How to Run Windows Apps on Mac (The Easiest Method)

Imagine running Windows apps smoothly on your Mac without rebooting. No more switching back and forth or juggling multiple devices. Whether you need specific software for work, gaming, or everyday tasks, running Windows applications seamlessly alongside your Mac apps can dramatically enhance your productivity and convenience. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to make that happen quickly and easily.

Why Should You Run Windows Apps on Mac?

As a Mac user, you’ve probably encountered situations where a software is only available for Windows. Perhaps it’s Microsoft Access for databases, specialized software for your business, or popular games from the Microsoft Store and Steam that simply haven’t made it to macOS yet.

The good news is that there’s an easy way to bridge this gap and run Windows applications smoothly alongside your regular Mac apps, almost as if they were native to your device.

Running Windows Apps Using Parallels Desktop for Mac

Parallels Desktop for Mac is probably the best option to run Windows apps on Mac. It is easy to use and trusted by thousands of users and enterprises worldwide.

Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Install Parallels Desktop

• Go to the Parallels Desktop website.
• Click Download Free Trial or Buy Now (the full version is worth the cost if you frequently need Windows apps).
• Once downloaded, double-click the installer and follow the prompts to install.
• Parallels Desktop 20 works with Macs running macOS Monterey 12 or later, whether they have Apple Silicon or Intel processors.

Step 2: Set Up Your Windows Virtual Machine (VM)

• Launch Parallels Desktop.
• Select Install Windows. You can choose Windows 11 or 10.
• Parallels automatically downloads and installs Windows. Note that you’ll need a valid Windows license key for full activation, although you can skip this temporarily.

Step 3: Install Your Favorite Windows Applications

• After setting up Windows, open the Virtual Machine (VM).
• Install Windows apps just like you would on a regular Windows PC.
• Apps installed in Windows appear automatically in your Mac’s Launchpad and Dock.

Step 4: Run Windows Applications Side-by-Side with Mac Apps

• Use Coherence Mode (available exclusively in Parallels Desktop) to run Windows apps directly from your Mac desktop.
• Click the Coherence Mode button (two overlapping squares icon) to blend Windows apps seamlessly with your Mac environment.

Step 5: Customize Settings for Better Performance

• For optimal performance, adjust settings like memory and graphics under Configure in Parallels Desktop.
• Allocate more resources if you use graphics-intensive apps or less if you need battery efficiency.

Tips for the Best Experience

• Keep Parallels Updated: Regular updates ensure compatibility and security.
• Use Snapshots: Take regular snapshots of your VM to recover quickly from any issues.
• Integrate Cloud Storage: Sync files easily between Mac and Windows using Dropbox or OneDrive.

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Pros and Cons of Using Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is easily the simplest and most effective method to run Windows apps on a Mac. Once set up, you’ll enjoy the convenience of both ecosystems without any hassle.

Other Apps to Run Windows on Mac

In addition to Parallels Desktop, there are some other apps that let you run Windows apps on Mac:

1. VMware Fusion

• Similar to Parallels.
• Lets you create virtual machines for Windows, Linux, etc.
• Offers strong performance and good resource management.
• Best for developers and businesses needing robust virtualization.

2. VirtualBox

• Free and open-source.
• Supports Windows, Linux, and other OS virtual machines.
• Slightly less user-friendly and polished compared to Parallels and VMware.
• Ideal for users who prefer a free solution.

3. CrossOver

• Runs Windows apps on Mac without installing Windows.
• Uses compatibility layers (Wine-based).
• Limited support for apps; performance can vary.
• Good if you only need a few specific apps.

4. Boot Camp (Intel Macs only)

• Built-in Mac solution to install Windows alongside macOS.
• Offers native Windows performance since you boot directly into Windows.
• Requires restarting your Mac to switch between macOS and Windows.
• Not available on newer Macs with Apple Silicon (M1/M2).

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Summary

Feature	Parallels Desktop	VMware Fusion	VirtualBox	CrossOver	Boot Camp
Best For	Seamless integration and ease-of-use	Professional and robust setups	Free solution for tech-savvy users	Limited Windows apps without installing Windows	Native Windows performance on Intel Macs
Setup Ease	✅ Very easy	✅ Moderate	⚠️ Technical knowledge required	✅ Easy	⚠️ Moderate (requires rebooting)
Integration with macOS	✅ Excellent	✅ Good	⚠️ Basic	✅ Good (limited apps)	❌ None (requires reboot)
Performance	✅ Excellent	✅ Very good	⚠️ Good, but slower	⚠️ Varies by app	✅ Native Windows performance
Resource Usage	✅ Optimized	✅ Optimized	⚠️ Higher resource usage	✅ Light	✅ Best (uses hardware directly)
Requires Windows License	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Supports Apple Silicon (M1/M2)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited support	✅ Yes	❌ No (Intel Macs only)
Price	From $99.99/year (subscription)	From $149 (one-time)	Free	From $74/year	Free (Windows license required)
Free Trial	✅ 14 days	✅ 30 days	✅ Completely Free	✅ 14 days	✅ Included with macOS
Support & Updates	✅ Excellent	✅ Very Good	⚠️ Community-based	✅ Good	✅ Official Apple Support
My Rating	⭐ 4.9	⭐ 4.8	⭐ 4.7	⭐ 4.5	⭐ 4.4

• Parallels Desktop: Best ease-of-use, seamless integration, and excellent performance.
• VMware Fusion: Great alternative, especially if you prefer a professional setup.
• VirtualBox: Good free alternative if you’re tech-savvy.
• CrossOver: Simplest solution for limited Windows apps without installing Windows.
• Boot Camp: Best performance for Intel Mac users who don’t mind rebooting.

Parallels remains my top recommendation, but these alternatives may suit different use cases or budgets.