Unveiling the Secrets of Hackintosh on Lenovo Yoga 2

Building a Hackintosh is an exciting way to experience macOS on non-Apple hardware. One of the most popular choices for DIY enthusiasts is the Lenovo Yoga 2, a versatile 2-in-1 laptop. While this laptop is designed to run Windows or Linux, many tech-savvy individuals have managed to install macOS on it using the Hackintosh method. In this article, we will uncover the secrets of setting up a Hackintosh on the Lenovo Yoga 2, covering the entire process from start to finish. We’ll also provide troubleshooting tips and explain how to maximize your system’s performance for a seamless macOS experience.

Table of Contents

What is a Hackintosh?

A “Hackintosh” is a non-Apple computer that runs macOS. Essentially, it’s a way to install Apple’s operating system on hardware that wasn’t designed to support it. This process involves modifying the macOS installation to run on a custom PC or laptop, often requiring specific tweaks and adjustments to get things working properly. For the Lenovo Yoga 2, this can be a challenging yet rewarding project for those who want to experience macOS without purchasing a Mac.

Why Choose Lenovo Yoga 2 for a Hackintosh?

The Lenovo Yoga 2 is a flexible laptop with decent hardware, making it a great candidate for a Hackintosh setup. Its combination of touchscreen functionality, 2-in-1 design, and relatively powerful internals makes it appealing for macOS users who want a laptop that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Yoga 2 also offers affordable pricing compared to Apple laptops, which adds to its appeal for DIY enthusiasts.

Key Specifications of Lenovo Yoga 2

Processor: Intel Core i5-4200U
RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR3
Storage: 500GB HDD or 128GB SSD
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4400
Display: 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen

These specifications are sufficient for running macOS, although some advanced features of macOS might require more powerful hardware. Still, the Yoga 2 provides a good balance of performance and cost, making it a popular choice among Hackintosh enthusiasts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install Hackintosh on Lenovo Yoga 2

Now that you understand the basics of Hackintosh, let’s walk through the steps required to install macOS on your Lenovo Yoga 2. This process involves creating a macOS bootable USB drive, configuring the BIOS, and modifying some kernel settings to ensure compatibility.

Step 1: Create a macOS Bootable USB

Before starting the Hackintosh installation, you’ll need a macOS bootable USB drive. You can create this on a Mac or a working Hackintosh system. Follow these steps:

Download macOS: From the App Store on a Mac, download the latest version of macOS (e.g., macOS Monterey or macOS Ventura).
Create Bootable USB: Use the Terminal application to create the bootable USB. Type the following command:

sudo /Applications/Install macOS [version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Format USB: Use Disk Utility to format your USB drive as ‘Mac OS Extended (Journaled)’ with GUID Partition Map.

Once the bootable USB is created, you are ready to proceed with the Hackintosh installation.

Step 2: Configure the BIOS Settings

Before installing macOS on your Lenovo Yoga 2, you need to adjust the BIOS settings to ensure compatibility. Here’s how to do it:

Reboot your Yoga 2 and press the F2 key to enter the BIOS setup.
Disable Secure Boot to allow the installation of unsigned operating systems like macOS.
Enable UEFI Boot and set the USB as the primary boot device.
Disable Fast Boot for smoother installation.
Set Intel Virtualization Technology to enabled if you plan to use virtualization.

Once these settings are configured, save and exit the BIOS. Your Lenovo Yoga 2 will now be ready to boot from the macOS installation USB.

Step 3: Boot from USB and Install macOS

Insert the macOS bootable USB into the Yoga 2, then reboot the laptop. When the Lenovo logo appears, press F12 to enter the boot menu, and select the USB drive to boot from.

Once you see the macOS installer, select your language and proceed with the installation. During the installation, you will need to:

Partition the Hard Drive: Use Disk Utility to format your internal drive as ‘Mac OS Extended (Journaled)’ with GUID Partition Map.
Install macOS: Follow the prompts to install macOS. The process may take a while, so be patient.

After the installation completes, your Lenovo Yoga 2 will restart, and you’ll be able to boot into macOS.

Step 4: Post-Installation Tweaks

Once macOS is installed, there are several tweaks you need to make to ensure all components of the Yoga 2 function properly. These tweaks include installing drivers and modifying system settings:

Install MultiBeast: MultiBeast is a post-installation tool for Hackintosh systems. It helps install essential drivers and fixes common issues. Download MultiBeast from here.
Configure Sound: Ensure your laptop’s audio works by selecting the correct sound drivers in MultiBeast.
Install Graphics Drivers: You might need to install a custom kext (driver) for the Intel HD 4400 graphics to enable full acceleration.
Fix Touchpad and Keyboard: Some users report issues with the touchpad or keyboard. Make sure to install the appropriate kexts for proper functionality.

Once all these tweaks are made, reboot your system, and you should now have a fully functional Hackintosh on your Lenovo Yoga 2.

Troubleshooting Hackintosh on Lenovo Yoga 2

Even with all the preparation, there may still be some hiccups along the way. Below are common problems Hackintosh users face and their solutions:

1. Boot Loop After Installation

If you encounter a boot loop, this usually indicates a problem with your bootloader. Use the Clover bootloader or OpenCore to resolve this issue. Ensure that the bootloader is properly configured, and all necessary drivers are installed.

2. Graphics Glitches or No Acceleration

If you experience graphics glitches or lack of acceleration, try installing or updating your graphics kexts. For Intel graphics, you may need to use the FakeSMC kext and ensure proper configuration in Clover or OpenCore.

3. Wi-Fi Not Working

Wi-Fi issues are common in Hackintosh setups. The Lenovo Yoga 2 uses a Broadcom Wi-Fi card, which can be problematic. You can install the Broadcom BCM43xx kext to fix the issue, or replace the card with a compatible one.

4. Touchpad and Keyboard Not Recognized

In some cases, the touchpad and keyboard may not function properly after installation. Installing the VoodooPS2Controller kext usually resolves these issues.

Conclusion

Setting up a Hackintosh on the Lenovo Yoga 2 is an exciting project that offers a great opportunity to experience macOS on non-Apple hardware. While the process can be complex, with the right tools and a little patience, you can transform your Yoga 2 into a fully functional macOS machine.

Remember to follow each step carefully, and don’t be discouraged by any setbacks during the installation. The Hackintosh community is large, and there are plenty of resources and forums, like tonymacx86, to help you troubleshoot and resolve any issues.

By following this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to create a Hackintosh on your Lenovo Yoga 2 and enjoy the best of both worlds: the power of macOS and the flexibility of a Lenovo laptop.

This article is in the category Yoga Practices and created by YogaMindFully Team