How to Run Exe Files on a Mac?

You can get whatever you need from Mac’s amazing software store, but let’s be honest: Windows has a significantly greater selection. Have you never seen Windows-native applications that you really liked? But they can only run on your Mac if they are all in the format of EXE files. You will discover today that there are solutions to this issue. On your Mac, EXE files may be securely opened and executed using programs such as Boot Camp, Virtual Machine, CrossOver, Remote Desktop, and WINE, to name a few popular ones. And to do this, you don’t have to be an expert. You’re OK to go as long as you can follow basic directions.

Can You Run an EXE File on a Mac?

Running Windows executables on a Mac is not a straightforward process due to the fundamental differences between the two operating systems. However, there are a few potential solutions you can explore.

You sure can! It was just a matter of time before developers, as inventive and imaginative as they have become, figured out a way to execute EXE files on Mac computers despite the fact that they are incompatible with macOS.

But what exactly is an EXE file? It’s a file extension that indicates the format of an executable file. Right, so tell me about an executable file. Any file that can run programs is considered it. In other words, it’s what enables software to be installed and used.

A few operating systems employ EXE files, the most well-known of which is Microsoft Windows. If you’re not familiar, EXE files are the Windows equivalent of APP files, which are executable files on macOS.

Open EXE Files on Mac Using Parallel Desktop

You won’t even need to restart your Mac in order to utilize this straightforward program, which will take up a little of your time. It runs Windows applications without any hassle. However, a copy of Microsoft Windows is necessary. It must be installed on your hard drive, but it’s simple to do so:

Step 1: Windows Installation

1. To install Windows, open the Application folder on your Mac and double-click the “Parallels” icon.
2. Select “File” by clicking.
3. Select “New” by clicking.
4. Select “Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file.”
5. Press “Continue” once. You may quickly install Windows via the more often used method or from a DVD.a bootable USB device or even an ISO disc image.
6. Even in manual mode, you may find the Windows installation source and click “Select a file” to select it.
7. Press “Continue” once. A window requesting your Windows product key will open.
8. Enter the key, leave the “Express installation” as is, and click “Continue.”
9. You’ll be prompted to choose your preferred Windows operating system, Whether for software development, gaming only, productivity, design, etc. Once your selections are complete, click “Continue”.
10. Enter the virtual machine’s name and choose the Parallels Desktop directory or location.
11. The Windows installation will start when you click “Continue”. From Windows XP to Windows 10, all Intel-based Macs can run 32- or 64-bit versions of Windows.
12. After the installation is finished, click the “Power” button in the Parallels Virtual Machine list to start Windows.

Step 2: Using Parallels Desktop

1. “Parallels Tools” will be installed the first time Windows restarts. In the end, this will be what connects your Mac and Windows computers. Upon completion of the installation, Windows will prompt you to restart it.
2. Launch the Parallels Desktop by selecting “Spotlight.”
3. “Virtual Machine” should be clicked.
4. From the drop-down selection that opens, choose “Configure.”
5. Toggle “Options” on.
6. Then choose “Shared Folders”.
7. Press the “Add” button.
8. Hit the “Choose” button. By doing this, you may add a place from the desktop of your Mac to the virtual machine. All you have to do is place any EXE file here for Windows to recognize and install it.

Run EXE Files on Mac Using Boot Camp

Now, the issue is how to do so conveniently rather than whether you want to execute EXE files on your Mac. Numerous excellent Windows applications have yet to make it to macOS and most likely won’t. Many of them are so beautiful in their characteristics that Windows becomes the envy of all Mac customers.

Boot Camp and Remote Desktop make it straightforward to run EXE files on Mac. Any may be used. Depending on your preferences and what’s most practical.

You can install Windows on your Mac, thanks to Boot Camp. Hence, all you have to do to switch between macOS and Windows is restart your computer and choose which OS to log into.

How to Run EXE Files on Mac Using Boot Camp?

1. Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 may be used with Boot Camp (you will need an ISO file of any of these three editions).
2. In the Mac’s search box, type “Utilities” and click it.
3. The symbol for the app resembles a grey hard disc. Press it.
4. After selecting the Windows ISO, you will be prompted to restart your Mac and choose the disc on which you want to install it.
5. After Boot Camp is configured, your Mac will need to be restarted.
6. You will then be redirected to the Windows setup screen.
7. Installing the Windows version of your choice requires following the steps.
8. After the installation is finished, your computer will restart. During this process, press and hold the “Option” key to bring up the “Startup Manager.”
9. You will see all of the drives from which your Mac may boot when you release the “Option” key.
10. Click “Return” after selecting “Boot Camp.”
11. Windows will now load on your Mac.
12. Locate and launch your EXE file.

Run EXE Files on Mac by Remote Desktop

With the help of this free utility, you may fully use your Windows programs on your Mac, something that many other tools cannot achieve. Is that very convenient? Although using Remote Desktop requires both a Mac and a PC, it’s still an excellent program that should be commended. This is how you apply it:

Step 1: Get Your PC Ready

1. Launch the Start menu, choose “System,” then “Remote Desktop,” and finally “Settings.”
2. Activate “Enable Remote Desktop” and choose “Confirm.”
3. Write down the name of your PC underneath “How to connect to this PC” while you’re still on the “Remote Desktop” option.
4. Navigate to “Network & Internet” after selecting “Settings”.
5. After selecting the network you are currently connected to, click “Wi-Fi.” The network connection properties screen will appear as a result. Your “IPv4 address” is located at the bottom of the page. Record it.
6. Take up your Mac, launch the Mac App Store, and type “Microsoft Remote Desktop” into the search bar.
7. Acquire and set it up.
8. On your Mac, open Remote Desktop.
9. Press the “Add Desktop” button.
10. It will open in a conversation box. Provide the name of the computer you wrote down; if that doesn’t work, provide the IP address.
11. Select “Save”.
12. Make sure your PC is connected to the same network as your Mac, and keep it powered on.
13. Your PC will now appear under “Saved Desktops” in Remote Desktop.
14. To connect, double-click on it.
15. It will ask you to enter your password and username.
16. Press “OK”.
17. A security alert will appear. Please disregard this warning since you are on a private network and click “Continue.”
18. The last step is that. With Remote Desktop, you can now see and operate Windows on your Mac.

Also Read: How to Use Bing AI on Mac – Unlocking Efficiency

Final Words

And there you have it, then. It is no longer possible to run your EXE files on your Mac. You can do the task in a couple of minutes if you have the necessary equipment. Because they let you do more with your Mac than what it was designed to accomplish, these tools increase its versatility beyond what Apple had planned and expected. You may achieve a final objective that was previously unachievable. For you, it is the power of a Mac.