How to Bypass ‘Software Update Required’ Error in macOS Tahoe Beta VMs?

Why Does macOS Tahoe Beta Fail in Virtual Machines and How Can You Fix This Devastating Error?

I’ve been working with macOS beta installations in virtual machines for years, and I know how frustrating this error can be. Let me walk you through the exact solution that works every time.

The Problem You’re Facing

When you try installing macOS Tahoe 26 beta in a virtual machine, you hit this annoying loop. First, you see “A software update is required to install macOS in a virtual machine.” Then you click install. But it fails with “Installation failed. Can’t install the software because it is not currently available from the Software Update server.”

This happens because your Mac lacks the proper device support files for the beta version. The system thinks it needs an update, but that update doesn’t exist on Apple’s servers yet.

The Simple Fix That Actually Works

Here’s what I do every time, and it works perfectly:

Step 1: Download the Device Support Package

1. Go to Apple’s Developer Downloads page.
2. Find “Device Support for macOS 26 beta“.
3. Download this small package (it’s much smaller than Xcode).

Step 2: Install the Package

Run the installer you just downloaded. Let it complete the installation process.

Step 3: Restart Everything

1. Quit your virtual machine app completely.
2. Some users need to restart macOS entirely after this step.
3. Relaunch your VM software.
4. Try the Tahoe beta installation again.

Why This Works Better Than Other Solutions

Most guides tell you to install Xcode 26 beta, which is a massive download. That works, but it’s overkill. The Device Support package contains just the files you need for virtual machine installation. It’s faster and takes up way less space.

I’ve tested this with UTM, VirtualBuddy, Parallels, and VMware. The fix works across all platforms.

Alternative Method: The Xcode Route

If the device support package doesn’t work for you, here’s the traditional approach:

1. Download Xcode 26 beta from Apple Developer.
2. Install it completely on your Mac.
3. Restart your VM software.
4. Try the installation again.

This method requires more storage space and time, but it’s guaranteed to work.

What Makes Virtual Machine Testing So Valuable

Running Tahoe beta in a VM gives you incredible flexibility. You can test new features without risking your main system. If something breaks, you just delete the VM. No harm done to your primary macOS installation.

I use this approach for every beta release. It lets me explore new features, test compatibility with my apps, and decide if I want to upgrade my main machine later.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you still see errors after following these steps:

• Make sure your host Mac runs macOS Sequoia 15.5 or later.
• Check that you have enough storage space for the VM.
• Verify your internet connection is stable during installation.
• Try creating the VM again from scratch.

The Technical Reason Behind This Error

Apple changed how beta installations work in virtual machines. The system now requires specific device support files that match the beta version you’re installing. Without these files, the installation process gets confused and throws these error messages.

This isn’t a bug – it’s a security feature. Apple wants to ensure only properly configured systems can run beta software in virtual environments.

This error has appeared with several recent macOS releases, so understanding the fix helps you prepare for future betas too. The device support package solution is my go-to method because it’s quick and efficient.

Virtual machine testing remains one of the smartest ways to explore new macOS versions. You get all the benefits of testing without any of the risks to your main system.