Is there any risk in installing GOS using a virtual machine with Windows 10?

Graphner

I have a fairly old Mac on which I cannot install the macOS operating systems that allow me to install GrapheneOS on my Pixel. So I have opted to install Windows 10, which requires fewer resources and works on older computers, as a virtual machine with VMWare Fusion software.

Is it safe to install GrapheneOS this way using a virtual machine? Is there any risk that the GrapheneOS installation will stop and the Pixel will end up being a brick? I'm afraid of compatibility issues.

My other option is to use Bootcamp to dual boot with macOS and Windows 10, without virtual machines, but I haven't tried it yet.

N1b

Graphner I'd also say get Linux (e.g. Mint) as Windows 10 is less private and now less secure as it doesn't receive updates anymore (or won't soon in case you extended support).

If you are on a Pixel Gen 8 or newer with GrapheneOS, you could give desktop mode a try. It's pretty decent now if you don't depend on specific Desktop Applications and can replace your Macbook for productive work. The Macbook might be still be useful as an offline home Media Player or for things that don't require it to be secure.

horde

No.

https://grapheneos.org/install/web#prerequisites

Installing from an OS in a virtual machine is not recommended. USB passthrough is often not reliable. To rule out these problems, install from an OS running on bare metal. Virtual machines are also often configured to have overly limited memory and storage space.

Why don't you install Linux distro? It will run better on your hardware and will receive updates unlike Windows 10 and will probably run a version that is officially supported by GrapheneOS to run the installation guide smoothly.

schklom

Why not run a Linux distro live from a usb drive (no need to actually install it), and install GOS from there. Linux is fine to install GOS.

Vomitorius

You can install gos using another phone

Graphner

Ok, I'll use Linux Mint. Would there be any problem flashing GrapheneOS with the "XFCE" version, or does it have to be one of the other two? Does anyone know? The other two are "Mate" and "Cinnamon".

de0u

Graphner The window manager shouldn't matter (that's why the instructions don't mention it).

But the way that the browser is installed (or the version of the CLI tools) does matter. Overall, if 100% of the requirements and steps listed in the instructions are followed (in order), the chance of success is very high.

Graphner

Thanks.