OK. Here are some instructions from Gizmodo that will put the ISO onto the flash drive with a Mac... they won't make it bootable though... read on...

  1. Open a Terminal (under Utilities)

  2. Run diskutil list and determine the device node assigned to your flash media (e.g., /dev/disk2)

  3. Run diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskN (replace N with the disk number from the last command; in the previous example, N would be 2)

  4. Execute sudo dd if=/path/to/downloaded.iso of=/dev/diskN bs=1m (replace /path/to/downloaded.iso with the path where the image file is located; for example, ./windows7.iso)

  5. Run diskutil eject /dev/diskN, and remove your flash media when the command completes (this can take a few hours on slower drives)

Now... after you read all that, on the Gizmodo page it says that if you want to make it bootable you should use a utility called Live USB helper they link to (which isn't there any more) and use a Mac mounting tool (which isn't there either!) to force the ISO to mount on the Mac so you can copy the files over. So... that article may prove useful, but probably not. I can find other copies of Live USB helper out there, but they are all Windows executables.

One method that will work is to swap the hard drive out of the PC and into the Mac. Put your Windows 7 installation disc into the Mac optical drive, and install Windows 7 on that drive. Once it is up and running (don't worry about drivers yet), follow these steps.

  1. Run Command Prompt as administrator
  2. Type to Command Prompt: %windir%\System32\Sysprep\Sysprep.exe, and hit Enter
  3. In sysprep dialog that opens, choose “System Cleanup Action” as “Enter System Out-of-Box-Experience (OOBE)”, select “Generalize”, and select “Shutdown Options” as “Shutdown”. Click “OK”
  4. Sysprep generalizes now your Windows 7 setup and shuts down your computer. Do not run any other programs during this phase!
  5. Remove the drive from your Mac. Put it back into the PC.
  6. Boot the PC from sysprep generalized hard disk. You will notice Windows booting as if it was the first boot after installation, installing default and updating registry. One or two reboots are needed, depending on your system specifications
  7. When Windows finally boots up, you will need to enter all information as if this really was a new, fresh installation

All that is from here, but it applies in this situation a well, since you would be moving a Windows 7 installation from one computer to another. Considering that trying to make a Windows bootable USB stick with a Mac requires tools that either don't exist any more or are not being developed any more... this second method will most likely prove more dependable.

Answer from Bon Gart on Stack Exchange
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Ubuntu
ubuntu.com › tutorials › create-a-usb-stick-on-macos
Create a bootable USB stick on macOS | Ubuntu
Creating a bootable USB stick is very simple, especially if you’re going to use the USB stick with a generic Windows or Linux PC. We’re going to cover the process in the next few steps. There are a few additional considerations when booting the USB stick on Apple hardware.
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 101578
Create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support
Connect a USB flash drive or other secondary volume directly to your Mac. When you create the bootable installer, this flash drive will automatically be erased using the appropriate format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
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How to create a bootable USB on a Mac from DMG?
To create a bootable macOS USB from a DMG file, convert the DMG to an ISO format using Terminal. Type hdiutil convert /path/to/file.dmg -format UDRW -o /path/to/output.iso. Replace /path/to/output.iso with your converted ISO path and /dev/diskX with your USB's disk identifier (you can find this in Disk Utility).
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To make a USB bootable from an ISO file on a Mac, you can use Terminal: · First, format your USB drive using Disk Utility.  · Then, use the dd command in Terminal to copy the ISO to the USB. For example, sudo dd if=/path/to/your.iso of=/dev/disk2 bs=1m. · Replace /path/to/your.iso with the ISO’s file path and /dev/disk2 with your USB’s identifier (in Disk Utility). · Once done, eject the drive by typing diskutil eject /dev/diskX.
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setapp.com › how-to › how-to-create-a-bootable-macos-installer
How to create a bootable USB on a Mac: Detailed step guide
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Macworld
macworld.com › home › software › how-to
How to create a bootable USB macOS installer | Macworld
May 20, 2022 - The createinstallmedia command makes it possible to create a bootable copy of an installer on any drive that’s connected to your Mac. You’ll find all the createinstallmedia commands below, including the Monterey createinstallmedia command. Note that the createinstallmedia command erases anything on your external disk though, so make sure there’s nothing on it that you need. These are the instructions to follow to create your bootable USB – note there will be tiny adjustments depending on the installer you require:
Top answer
1 of 7
33

OK. Here are some instructions from Gizmodo that will put the ISO onto the flash drive with a Mac... they won't make it bootable though... read on...

  1. Open a Terminal (under Utilities)

  2. Run diskutil list and determine the device node assigned to your flash media (e.g., /dev/disk2)

  3. Run diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskN (replace N with the disk number from the last command; in the previous example, N would be 2)

  4. Execute sudo dd if=/path/to/downloaded.iso of=/dev/diskN bs=1m (replace /path/to/downloaded.iso with the path where the image file is located; for example, ./windows7.iso)

  5. Run diskutil eject /dev/diskN, and remove your flash media when the command completes (this can take a few hours on slower drives)

Now... after you read all that, on the Gizmodo page it says that if you want to make it bootable you should use a utility called Live USB helper they link to (which isn't there any more) and use a Mac mounting tool (which isn't there either!) to force the ISO to mount on the Mac so you can copy the files over. So... that article may prove useful, but probably not. I can find other copies of Live USB helper out there, but they are all Windows executables.

One method that will work is to swap the hard drive out of the PC and into the Mac. Put your Windows 7 installation disc into the Mac optical drive, and install Windows 7 on that drive. Once it is up and running (don't worry about drivers yet), follow these steps.

  1. Run Command Prompt as administrator
  2. Type to Command Prompt: %windir%\System32\Sysprep\Sysprep.exe, and hit Enter
  3. In sysprep dialog that opens, choose “System Cleanup Action” as “Enter System Out-of-Box-Experience (OOBE)”, select “Generalize”, and select “Shutdown Options” as “Shutdown”. Click “OK”
  4. Sysprep generalizes now your Windows 7 setup and shuts down your computer. Do not run any other programs during this phase!
  5. Remove the drive from your Mac. Put it back into the PC.
  6. Boot the PC from sysprep generalized hard disk. You will notice Windows booting as if it was the first boot after installation, installing default and updating registry. One or two reboots are needed, depending on your system specifications
  7. When Windows finally boots up, you will need to enter all information as if this really was a new, fresh installation

All that is from here, but it applies in this situation a well, since you would be moving a Windows 7 installation from one computer to another. Considering that trying to make a Windows bootable USB stick with a Mac requires tools that either don't exist any more or are not being developed any more... this second method will most likely prove more dependable.

2 of 7
16

Assuming you have burnt your Windows CD into a ISO file with the tools like:
http://burn-osx.sourceforge.net/Pages/English/home.html

1. Jump into a folder here http://sourceforge.net/projects/unetbootin/files/UNetbootin/
2. Get the latest version of zip archive with the keyword "mac" in the filename.
3. Download and open it up on your Mac OS X desktop.
4. On Unetbootin interface, choose [Diskimage]->[ISO] and then select the Windows ISO file on your local hard drive.
5. Select the right USB Drive and then click [OK] to start writing ISO data onto your USB drive.


Once done, you're ready to boot your computer with this bootable USB drive, like a DVD installation disk.

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Setapp
setapp.com › how-to › how-to-create-a-bootable-macos-installer
How to create a bootable USB on a Mac: Detailed step guide
March 13, 2025 - Quick start: Download the macOS installer from the App Store > Format USB as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with GUID Partition Map > Use Terminal to run createinstallmedia or Etcher for one-click creation.
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MacKeeper
mackeeper.com › blog › mac tutorials › how to create a bootable installer for macos
How to Create a Bootable USB macOS Installer? How to Make It?
May 27, 2025 - Also, change MyVolume to the name of your USB drive: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume · Press Return, then enter in your admin password. When asked, press Y to confirm that you want to erase the USB drive. When it’s done, Terminal will ask to access the files on a removable drive. Click OK. Terminal will now create the bootable drive.
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GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › techtips › how-to-create-a-bootable-usb-installer-for-macos
How to Create a Bootable USB Installer for MacOS - GeeksforGeeks
July 23, 2025 - Now, terminal will start copying ... installer is completed, turn off the machine and hold the option (Alt) key and turn on your MacBook and select the bootable USB installer from the startup options....
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › trying to make a bootable usb for windows on a mac? here’s a simple way that worked for me in january 2024:
r/buildapc on Reddit: Trying to make a bootable USB for Windows on a Mac? Here’s a simple way that worked for me in January 2024:
January 3, 2024 -

I was searching for the best solution for hours, and then even ran into issues within the dated solutions that I saw here. I even tried creating a virtual machine, but my MacBook’s old 4 GB RAM couldn’t handle a Windows 10 VM (to be compatible with the flash drive).

I thought I’d share to save anyone else some trouble, at least for the time being. In my case, I was creating a bootable USB for Windows 11, and only had access to Macs and admin-blocked PCs.

Here are the steps that worked for me (no terminal required!):

  1. Download the .iso file for the operating system of your choice from the Microsoft website.

  2. Download UNetbootin at https://unetbootin.github.io. It’s safe and has been recommended here before, but as with any software on the internet, look it up yourself first just for the habit if anything.

  3. Insert your USB flash drive.

  4. Despite what you read elsewhere, you’ll want to reformat your USB from FAT32 to ExFAT. Search your Mac for “Disk Utility” and open it. Then select your flash drive and click “Erase” at the top. Enter a new name for the flash drive and use the dropdown to select “ExFAT”. Click OK.

  5. Open the UNetbootin file and try to run it. If there is a security popup, click OK then go into your System Preferences -> Security and select “Open Anyway” next to UNetbootin.

  6. Select the “Diskimage” radio button and search for the .iso file you downloaded in step 1. Also select the USB drive you are using. If concerned, you can find its name in the Disk Utility app, but mine was something like “Disk2s1”.

  7. Click OK and wait. Could be several minutes loading certain files, so don’t worry - it’s still loading even if it’s not moving.

  8. After it’s done, eject and use it to boot your new PC.

Hope this helps anyone else in my situation at least for a while.

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iFixit
ifixit.com › Guide › How+to+create+a+bootable+USB+drive › 66371
How to create a bootable USB drive - iFixit Repair Guide
Absolutely possible because I successfully created a Big Sur USB installer on my Windows 10 PC with UUByte DMG Editor. However, you should download the macOS dmg file first. This software can quickly burn DMG file to USB and you will get a bootable ...
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GitHub
gist.github.com › acarril › 8c15f600cf0397dd61161a470f50f669
Create a bootable Windows USB using macOS · GitHub
For some reason, it is surprisingly hard to create a bootable Windows USB using macOS. These are my steps for doing so, which have worked for me in macOS Monterey (12.6.1) for Windows 10 and 11. After following these steps, you should have a bootable Windows USB drive. You can download Windows 10 or Windows 11 directly from Microsoft. After plugging the drive to your machine, identify the name of the USB device using diskutil list, which should return an output like the one ...
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DiskMaker X
diskmakerx.com
DiskMaker X
DiskMaker X (formerly Lion DiskMaker) is an application built with AppleScript that you can use with many versions of OS X/macOS to build a bootable drive from OS X/macOS installer program (the one you download from the App Store). As soon as you launch the application, it tries to find the ...
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Atera
atera.com › home › how to create a bootable usb for mac
How to create a bootable USB for Mac or MacBook (any macOS!)
June 30, 2024 - El Capitan: sudo/Applications/Install\OS\X\El\Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume/Volumes/MyVolume –applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\Capitan.app · After running the command, you may get an alert that Terminal would like to access files, so make sure to click OK if this happens. Once this stage is complete, the volume should have the same name as the installer you downloaded. You can now quit Terminal and eject your USB. And that’s it! You now have a bootable USB for macOS, that you can use to reboot and install the specified macOS to another computer.
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TechToro
techtoro.io › home › blog › create bootable usb mac: easy way
Create bootable USB Mac: easy way
March 18, 2025 - Simply download the installation file from the Mac App Store to your MacBook and use the Terminal to write it to the USB flash drive. Before you start writing, you need to specify the path to the USB stick.
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Wondershare Recoverit
recoverit.wondershare.com › wondershare recoverit › mac data recovery › how to create a bootable usb on macos?
How to Create a Bootable USB Stick on macOS?
Select "Install macOS or OS X" from the Utility window and click "Continue." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the booting process. If the Terminal method doesn’t work for you, you can manually prepare the USB drive and then make it bootable using the createinstallmedia command later.
Top answer
1 of 3
3

tl;dr

$ sudo dd if=debian-12.8.0-amd64-netinst.iso of=/dev/disk4 bs=$(( 1024 * 1024 * 8))

You do not need any additional apps and you do not need to do any file conversions. Debian ISOs are built to be used directly by the dd command without modification (because the Debian release engineers are awesome like that!). And the dd command comes standard with all Macs since OS X has a BSD/BSD-like base to it.


  1. Plug in the target USB drive.

  2. Open up Disk Utility and find the USB drive on the left side. Right-click (command click) and select "Get Info". Do this for the TOP-MOST physical device. In my case, I am ignoring the "Lexar Flash" device. All the devices underneath that top-most device will be written over anyway.

  3. Note the "BSD device node" assigned to this device. In my case disk4.

    NOTE: This will translate to /dev/disk4 in the Terminal. If you see disk6 in the info panel, for example, then it will be /dev/disk6 in the Terminal. Etc.

  4. Open up a Terminal window and type the following command (enter your user's password when prompted):

    $ cd ~/Downloads
    $ sudo dd if=debian-12.8.0-amd64-netinst.iso of=/dev/disk4 bs=$(( 1024 * 1024 * 8))
    
    • NOTE: Change directory and file name of iso to match what you have. What I have here is just an example.
    • NOTE(2): If you get a message from the system that it can't read the medium anymore, click "Eject".
    • NOTE(3): If you do not include a bs=... option, the same action will happen but it will take A LOT longer. So this is recommended on any modern system that can easily afford a large buffer to speed things up (any computer made past 1995 lol).
    • NOTE(4): The fancy $(( 1024 * 1024 * 8)) is using BASH's built-in calculator and I'm setting it to 8MB, essentially. The command requires the input in bytes, so we just do the quick math to give it a large value in bytes.

This process is not specific to Apple Silicon and should work the exact same way on Intel Macs.

2 of 3
2

I would suggest Etcher from Balena: https://etcher.balena.io/

It works on macOS(Intel & Apple Silicon), Linux and Windows. I downloaded the ISO and was able to successfully write it to a USB-C drive on my M1-based MacBook Pro using this software package.

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NinjaOne
ninjaone.com › home › blog › it ops › how to create a bootable usb for macos
How to Create a Bootable USB for macOS | NinjaOne
July 2, 2025 - To create a functional macOS bootable USB, you’ll need several key components to be ready, including: USB flash drive with sufficient capacity (minimum 16GB, preferably 32GB or larger) A Mac computer with internet access running a compatible version of macOS · Apple’s Mac App Store or a previously downloaded macOS installer ... ⚠️ Warning: Erasing the USB drive will delete all data on ...
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Macdaddy
macdaddy.io › create-bootable-usb-macos-installer
How to create a bootable USB macOS installer
Create a bootable USB Installer with Install Disk Creator and boot from it. Erase the startup disk and install macOS onto it.
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GRC Public Forums
forums.grc.com › spinrite discussion & support › spinrite problems & solutions
Creating bootable USB on a Mac | GRC Public Forums
April 19, 2024 - but you should be extremely careful to verify that you're specifying the correct device for your USB stick · Click to expand... For that reason, another Mac user pointed to a VERY slick, minimal and fool proof solution. It's some open source freeware called balenaEtcher at: https://etcher.balena.io/#download-etcher.
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IBM
ibm.com › docs › en › storage-defender › base
Creating a bootable USB installation drive on a Mac - IBM
Create a bootable USB drive that you can use to install the ISO image on a bare metal server.
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UNetbootin
unetbootin.github.io
UNetbootin - Homepage and Downloads
UNetbootin allows you to create bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu, Fedora, and other Linux distributions without burning a CD. It runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.