Running Windows-only software on macOS
Some courses may require software that is only available for Microsoft Windows operating systems.
For those with an Apple macOS device, there are a handful of options, depending on the software’s requirements, your use case and personal preference.
For example, support for GPU emulation/virtualization on Windows and therefore 3D acceleration (e.g. OpenGL and DirectX) are not available with all the options listed below. Check the fine print.
Most common would be to create a Windows virtual machine, providing a full Windows GUI environment with its own partition. Another popular option is a Windows emulator for running just an app or two.
If you don’t have a MS Windows license, and depending on the option chosen below, check out our instructions on getting it free.
OpenSource/Free:
•VMware Fusion: Run Windows, Linux and other virtual machines with VMware Fusion for Mac, the industry standard desktop hypervisor. See also: https://www.mikeroysoft.com/post/download-fusion-ws/
•UTM: a full featured system emulator and virtual machine host for iOS and macOS. It is based off of QEMU. In short, it allows you to run Windows, Linux, and more on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
•VirtualBox: a general-purpose full virtualization software for x86_64 hardware targeted at laptop, desktop, server and embedded use.
•Wine: a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on several POSIX-compliant operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, & BSD. Instead of simulating internal Windows logic like a virtual machine or emulator, Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, eliminating the performance and memory penalties of other methods and allowing you to cleanly integrate Windows applications into your desktop.
For Purchase:
•Parallels: Maximize your Mac’s potential by running Windows and Windows applications on a virtual machine. Access over 200,000 apps to work, study and play effortlessly. Authorized by Microsoft.
•CrossOver: the easiest way to run many Microsoft applications on your Mac without a clunky Windows emulator. It’s not an emulator. It does the work of translating Windows commands into Mac commands so that you can run Windows software as if it were designed native to Mac. Works with all kinds of software – productivity software, utility programs, and games – all with one application.
Posted in: Apple macOS, iOS, et al, General Tips, Software, Windows Questions