Here we can see, “5 Ways to Run Windows Software on a Mac”
It’s not as difficult as you might think to run Windows software on a Mac. The most popular methods for running Windows programmes on macOS, including the best method for most people, are listed below.
Although Mac software is fantastic, there is no denying that Windows software is widely used. As a result, many Mac users occasionally require the use of Windows-only applications.
Maybe you need to use a piece of software that only runs on Windows, or maybe you miss the Windows days. Whatever the case may be, there are ways to run Windows programmes on a Mac.
Here’s a rundown of all of them, as well as our favourite method for most people.
1. Virtual Machines
You can run operating systems inside a piece of software using virtual machines. Thanks to virtualization software, the virtual OS appears to be running on a real computer, but you have complete control over it. Parallels, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox are the three most popular virtualization programmes on macOS.
Parallels provide the best virtual machine user experience, particularly for beginners. You don’t have to configure anything during the setup or even download Windows; the software takes care of everything. Coherence mode allows you to run Windows apps alongside Mac apps, even pinning them to your Dock while removing Windows from the equation. Parallels have surpassed VMware Fusion in popularity.
The most significant disadvantage is the price. VirtualBox is free, while Parallels costs $80. VirtualBox, on the other hand, requires you to do the setup yourself. It’s also not quite as smooth as Parallels, which was created specifically for macOS.
Pros
- You don’t have to reboot your computer to start a virtual machine.
- It’s simple to run Windows programmes alongside Mac apps.
- Parallels provide a remarkably smooth experience.
- You can adjust the amount of space used by the virtual hard drive.
Cons
- Parallels is expensive.
- Because VM graphics are poor, this isn’t a good option for playing Windows games on your Mac.
- VirtualBox requires some fiddling to get up and to run.
- Older Macs may lack the resources needed to keep a VM running smoothly.
2. Boot Camp
Boot Camp allows you to install Windows directly onto your Mac, unlike virtual machines, which allow you to run a copy of Windows inside the software. Dual-booting, also known as dual-booting, allows you to run Windows and Mac OS X on the same hard drive.
In macOS, the Boot Camp Assistant guides you through the entire process. This will partition and install Windows on your hard drive, allowing you to boot into it.
One disadvantage of using Boot Camp to dual-boot is that you can’t run Windows and Mac programmes simultaneously. You’ll need to restart your Mac and boot into Windows whenever you need Windows. However, because Windows can use all of your machine’s resources, this results in better performance than a virtual machine.
Pros
- There is no additional charge.
- Provides the best performance when running games and other resource-intensive Windows applications.
Cons
- Every time you want to use a Windows programme, you must restart your computer.
- It can eat up a lot of disc space.
3. Wine
Both of the solutions above entail using the Windows operating system to run Windows programmes. But Wine isn’t like that. It’s a compatibility layer that allows Mac and Linux users to run Windows software. If you only need to use a couple of programmes, Wine is better than installing Windows. It does, however, come with its own set of advantages.
Wine does not guarantee that it will work with every programme. Some may function flawlessly, while others may crash or refuse to run at all. To see if your favourite apps will work, go to the Wine Application Database. Another issue is that the default Wine programme requires some tweaking, which may confuse new users.
WineBottler, a third-party app that adds some much-needed conveniences, is the best way to try Wine.
When WineBottler is finished downloading, open the DMG file. Drag and drop both the Wine and WineBottler icons to your Applications folder in the resulting window, just like you would other software.
When you open WineBottler, you’ll see a list of programmes that you can install right away, including Internet Explorer for Mac.
Download other Windows programmes as EXE files from safe and reputable download sites to run them. Wine can run them directly if you right-click and choose Open With > Wine. Remember that not all programmes will run under Wine, so you may need to try some Wine troubleshooting if one fails.
If you need to run a Windows programme or two, Wine is the way to go, and it’s worth having on hand. However, if you need to run many Windows programmes, you should use a different method.
Pros
- Installing is simple and free.
- Some common Windows software is ready to use right away.
- It is not necessary to install Windows.
Cons
- Not all software is guaranteed to work.
- Even well-supported programmes can run into issues.
4. CrossOver
CrossOver is a paid Wine-based application. It has an intuitive user interface that allows you to type the name of the Windows software you want to install, and it will take care of the rest. If you’re a subscriber, you can also ask the developers about adding support for a new piece of software because it’s commercial software.
CrossOver does not provide the best package for most people’s needs compared to the other options available. If you need to run multiple Windows programmes, a virtual machine is the way to go.
Boot Camp will improve your gaming performance, and Wine is free to try out one-time programmes. We recommend skipping this one due to the $40 minimum for CrossOver.
Pros
- WineBottler has marginally better support and interface.
- Supports popular television shows.
Cons
- When WineBottler is free, the cost is a lot to pay.
- So, based on Wine, there could still be bugs.
- It’s not ideal for running a lot of Windows programmes.
5. Remote Access
Why not try a different approach to the problem if none of the above solutions works for you? Those who already have a Windows computer can access it from their Mac using remote control software.
TeamViewer is a free and powerful remote control programme that will suffice for this task. Chrome Remote Desktop is just as good if you use Chrome.
Install your preferred tool on both your Mac and Windows PC, sign in to your account on both machines, and you’ll be able to access your Windows computer whenever you need it.
You may experience some latency depending on your internet connection, and keyboard shortcuts may be confusing. Games and other high-intensity programmes don’t work well over a remote connection. On the other hand, remote access is simple and free if you want to perform a task in Windows or gain access to a specific programme.
Pros
- It’s completely free and simple to set up.
- It takes up no room on your Mac.
- Because Windows programmes run on a Windows machine, they are guaranteed to work.
Cons
- It’s necessary to have an always-on Windows PC.
- A bad internet connection can hamper the experience.
- Using demanding programmes over a remote connection is difficult.
Don’t Forget Web Apps
While you can’t run Windows apps in your browser, there is a lot of software available online that doesn’t require installation. These tools work in any browser, whether you’re using macOS, Linux, or Chrome OS.
You can use Office Online for free if you prefer Microsoft Office to the iWork suite. Paint.NET and other Windows apps can be replaced with online image editing tools. Furthermore, online collaboration tools allow you to communicate with others without the need for anyone to install the software. These allow you to run alternative software if you don’t like what the Mac has to offer.
How Do You Run Windows Software on Your Mac?
A virtual machine may be the best way for the average user to run Windows apps on a Mac, but it may not be the best solution for you. Let’s go over each of the five methods one by one to see who can benefit from them:
- Virtual Machine: This option is ideal for anyone who wants to run Windows software alongside their Mac apps without rebooting into Windows. Doesn’t have a lot of power when it comes to gaming.
- Boot Camp: For those who require the full power of their machine when running Windows, such as when playing video games. Rebooting into Windows is inconvenient.
- Wine: It is useful to have on hand if you only use a few Windows programmes on your Mac. If you want to run many apps, it’s better to use a VM because Wine doesn’t support all of them.
- CrossOver: Wine isn’t worth paying for. You’re better off with a virtual machine.
- Remote Desktop: If you already have a Windows PC, Remote Desktop is worth setting up. There may be issues with network latency. Using a virtual machine instead of purchasing a dedicated computer saves money.
Let’s switch from Windows to Mac apps now.
Conclusion
I hope you found this information helpful. Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or comments.
User Questions:
- Does Windows run well on Mac?
However, in some cases, whether it’s for gaming or because you can’t stand OS X any longer, it’s best to run Windows natively on your Mac. This is also much easier to set up with Boot Camp. You’ll be up and running in no time with drivers that install together.
- Is it possible to install Windows 10 on my Mac?
With the help of Boot Camp Assistant, you can run Windows 10 on your Apple Mac. It allows you to switch between macOS and Windows by simply restarting your Mac once installed.
- Is it possible to run Windows on a Mac M1?
With Parallels Software, M1 Macs can run Windows 11 (but only the ARM version). Parallels Desktop now includes support for a virtual TPM chip required for Windows 11’s final version. It creates a virtual machine on macOS that can run Microsoft’s operating system in a window.
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- Opinions on running Windows on a mac?
