How to run Windows Program on Mac in 2023 -

Last Updated on June 27, 2023 by Rick Darlinton

Since different companies own Windows and Mac, it is only normal that each of these computers will only run programs written specifically for them. A windows program will not be able to run on Mac PC and vice versa. While many software companies try to produce separate Software for Mac and Windows computers, many programs still support only Windows. In this guide, you will be learning how to run windows program on mac

Before we go into the main topic, let’s look at what Operating System (OS) means and the familiar OS for computers.

Table of Contents

What is an Operating System (OS)?

OS stands for Operating System. It is the Software responsible for controlling all the hardware and software operations of a computer. The OS of a computer is also responsible for converting human language into computer language. The most common OS available today are Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The Windows Operating System

Microsoft computers developed the Windows operating system in 1985; since then, there have been many variations and upgrades on the Windows OS. The current version of Windows is called the Windows 10. One thing that makes the Microsoft windows OS very popular is that it comes already loaded into many of the PCs we buy.

The Mac OS

Apple created the Mac OS. Macintosh computers have seen upgrades such as the Mac Sierra launched in 2016 and Mac Mojave released in 2018. The current version is the Mac OS 10.15 Catalina that was launched in 2019. Unlike Windows computers, Mac computers aren’t cheap.

Linux OS

The Linux OS is free to use, and you can install it on almost every computer in the world. This OS can also be shared and modified by nearly anyone in the world. On the other hand, Mac and Windows computers can only be modified by the companies that own them.

How to run windows program on mac

Try a Virtual Machine Software

A Virtual machine software is capable of emulating a computer systems environment. This Software makes the Windows programs believe that it is running on a Windows OS when in reality, it is running on a Mac. The Mac OS is referred to as the host while the Windows program is called the guest. Work done on the virtual machine is stored in a virtual hard drive.

Parallels

For people who would like to run windows program on mac, Parallels is one program that offers this choice. It is suitable for Pc users who want to run Windows program like Corel draw and word perfect. While parallels have Software for almost all versions of Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD, Solaris, and OSes, it can only run on Mac OS.

While running a Windows program on the Mac OS, it clocked an incredible speed of 30 seconds to start up the program.

Pros

Fast performance
Installation is easy

Cons

It only runs on Mac PC.

Virtual Box

Virtual Box is Software developed by Oracle; this software is capable of creating a Virtual machine. Virtual box supports many operating systems. A few of the supported operating systems include Windows, Linux, MS-DOS, Oracle Solaris, and Mac OS. For you to use Virtual box on your device, it has to be at least 64 bit. It also has hardware support like USB device support, multiscreen processing, and hardware compatibility, among several others.

Pros

Does not use all computer resources
It supports many operating systems

Cons

First-time users might find it hard to get the hang of it
The user interface is not friendly.

Boot Camp

Boot camp was developed by Apple to avoid losing users who wanted to to run windows applications on mac. The Software allows MacBook users to switch between Windows and Mac OS with the push of a button. This Software is majorly used by gamers who want to play Windows-only MMORPG games.

First, ensure that the version of windows you want to install on your MAC is the 64-bit version of windows.

Next, check the system requirements. For every version of windows available, the system requirements may vary. There is an Apple menu at the top left corner; click on it and click on about this Mac. You should then compare the spec of your Mac PC against the Windows system requirements and select the one compatible with your PC.

Ensure that your Mac PC has enough Hard drive Space; ideally, you will need about 55GB of free space on your hard drive to install this application.

Backup your vital documents and install all the latest updates for your Mac PC. After installing important updates, restart and recheck for updates again. If there are no other updates, you can proceed to install the Software.

Pros

It is free
It comes with a sleek interface
It is not as complicated as virtualization software.

Cons

You can’t run the Mac and Windows OS at the same time.
You might have to end up dealing with windows related malware
You might have issues while partitioning

Cross over

Cross over was created by Codeweavers to run windows program on mac without the need for a virtual machine that will slow down your pc. Crossover interprets windows software language for Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS.