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Best App To Run Windows Programs On Mac

Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

Mac's impressive library of apps gives you everything you need but let's face it: Windows has a far larger library.

Last, but not least, you can always use CrossOver and run Windows programs on your Mac without having to reboot your system or install Windows OS. Even if CrossOver uses Wine code in order to run applications, it provides you with a intuitive graphical interface and it, allegedly, offers support for more apps than the latter (you can see the. So this is the list of the Best Bootable USB software for Windows/Mac 2020 with which you can create a bootable USB drive. If this concept is new to you, Etcher seems to be a good option. On the other hand, if you deal only with Windows, you can go for Rufus or Windows USB/DVD tool. Whether you need to run Windows programs that don’t have Mac versions, or you are making the switch from PC to Mac and need to transfer your data, Parallels Desktop has you covered. Seamless Use Windows side-by-side with macOS (no restarting required) on your MacBook ®, MacBook Pro, iMac ®, iMac Pro, Mac mini ® or Mac Pro ®.

Haven't you ever come across software native to Windows which endear themselves to you? But since they all come with the EXE file extension, your Mac is incapable of running them. Well, there are workarounds to this problem and you'll learn about them today.

It's possible to safely open and run EXE files on your Mac using mediums like Boot Camp, Remote Desktop, CrossOver, Virtual Machine, and WINE, to mention the most prominent ones. And you don't need to be an expert to do this. As long as you can follow simple instructions, you're all set.

Part 1: Can You Run an EXE File on a Mac?

Yes, you can. With how innovative and creative developers have become, it was only a matter of time before they devised a means to run EXE files on Mac, even though such files are incompatible with macOS.

What's an EXE file, though? It's a file extension that denotes an executable file format. Okay, but what's an executable file? It's any file capable of being executed as a program. To put it simply, it's what makes the installation and running of software possible.

EXE files are used in a few operating systems, the most notable of them being Microsoft Windows. You can think of EXE files as the Windows version of APP files (APP files, if you're unaware, are executable files under macOS).

Go further and learn how to fix MS Word not responding on Mac.

Running EXE files on Mac is very possible but only through backdoor means, so to speak. You need an emulator (WINE is by far the most popular), or you install a virtual machine software on your macOS to enable you to load Windows VM or make an extra partition on your disk where you can simultaneously have both macOS and Windows in your Mac.

Part 2: How to Open EXE Files on Mac

Again, you have several options to choose from when attempting this. So many software out there can help you open EXE files on Mac. You are advised to go with the Parallel Desktop.

Parallel Desktop

This software is simplistic and won't take up much on your time because it doesn't even require a Mac restart anytime you wish to run a Windows application. A copy of Microsoft Windows is required though. You have to install it on your hard disk but it's easy to do:

Step 1: Windows Installation

  • Open up your Mac's Application folder and double-click on the 'Parallels' icon (you have to do this to install Windows).
  • Click on 'File.'
  • Click on 'New.'
  • Click on 'Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file.'
  • Click on 'Continue.' You can easily install Windows either from a DVD or the more popular .iso disc image; or even a bootable USB drive.
  • You can even switch to the manual mode, locate the source for the Windows installation, and choose it by clicking on 'Select a file…'
  • Click on 'Continue'. You will be taken to a Windows product key window.
  • Leave the 'Express installation' as it is, input the key and click 'Continue.'
  • You will be asked to select how you wish to use Windows: Whether for productivity, games only, software development, design, etc. Once you're done selecting, click on 'Continue.'
Best app to run windows programs on mac os
  • Type in a name for the virtual machine and select the directory or location for the Parallels Desktop.
  • Click on 'Continue' and the Windows installation will commence. All Intel-based Macs are compatible with both 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows: From Windows XP to Windows 10.
  • Once the installation concludes you can open up Windows by clicking on the 'Power' button in the list of the Parallels Virtual Machine.

Step 2: Using Parallels Desktop

  • The very first time Windows restarts, 'Parallels Tools' will be installed. This will be what ultimately integrates your Mac with your Windows desktops. After the installation is done, you will be asked to restart Windows.
  • Open up your Parallels Desktop from 'Spotlight.'
  • Click on 'Virtual Machine.'
  • Select 'Configure' in the drop-down menu which appears.
  • Click on 'Options.'
  • Click on 'Shared Folders.'
  • Click on 'Add.'
  • Click on 'Choose.' Doing this will add a location from your Mac's desktop to the virtual machine. Simply put any EXE file in this location to enable Windows to access and install them

Part 3: How to Run Windows APPs on Mac

The question now is not whether you want to run EXE files on your Mac, but rather how to go about it conveniently. There are countless of great Windows apps that never made it to macOS, and they probably never will. A lot of them have very attractive features that make Windows the envy of all Mac owners.

Running EXE files on Mac is made easy and convenient via Boot Camp and Remote Desktop. You can use any. It depends on preference and what you find more convenient.

Boot Camp

This application makes it possible for you to install Windows on your Mac. Switching between macOS and Windows thus becomes a matter of you restarting your system and deciding which OS to log into.

Step 1: Windows Installation File

  • Boot Camp is compatible with Windows 8,8.1. and 10 (you will need an ISO file of any of these three releases).

Step 2: Launch Your Mac's Utilities folder

  • Type in 'Utilities' in your Mac's search bar, then click it.

Step 3: Launch Boot Camp Assistant

  • The app's icon looks like a grey hard drive. Click it.

Step 4: On-screen Instructions

  • You will be instructed to choose the Windows ISO, the drive you intend to install it on, and restart your Mac.

Step 5: Your Mac Will Restart

  • Once you're done setting up Boot Camp, you will be asked to restart Mac.
  • After that, you will be taken to the Windows installer screen.

Step 6: Install Windows

  • Follow the instructions to install the version of Windows you chose.

Step 7: Startup Manager

  • Once the install has been completed, your system will restart. Press and hold the 'Option' key while this happens and the 'Startup Manager' will appear.
  • Let go of the 'Option' key and you will see all the drives you can boot your Mac from.

Running Windows Programs On Mac

Step 8: Boot Camp

  • Select 'Boot Camp' and click on 'Return'.
  • Your Mac will now be loaded into Windows.
  • Navigate to your EXE file and run it.

Remote Desktop

How To Run Windows On Mac

This free tool does what many others fail at: lets you take full advantage of your Windows apps from your Mac. That's pretty convenient, don't you agree? Even though you'll need Mac and PC to use the Remote Desktop, it's still a great software that deserves praise. Here's how you use it:

Step 1: Get Your PC Ready

  • Open the start menu and navigate to 'Settings', then 'System', then 'Remote Desktop.'
  • Turn 'Enable Remote Desktop' on and 'Confirm.'

Step 2: Know Your IP Address & PC Name

  • Still on the 'Remote Desktop' menu, and below the 'How to connect to this PC', jot down your PC name.
  • Go to your 'Settings', then 'Network & Internet'.
  • Click 'Wi-Fi' and select the network you're connected to. This will bring up the network connection properties screen. At the bottom of the page is your 'IPv4 address'. Jot it down.

Step 3: Install the Mac Version of Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Pick up your Mac and open up your Mac App Store, then search for 'Microsoft Remote Desktop.'
  • Download and install it.

Step 4: Open Add Your PC to Remote Desktop

  • Open up Remote Desktop on your Mac.
  • Click on 'Add Desktop.'
  • A dialogue box will pop up. Type in the PC Name you jotted down; if it doesn't work, type in the IP address.
  • Click 'Save'.

Step 5: You Can Now Connect

  • Keep your PC turned on and make sure it is connected to the network your Mac is connected to.
  • Remote Desktop will now show your computer below 'Saved Desktops.'
  • Double-click on it to connect.
  • You will be required to enter your username and password.
  • Click 'OK.'
  • A security warning will pop up. Since you're on a private network, ignore the warning and click 'Continue.'
  • That's the last step. You can now view and use your Windows on your Mac via Remote Desktop.

Closing Words

Well, there you have it. Running your EXE files via your Mac is now a thing of the past. As long as you have the right tools, you can do it in a matter of minutes.

Best

These tools make your Mac more versatile than even Apple intended and anticipated because they enable you to go beyond what your Mac is capable of doing. You can achieve an end goal that would have otherwise been impossible. That's the power of a Mac for you.

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Do you want to run Windows applications on your Mac? You don’t need to get another computer and install Windows to do this. There are several applications that will let you run Windows on a Mac so you can use Windows programs on your computer. Some of them are for free, while some comes with a cost.

10. Q

Q is an emulator that lets you create a virtual machine to run Windows applications on your Mac computer. It has a user friendly interface so you can easily learn how to use it. It is for free so you don’t have to spend anything to download this on your computer. This is compatible with Macintosh running Intel and those that are based on PowerPC. However, this may not run properly on Mac Lion because of the removal of other features that it needs to run on this specific operating system.

9. DOSBox

DOSBox is a free application that you can use on your Mac. Unlike other emulators and virtual machines, it is mainly used for running DOS based applications like games on modern computers including Mac. This can also be used on Windows computers that do not support DOS based programs. If you love old school DOS based games like Mario and Pacman, it is still possible to play them on your new computer with the help of DOSBox. It does not have a graphical user interface. It runs on the command window, giving you the real feel on how the DOS based games were played before.

8. Boot Camp

Boot Camp is one of the most popular ways on how to run Windows applications on Macintosh computers. This is a built-in feature on Mac, though it still needs to be installed. Go to Utilities and find Boot Camp Assistant to start the installation. This will partition your hard drive into two. One is for Mac and the other one is for windows. You may use the default partition size or change it to your preference. It is important to backup all your data before doing this step to ensure that you will not lose any vital files on your computer. However, this will not automatically install Windows operating system. You need to have your own copy of the installation disc to perform the installation. Once done with the installation, hitting the option key will give you the choice if you want to boot on Mac or Windows. If you wish to switch to the operating system, you need to reboot your computer.

7. WinOnX

This is compatible with Mac computers running OS X 10.6 or later and is available for $4.99. This application was developed by NES Software. Though this is not for free, it offers more convenience than Boot Camp since there is no need to install Windows operating system. It supports creation of several virtual machines so you can install applications separately on your preferred settings. However, not all Windows applications may work on the program. The developers are welcoming feedbacks from users to determine the Windows programs that do not run on WinOnX so they can try to incorporate them on the next updates.

6. CrossOver Mac

CrossOver Mac was developed by Codeweavers. It does not require installation of Windows operating system. Instead, it creates a virtual Windows environment that allows running of Windows applications. There is no need to reboot and switch operating system as you can run your Windows programs as if they were really made for Mac. There are 3 payment options to choose from. The one year e-mail support and upgrades is available at $59.95. This also comes with one free phone support. The option that comes with six months e-mail support and upgrades is available at $49.95. It doesn’t have free phone support. The last option also doesn’t have free phone support. It has one month e-mail support and upgrades for a month. You have the option to include CrossOver phone support for $19.95.

5. Virtual PC

Virtual PC for Mac lets you use your Mac applications and Windows applications without the need to switch from one operating system to the other. This is convenient as you can run your Windows applications on your Mac like you do on native Macintosh applications. Sharing files on Windows network is also possible. Printing files on Windows will automatically use the printer installed on your Mac. Installing Virtual PC only takes a few minutes. After that, you can proceed with the installation of your Windows operating system. Virtual PC is available for $249.99.

Run Windows Software On Mac

4. Wine

Wine is an open source program that can run on various platforms. It is available at no cost and it does not require reboot or installation of a licensed Microsoft Windows operating system. Install Wine application on your Mac computer and start running Windows application without any problems. You need to download the executable file of the Windows program that you wish to run and open it using Wine. However, running these applications would require you to enter specific commands. If you are not comfortable using command line, this could be a challenge for you. A tutorial on how to use the command line is available so you can learn about the commands first before using Wine.

3. VirtualBox

VirtualBox is another open source application that you can install on your Mac without a cost. It lets you create virtual machines to run other operating system including Windows and Linux on your Mac. Installing this program is fast and easy as you will be asked to follow the on screen instructions. You need a copy of the Windows operating system to install. Once done with the setup, you can switch conveniently between operating systems.

2. Fusion

This is a powerful application that lets you seamlessly use Windows applications on your Mac without the need to reboot. It is available for $49.99. Run your Windows programs from your dock like they were made for Mac. Windows devices can also be used without any issue. There are three view options that you can choose from including full screen view, single window view and unity view.

1. Parallels

This is the best application for running Windows programs on your Mac computer. It is available for $79.99. Installation is fast and easy. Download the program, enter your product key for the installation and you’re ready to use it. It does not require any other setup. Run your Windows applications like you run your Mac programs.