Running Windows apps on a Mac is surprisingly simple, and you don't always have to use Windows to do it. Take advantage of these solutions to enjoy PC games, use productivity software, or access Windows tools that aren't available natively on macOS.
Run Windows in a Virtual Machine
One of the most straightforward methods for running Windows apps is utilizing a virtual machine. This involves virtualizing the necessary hardware to run Windows on top of macOS. With this approach, software installed within the virtual machine operates as if it were installed directly on a Windows PC, ensuring excellent compatibility, particularly in Windows 11.
If you own a modern Mac model equipped with an Apple Silicon chip (such as M1 or M2), your options are limited to the Windows 11 on ARM release. Surprisingly, this ARM version of Windows performs admirably well. It offers compatibility with 64-bit apps designed for the standard x86 version of Windows, allowing Windows 11 on ARM to handle almost any application without significant performance drawbacks.
If you own an Intel-based Mac, you have the option to run the more commonly used x86 version of Windows within a virtual machine. Additionally, virtualization allows you to run other operating systems on macOS, such as Linux distributions or multiple macOS installations.
For a seamless virtualization experience, investing in a paid solution is recommended. Parallels Desktop, for example, can quickly download, install, and set up Windows 11 for you in just minutes. It also offers 3D acceleration for gaming on Apple Silicon, a feature lacking in other solutions. Take a look at our review of Parallels Desktop for more detailed information. Other virtualization options include VMware Fusion (including a free version called VMware Fusion Player), VirtualBox, and UTM.
Virtualization proves useful as it allows you to launch applications and access Windows promptly. Applications like Parallels have modes that enable you to hide the Windows user interface effectively and use apps as if they were running natively on your Mac. Unlike a dedicated Windows installation, many virtualization apps don't require you to sacrifice disk space for your virtual machine.
Use Wine to Run Windows Apps With Wineskin
Wine is a compatibility layer designed to enable Windows software to run on macOS. It functions by dynamically translating Windows API calls, resulting in generally good performance for applications utilizing Wine. However, it's important to note that not all apps are guaranteed to work flawlessly, and some may exhibit unusual behavior. Compared to virtualization or running Windows directly, Wine-based apps may be more prone to crashes or unexpected behavior.
Nevertheless, Wine could be the ideal solution you've been seeking. It eliminates the need for a native Windows installation, freeing up disk space and eliminating the requirement for additional virtualization software. Wine-based apps seamlessly integrate with your desktop and dock, resembling native Mac applications in appearance and functionality.
While the Wine project is continuously evolving, official Mac packages are no longer actively maintained. However, there is a community-supported tool called Wineskin that allows you to create wrappers for your Windows apps. To install and manage Wineskin, it is recommended to use Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS.
To get started, you can easily install Homebrew on your Mac by executing a few commands in the Terminal. Once you have Homebrew set up, you can proceed to install Wineskin by running the following command in the Terminal:
brew install --cask --no-quarantine gcenx/wine/unofficial-wineskin
By following these steps, you can install the Wineskin Winery app on your Mac. This app allows you to create wrappers and install Windows software seamlessly. It's important to note that Wineskin is compatible with both Intel-based and Apple Silicon-based Macs, utilizing Apple's Rosetta 2 transpiler for optimal performance.
Use CrossOver Mac to Run Windows Apps
CrossOver Mac, another software built on the Wine framework, offers a paid solution to simplify the process of running Windows applications on your Mac. With a free trial available, CrossOver Mac costs $74 and guides you through the installation of Windows software using pre-configured installation profiles for many popular applications. In cases where profiles are not available, CrossOver provides assistance in creating custom profiles.
CrossOver has gained popularity, especially among gamers seeking to play Windows games on Apple hardware. It is compatible with both Intel-based and Apple Silicon-based Macs, although users with Apple's ARM-based chips currently rely on Rosetta 2, which may result in a slight performance impact.
The advantage of CrossOver is that you can utilize the free trial to test applications before purchasing, making it a more affordable alternative to acquiring a Windows license or using premium virtualization tools like Parallels Desktop. Furthermore, a single CrossOver license allows you to run Windows apps on macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, expanding its versatility.
Use Boot Camp to Install Windows on an Intel Mac
For Intel-based Mac users, installing Windows natively on your Mac is possible through Boot Camp, Apple's dual-boot Windows partitioning tool. Simply locate the Boot Camp Assistant under Applications > Utilities, run it, and follow the provided instructions to partition your drive for Windows installation. It's important to note that Boot Camp officially supports Windows 10, as Windows 11 requires Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) support.
However, if you own a modern Apple Silicon Mac with an M1, M2, or later chip, Boot Camp is not available. This means that you cannot install Windows natively on your Mac. Instead, you can opt for virtualization, where you can run Windows 11 on ARM within a virtual machine. Please keep in mind that direct installation of Windows 11 on ARM on a Mac is not possible, and virtualization is the recommended approach in this case.
If you're determined to install Windows 11, it may be possible by creating a custom .ISO file. However, please note that this method is not officially supported, and Microsoft has implemented watermarks on machines that do not meet the requirements.
Running Windows natively on your Mac has both advantages and disadvantages, assuming your Mac is compatible. One drawback is the need to reboot your computer every time you want to switch between macOS and Windows, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, allocating a significant portion of your storage space to Windows is necessary if you plan to install a substantial amount of software.
On the positive side, running Windows natively allows you to utilize the full potential of your hardware, resulting in optimal performance. If gaming is your primary reason for using Windows, this option is arguably the best choice for you.
Access Windows Remotely With Remote Desktop Tools
If you already have a Windows PC and are seeking a way to access it from your Mac, remote desktop software is the solution you're looking for. With remote desktop software, you can utilize the hardware of your Windows machine remotely over a network.
Whether you're connected over the internet or a local network, remote desktop software allows you to interact with your Windows PC from your Mac. However, it's important to note that using remote desktop over the internet can result in significant latency, which may impact the performance of certain activities. While it can be suitable for tasks such as assisting a friend with computer issues or accessing files in your documents folder, it may not be ideal for activities like gaming or running most software due to the potential latency issues.
For a more stable connection, utilizing a local network is recommended, especially if you have a wired network setup in your home. While wireless connections can also work, Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to interference and potential bottlenecks. In general, a faster and more reliable connection is always preferable, whether it's through a cable or wireless network.
Regardless of the connection type, the applications required for remote desktop access remain largely the same. Microsoft's Remote Desktop offers dedicated apps for macOS, iPad, iPhone, and other Windows computers, allowing you to connect to your Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine seamlessly.
If you use Google Chrome as your browser, Chrome Remote Desktop is worth considering. It is a free remote desktop app that leverages your Google Account for remote access, utilizing a browser extension. Another free solution is DWService, which provides access to your computer via a web page. Additional free remote access tools include AnyDesk and TigerVNC.
