5 Ways to Run Windows Software on a Mac: Easy Solutions for Every User
Learn five effective ways to run Windows software on your Mac. From virtual machines to Wine and remote desktop tools, discover the best solution for your needs.
It is possible to run Windows software on a Mac, and often, you won’t need to install Windows at all on your Mac. All the same, there is a solution whether you want to, play PC games, use productiveness applications or work with applications that have no Mac version. That is why I suggest you immerse yourself in five effective strategies to close the gap between these two ecosystems.
1. Run Windows in a Virtual Machine
One of the most versatile methods to run Windows software on a Mac is through a virtual machine. This technology allows us to emulate Windows directly within macOS, offering compatibility with various Windows apps.
In the case of Apple silicon Macs, using the ARM build version of Windows 11 is almost as natively fast. It can even run the majority of 64-bit Windows applications due to some compatibility layers already built into this version. Whenever you are on an Intel Mac, you can get traditional x86 virtualization supporting all of the standard editions of Windows.
It helps us set up Windows 11 in a minute, employing software like Parallels Desktop. There are also special features like the ability to launch Windows apps from Mac with different desktop interface designs. There are other similar tools like VMware Fusion, VirtualBox, UTM, and others, but Parallels is considered to provide more options due to its features like a smooth and easy interface and 3D gaming support.
This option is very loaded with functions, but it is necessary to remember that it is better to have a Windows license to cope with constant activation messages when using it.
2. Use Wine to Run Windows Apps
Wine is software that allows Windows applications to execute under macOS without installing the Windows OS. It does this in real-time through an intermediary layer that converts Windows API calls into instructions that macOS can understand.
As with most things, not every app runs in Wine without some glitch or another, but it’s a lightweight solution for running most of the widely used Windows applications. Yes, Mac Applications and, specifically, Windows OS apps can be wrapped utilizing Kegworks (previously known as Wineskin) to make them run like local Apple programs. Kegworks installation is easy using Homebrew, which is popular on macOS as a package manager.
This solution is best if, for instance, you do not want to dedicate storage for virtual machines or other Operating systems. However, if you are using the software for complex work or work that requires a lot of resource usage, there may be instances when you encounter bugs or crashes.
3. Simplify the Process with CrossOver Mac
For a less rough Wine-based experience, CrossOver Mac is the best. Easy to set up and launch Windows applications with ready set-up profiles the user wants for the program.
It is noteworthy that CrossOver functions on both Intel and Apple silicon Mac devices and is beloved by gamers. Its free trial allows us to check that an app would run well before we pay the $74 for the license. CrossOver also supports this, running on macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS with a single license.
If cost and ease of use are concerns, CrossOver is a serious contender, particularly because It doesn’t require a complete install of Windows.
4. Use Boot Camp to Install Windows on Intel Macs
Boot Camp is the best technique for Intel Mac users to utilize Windows as a native mode. This method employs a way of booting called dual booting, whereby one can decide between using Mac OS X or Windows. This method implies installing the program on the Windows system from the beginning, which provides the highest performance; therefore, the system is suitable for gaming or any task requiring many resources.
To set up Boot Camp, we can search for the Boot Camp Assistant in the Applications, Utilities folder. Officially, WSL 2 works with Windows 10, but by creating ISO files, it is possible to install Windows 11 regardless of limitations such as TPM 2.0.
However, there are disadvantages to using Boot Camp. To switch between operations systems, we’ll need to restart our Mac, a process that can be affected by the amount of disk space allocated to Windows and programs on it. Nevertheless, a considerable improvement in performance can frequently be worth this effort.
5. Access Windows Remotely
If you already have a Windows-based PC, though, but want to use it on your Mac, then remote desktop applications are perfect for you. Using software such as Microsoft Remote Desktop, Chrome Remote Desktop, or AnyDesk, we can consciously manage our Windows device locally in a network or via the internet.
Remote access is perfect for quick tasks or accessing files stored on another device. While local network connections provide a stable experience, using the internet may introduce latency, making it less suitable for gaming or intensive applications.
For those without a physical Windows PC, cloud-based solutions like Windows 365 allow us to rent virtual Windows machines that are accessible from any browser.
Bonus Tip: Explore Native Mac Alternatives
Sometimes, the best solution is to find native macOS applications that replace Windows software. Websites like AlternativeTo.net and forums like r/MacApps can help us discover powerful Mac-native tools tailored to our needs.
By exploring these alternatives, we may find apps that offer superior integration and performance compared to their Windows counterparts.
Conclusion
There are many ways to effectively run Windows software on the Mac, and none of them is as difficult to accomplish as one would think. When choosing your Apple solution, you can choose from VMs, Wine, CrossOver, or even Boot Camp, or connect to a remote system through terminal services. Spend a few minutes reviewing each method, and you will find the finest in both operating systems.
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