Running OS X from within OS X on a virtual machine

I was wondering how I can run a virtual machine running OS X, from within OS X? Everything that I've searched for, simply explains how to run OS X from within Windows or vice versa.

I would want it so that all files are deleted upon shutdown, or even better, if the virtual machine could be ran from a USB stick.

Assuming you have a version of OS X that, in its licence, permits virtualized instances and you have VM software that support OS X, it can be set up like any other VM. What do you have and what have you tried?

I've got Yosemite 10.10.3.

I haven't tried anything yet, because I know nothing about virtualization, bit after searching around online, I wasn't able to find anything for OS X ran inside of OS X.

Is this an experiment...or is there a goal?

- Nick

Yes there is a goal, not an experiment.

I've downloaded VirtualBox, but the latest virtual OS X they support seems to be Mavericks, and I cant download it from the App store (long storey but messed up AppleID's).

Currently downloaded Parallels to see if they can virtualise Yosemite

imfromwales said:

Yes there is a goal, not an experiment.

Click to expand...

I guess you're going to keep us in the dark....

- Nick

Currently downloaded Parallels to see if they can virtualise Yosemite

Click to expand...

It's not a matter of whether Parallels, VB, or Fusion can virtualize Yosemite, it really is a matter of legality. I believe you can only virtualize certain OS X server versions. You need to check the Apple EULA regarding virtualizing OS X.

I just want to be able to test future OS X's from within a virtual machine, rather than upgrading my primary drive. There will probably be a new OS X at WWDC so I want to sort the virtual machine out before that.

Ok, thanks scag, I'll see if I can find out.

Why not just load the new OS onto an external hard drive and use that as your test bed? In addition to the licensing issue that the guys have mentioned I wonder if virtualization will give a true picture of certain things such as speed.

Let's assume there was a bit of a slowdown in the new OS> Ot's possible that the slowdown would be due to needing more power than your machine has but it is also possible that the slowdown is due to the fact that you are essentially running two OS versions simultaneously and a virtualization program in addition to whatever other software might be open at the time.

Oh yeah, that's a good point. I could make a USB installer and then boot from the USB drive. Thanks!

imfromwales said:

I just want to be able to test future OS X's from within a virtual machine, rather than upgrading my primary drive. There will probably be a new OS X at WWDC so I want to sort the virtual machine out before that.

Click to expand...

This is why I was asking what the goal was. The suggestion by Slydude is a much more elegant & less complex solution.

- Nick