Running Windows on Mac: Need Office for both OS and Windows? I have an iMac (OS X - El Capitan) on which I also run Windows (Windows 7) for work stuff. I've always run Office for Mac on the OS side of things and Office for Windows on the virtual machine/Windows side of things. So while 68 percent of Lifehacker readers don't run an antivirus app on their Mac, there's still a place for a light, agile, and quiet malware protector—in the Windows world, this is Microsoft.
If you've been wondering how to run Windows programs on a Mac, firstly, it's not the strangest thought. It's so popular, Apple created a dedicated utility to help us do so, called Boost Camp Assistant–more on that shortly.
Reasons to run Windows programs on a Mac:
There's lots of outdated information out there and some less than recommended ways to run Windows programs on a Mac without installing Windows. So, I've put together a look at 2020's top solutions for you.
Let's get started.
Quick Tip: Running Windows programs on your Mac can increase the demand on your system. CleanMyMac X can help to keep your Mac optimized under pressure and has some great tools. I'll talk you through some of the features later, but for now, download the free version here. — It's also notarized by Apple.
![]() 1. Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant is a built-in software from Apple, and in a nutshell, It lets you safely partition your Mac so you can run Windows on one side and macOS on the other.
What you need to use Boot Camp Assistant:
How to use Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows on your Mac:
FYI: Only one operating system can be running at any given time, so you'll need to restart your Mac to switch between Windows and macOS.This is the downside to running Windows programs on Mac with Boot Camp Assistant.
Did you know? Boot Camp Assistant started as an unsupported beta for Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. Along with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, it was introduced as a new utility and then has been a part of newer versions of the macOS. This year, Apple announced its transition to ARM-based Apple silicon, which means there's no indication if this feature will remain.
2. Wine HQ
Wine is a free, open-source compatibility layer that enables application software and computer games developed for Windows to run on other operating systems, integrating Windows applications into your Desktop. Since it's open-source, it's under continual development, with new improvements, features, and well-maintained packages. Ipad apps on macos catalina.
Wine is not 100% perfect. There are programs that it won't support; you can check the Wine AppDB to find which applications are supported.
When any program runs, Wine requests resources like memory and disk space from the operating system. It answers and translates those requests so that the program can run correctly, and as far as the program knows, everything is running smoothly. It doesn't know it’s not running on Windows.
You don't need a copy of Windows, which is quicker than emulating a whole new computer.
What you need to install Wine:
How to install Wine:
There are quite a few customized versions available via third-party apps, but these are entirely unsupported by the Wine developers. You could come into some issues with these versions, and there's no support.
There are a couple of ways you can download Wine, but I always recommend you find the right method for your needs via their official website and follow their official install instructions.
3. Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop claims to be the fastest, easiest, and most powerful application for running Windows on Mac - without rebooting.
When it comes to running Windows apps on Mac, these guys are well-known and trusted within the Mac world, and support thousands of Windows apps like Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, Internet Explorer, Quicken, Access, and even graphic-intensive games and CAD programs without compromising performance or rebooting.
How does it work?
It creates a virtual machine (VM) inside your Mac. You can install Windows, just as you would install any operating system on a regular computer. Then you can run multiple OSes at the same time, all on your Mac. It's like two computers in one!
It's sadly not free, but it does come with a 14 day free trial with full functionality, which you can download here.
It's a simple install with easy instructions from the developer.
Run Apple App On WindowsKeep your Mac optimized
When running Windows apps on your Mac, it's a good idea to keep your Mac optimized and running smoothly. Well, it's always a good idea to keep your Mac maintained, but especially when we're expecting a lot from our machines.
You can easily keep your Mac running like new with the System Junk and Optimization Modules from CleanMyMac X.They can help you to clean up your system, resolve errors, and increase your Mac output.
CleanMyMacX is an excellent all-in-one tool to clean, protect, and optimize your Mac. Download the free version here - it's notarized by Apple and is safe to use.
How to optimize your Mac with CleanMyMacX:
I like to run regular maintenance on my Mac, and I really enjoy the interface and simplicity of use.
So, when it comes to running Windows programs on your Mac, the programs I've covered today are my top recommendations for 2020.
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Just remember to use the official downloads if you're using Wine or Parallels Desktop, and keep your Mac optimized for best performance.
In the classic 'which is better' argument between Macs and PC's, PC advocates sometimes bring up features or characteristics of the Windows operating system as an argument for PC's being better than Macs. These individuals overlook a key feature of the Mac lineup - you can run Windows on them. While you need to purchase a copy of the Windows operating system separately from your Mac, once you do you can install it and enjoy the benefits of both operating systems. This is especially useful for individuals who want to use Macs but may rely on a few programs that are Windows-specific. Copy.com app mac.
If you are looking to install Windows on your Mac, you have two options. You can either install Windows in Boot Camp, a native feature of the Mac OS X operating system, or you can use a virtualization program. These are third-party applications that run on your Mac just like any other program. They create a virtualization of another computer, allowing you to install a separate operating system. With virtualization software, it is almost like you are using two computers at the same time on one machine. There are many virtualization programs available, but Parallels Desktop for Mac is the most popular and will be the one we focus on. If you'd like to check out other virtualization options, VMware, Citrix and Red Hat are good alternatives. Best speed test app for mac.
Depending on your specific needs, you may want to chose Boot Camp for your Windows install or you may want to buy a virtualization program. They both have their own specific advantages and disadvantages when you compare them. However, before you make the decision to purchase Windows and install it on your Mac, you'll want to double check that your Mac is compatible with the Windows version you are planning to run. Use this handy reference from Apple to determine which versions of Windows your Mac is compatible with.
Once you have the appropriate version of Windows, you now need to decide whether you would like to install it with Boot Camp or Parallels.
How It Works
Boot Camp is built into the OS X operating system of the Macs. If you go to your Applications > Utilities folder, you will see the Boot Camp Assistant app. Boot Camp makes a separate partition on your computer's hard drive (think of it as splitting your hard drive into two separate parts) specifically for installing and running windows. Upon launching the Boot Camp Assistant app, you have the option to change how large this partition is. Once Windows is installed in Boot Camp, every time you turn on your computer, you will be asked to select the operating system you would like to run. This means to switch from OS X to Windows, you need to reboot your Mac.
Advantages
Disadvantages
How It Works
If you decide to use Parallels Desktop, you first need to purchase both the Parallels program and your Windows operating system. The current version of Parallels Desktop is Parallels 10. It is available here for $79.99. Once you purchase, download and install Parallels, you can open the program and install your Windows operating system within it. Much like Boot Camp, you decide how much space you want to allocate toward Windows, but unlike Boot Camp, you can easily change these storage options after installation. Parallels runs like any other app on your Mac. When it is up and running, you see an entire Windows desktop within a window on your Mac (you can obviously full screen the program as well). This makes switching back and forth between systems incredibly easy.
AdvantagesRun Windows On Mac Free
Run Windows Apps On Mac 2015 DownloadDisadvantages
If you have an older computer with less than 4GB of RAM, you probably want to go with Boot Camp as you will notice decreased performance running Parallels. If you're someone who wants to keep their Windows and OS X experiences entirely separate, Boot Camp is also the best option for you. Those looking to install Windows on their Mac as affordably as possible will also want to go the Boot Camp route. If you want to run Windows and Mac apps together at the same time and be able to quickly switch back and forth between operating systems, you definitely want to go with Parallels or another virtualization software (they all do virtually the same thing, no pun intended). My personal recommendation is that if you have a computer with enough RAM and a processor to handle it, go with Parallels. I find it easier to use and the ability to run Windows apps in Coherence Mode is awesome - giving you the best of both operating system worlds.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about Boot Camp, Parallels, virtualization or anything else, leave us a comment below or hit us up on our web chat! If you need help installing Windows on your Mac, our Apple Technicians are able to help you out. We charge $95 for the install and can also help you with purchasing and downloading Parallels and the Windows operating system!
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