How to run Windows on Mac and how to install Windows on Mac OS X are some of the most widely searched terms over the internet, and that’s the main reason for us to bringing out this guide.
For the needs of most Mac users that want to run Windows only programs on Mac, using a virtual machine is by far your best option. The only reason you may want to use Boot Camp is if the Windows program or game you want to use requires dedicating all of your Mac’s resources to. The Boot Camp user guide you printed includes a complete table of Mac keyboard Windows action mappings, but the most important ones to know are the following: The Option key is the Windows Alt key.
Mac OS X and Windowsare two of the best operating systems out there which are installed on millions of computer. Windows operating system is used by a lot of people as it comes with better functionality, a user-friendly interface and it is comparatively easier to use.
If you are using a Mac computer and wanted to experience the features and how Windows operating system looks like you can install Windows on Mac. You can easily run Windows on Mac by following different methods. Once you are running windows on Mac you will be able to test all the features which are available in Microsoft Windows which are not available in Mac.
So now the main question which arises here is how can you run Windows operating system on a Mac? The answer is simple! You have to install a special software (called Desktop Virtualization software) which will help you in running any version of Windows operating system on a Mac system.
How to Run Windows on Mac
Running Windows operating system on Mac computer will be a super easy task for you if you have the exact knowledge of which virtualization software for Mac you should use.
There are countless of Mac virtualization software available one the web which offers virtualization across desktops and mobile devices for free. But if you are looking for some of the most reliable ways to install and run Windows on a Mac then you select the virtualization software to run Windows on Mac very carefully.
In today’s Windows for Mac guide, we are going to explain about top 4 best methods to run Windows on Mac system. All these tools are well renowned and specifically designed to run Windows for Mac with virtualization.
So, are you ready to know how to run Windows on Mac computer? Here we go.
Most important thing which you need to keep in your mind before running Windows on Mac is: The requirements to run Windows on Mac will depend on the Windows operating system you want to use. If you are planning to run Windows 10 on your Mac you need a Macbook Pro with the at least i5 processor, 256 GB SSD, and 8 GB RAM.
Method 1: Run Windows on Mac using Parallels Desktop
One of the best methods which you can follow to install Windows on Mac is using Parallels Desktop virtualization software. With Parallels Desktop, you will be able to setup a virtual machine on your Mac. The virtual machine can be used to install Windows separately of integrating the Windows installed with Mac using the coherence mode. You can use the coherence mode if you want to run Windows programs on Mac.
There are different pricing plans available of parallels desktop. The best one which you can buy is the home and student plan which is available for $79.99 for a year. You can also use the 30-day free trial where you can test how to run Windows on Mac.
The advantage of Parallels desktop is that you can also use the hardware of your Mac system on Windows OS like lighting connectors, USB 3.0 ports and more. The process of installing Windows on a Mac using Parallels Desktop is pretty simple. Learn how to install Windows on Mac using Parallels Desktop
Method 2: Run Windows on Mac using VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion is also a good option which you can consider if you are thinking of running Windows on Mac. The software is quite similar to Parallels desktop when seen on the front but is different in terms of the setup process. You will be able to create a virtual machine which will help you in using Windows on Mac. VMware Fusion is a great option for people who are planning to use Windows on Mac without Bootcamp.
You get a free trial of the software and you can buy VMware Fusion at $80. The advantage of VMware Fusion is that it comes with user-friendly interface and has a straight forward approach. One of the best features of VMware Fusion is that it has the ability to leverage the already installed Bootcamp Windows.
Here you can just call the installation which will run Windows programs on Mac without shifting from one OS to the other. If you want to use Windows on your Mac system and are running low on battery life then you can use VMware Fusion as this software is power efficient.
In order to know in details about VMware Fusion like all the important features, system requirements for VMware Fusion, and creating your Windows Virtual Machine with Windows Easy Install etc. Follow this guide how to install Windows on Mac using VMware Fusion
Method 3: Run Windows on Mac using Boot Camp Assistant
How To Run Windows 10 On Mac
Boot Campis one of the most widely used multi-boot software by the people who want to run Windows on a Mac computer. Boot camp assistant is the native OS X application which will allow you to install Windows on your Mac which comes with an Intel processor. With the help of Boot Camp, you will be able to make a dual booting system which is better when compared to using a second operating system via virtual drives.
One of the advantages of Boot Camp Assistant over other software’s is that you can download it from the App Store and it will also download the required Windows drivers for your Mac. As Boot Camp comes with dual boot this means that you won’t be able to share the folders between two operating systems and access that which is a disadvantage of this software.
If you are going to use 50 GB of space for this method, only 25 GB of space will be used and the remaining 25 GB will end up as a waste. Do you want to use Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp? Here’s how to install Windows on Mac using Boot Camp
Method 4: Run Windows on Mac using CrossOver
If you are thinking of using Windows on Mac without Bootcamp then you can use Crossover. This software is available for both operating systems (Mac and Linux). So, if you want to run Windows Software on Mac & Linux then CrossOver is one of the best choices for you.
The application was developed so that users were able to play the games which were developed for Windows users on a Mac. Using Crossover you can use more than 13,000 applications as they are easily available in the Cross Over database.
Options For Running Windows On Mac Computers
The software is available at a price of $60. You can also try the 14-day free trial. Before buying any application you can check and see if it is compatible with your system by visiting their website. You can learn from here how to download and run CrossOver Mac
Running Mac On Windows 10
Conclusion
It is really very easy to run Windows on Mac and you can consider the options which we have shared above. Parallels Desktop is one of the best methods which you can follow for running Windows on Mac system. If you have found the appropriate answer to your questions “Can you run Windows operating system on a Mac?” and “how to install Windows on Mac without Boot CampAssistant?” let us know using comments below.
If you have any questions regarding how to run Windows on Mac or if you have any tips to add about how to run Windows for Mac with virtualization software, we would love to hear from you.
You may also be interested in checking out: How to Run Windows Programs without Installing on Windows PC
You can’t directly install Windows programs on Mac OS X. But you can access Windows application on Mac using Windows emulators for Mac.
Here i am provide list of best Windows emulator for Mac.
1. Parallels Desktop – $53.97
This is one of the best app that allow you to run Windows programs on Mac computer. It is really easy to setup and access. You can run any other operating system apps like Linux, Unix apps.
System Requirements:
- Intel processor based Mac computer
- OS X Yosemite or Old OS version like Mavericks, Mountain lion or lion
- Windows 32 bit or 62 bit installation CD/DVD or ISO image.
2. VMware Fusion
Easiest and fastest way to run Windows Programs on a Mac without rebooting. Its designed for new & home users.
3. Virtual PC for Mac
Virtual PC allow you to access Windows system based software, networks and share file with other PC users.
4. CrossOver Mac – $12.95
Simple solution to run Windows design, production,utility and games app on your mac. You can easily switch between Windows and Mac apps. Windows apps gain native Mac OS X functionality such as Mission Control, keyboard shortcuts and copy & paste.
5. Wineskin Winery (free)
Its used to make ports of Windows software. Its works on older versions like Snow leopard to OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
6. VirtualBox (free & Open source)
VirtualBox is a free and open source virtualisation software for enterprise and home users. It creates Virtual machines for Windows, linux like operating systems.
7. WinOnX
Run Windows programs on Mac OS X without buying a Windows license.
8. Boot Camp
Bootcamp is a Mac native utility app which allow you to install Windows on your Mac computer. It creates partition for Windows OS and add Mac support software. So you can use your MacBook brightness, trackpad functions on Windows. But you need Windows installation DVD or ISO file.
After installing Windows using Bootcamp, just press the Option key at Mac startup to select Windows or Mac operating systems.
You can easily integrate Bootcamp Windows installation with Parallels Desktop software.
9. Wine Bottler (free & Open source)
Turn you windows based applications into Mac programs. Access Windows apps like media players, browsers (Internet explorer) and games.It directly run Windows based programs on your Mac.
10. Citrix XenApp
It allow you to access any type of application in any device. All applications are stored on a database. If you computer not connected to internet, it uses Citrix application virtualisation to emulate Windows.
If you knew any other Windows emulator for Mac, inform us via comment.