UTM
UTM is a macOS virtualization and emulation app that helps you run Windows, Linux, macOS, and other operating systems on a Mac.
What is UTM?
UTM is a desktop virtualization and emulation app for macOS that helps users run other operating systems in virtual machines on a Mac. It is designed for people who need Windows or Linux for development, testing, legacy software, education, or general compatibility without leaving macOS. UTM supports both full emulation and virtualization workflows, giving users options for different guest systems and hardware needs. On Apple Silicon, it can use Apple’s virtualization features for supported guests, and it also provides tools for managing VM settings, storage, networking, and shared resources. Advanced users can automate tasks through Shortcuts, AppleScript, and the utmctl command-line tool. UTM is published by Turing Software, LLC.
Key features
- Create and run virtual machines for Windows, Linux, macOS, and other operating systems
- Choose between virtualization and full emulation depending on the guest system and hardware needs
- Configure VM hardware such as storage, memory, networking, and input devices
- Share files and other resources between the Mac and supported guest systems
- Manage guest tools and drivers to improve compatibility and integration
- Automate VM actions with Shortcuts, AppleScript, and the utmctl command-line tool
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
UTM is a legitimate virtualization app, and behavior such as creating virtual machines, allocating disk space, using networking, accessing selected folders, or interacting with removable media is consistent with its purpose. Because it can run entire guest operating systems, the main risk comes from what you install inside those virtual machines, not from the host app alone. Networked guests, shared folders, and downloaded VM images deserve the same caution you would use on a separate computer. Review any automation you enable and only import guest images, tools, or scripts from sources you trust.
Recommendation: Keep UTM if you use virtual machines for development, testing, education, or running another operating system on your Mac. If you no longer use it, removing the app will stop access to its VM management features, but you may want to back up any virtual machine files first so you do not lose guest systems or data stored inside them.
Common paths
/Applications/UTM.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.utmapp.UTM
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/UTM
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.utmapp.UTM.plist
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