Standalone osx installation on usb drive

thezappa

thezappa

thezappa

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1 Jul 2012
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I wondered if it's possible to install an additional copy of OS X on to a usb drive and boot in to it, so I have a pretty much fully functioning operating system on a usb drive.
The aim is to have a 64GB (or 128 whatever works best) usb drive and use virtual box (or another option if there is a better one) to create an OS X installation and put High Sierra on it and I would be able to boot in it when I turn my MBP pro on.
In doing this, would I be able to install games or whatever without using the space on the SSD in my MBP? As I want to preserve what space I have on it I thought this would be the best way of doing it, but I'm not entirely sure if it's possible
All seems straight forward enough, am I close? have I missed something? Got it totally wrong?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
 
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I would say yes.

When I upgraded my MBP HD to a SSD I used a USB SATA adapter and booted off the original HD without issue, installed the SSD and used SuperDuper! to copy the install over.

SuperDuper! is a great tool for Mac's ;)
 
Yes, as above I’ve cloned my installation to a USB stick and booted from it without any problems. I also used SuperDupee! but Carbon Copy Cloner will do it as well.

Not sure why you’re suggesting using a VM.
 
As above USB sticks not really suited for running an OS from but an external SSD would be ideal. My old iMac at home runs off an external SDD and then I use the internal mechanical drive for vernal storage.
 
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