to macOS Tahoe on your PC, follow the steps below:

1. From the Applications folder, right-click on Install macOS Tahoe beta.app and click on Open.
2. Click on Continue and then continue with the options as shown below:

When the installer prompts for access, enter your password and click on Unlock to allow access.
View attachment 6202
Now, macOS Tahoe will begin installing to your selected disk.

3. Once the first phase completes, the installer will prompt you for restarting your PC and your PC will restart automatically.

Here it ends the first phase of the installation. After restarting, it will continue the installation

Your PC will restart again and when your PC restarts, it will automatically boot from macOS Installer to continue the next phase of the installation. If for any reason, the installer does not auto boot, select macOS Installer in the boot picker and then boot. The installation will continue. If you choose to boot from Macintosh HD or (your drive name), the system will boot back to your previous installation without upgrading to macOS Tahoe.

View attachment 6247

View attachment 6248


Once again, your Mac will restart. Upon restarting, it will automatically boot from Macintosh HD to continue the next phase of the installation. At this point, the macOS Installer entry should not be present any longer. Upon completion, your PC will automatically restart. You'll see something as shown below.

View attachment 6249

View attachment 6250


Once again, your PC will restart, and when your PC restarts, it will automatically boot from Macintosh HD to continue the last phase of the installation. You'll see something as shown below:

View attachment 6251

View attachment 6252

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View attachment 6254

View attachment 6255

After this process, your PC will complete the upgrade process and you'll be asked to enter your password to login into macOS Tahoe.

View attachment 6256

4. Enter your password and you have successfully upgraded to macOS Tahoe on your PC.

STEP 7: Complete Setup​

When prompted for setting up a few newer options, set it up by following onscreen instructions.

View attachment 6257

Enjoy macOS Tahoe on your PC


Let us know your upgrade experience with macOS Tahoe. Please post all your support related questions in the Support forum sections.