August 7, 2020
Mac’s impressive library of apps gives you everything you need but let’s face it: Windows has a far larger library.
Haven’t you ever come across software native to Windows which endear themselves to you? However, since they all come with the EXE file extension, your Mac is incapable of running them. Well, there are workarounds to this problem and you’ll learn about them today.
It’s possible to securely open and run windows files on mac using mediums like boot camp, Remote Desktop, CrossOver, Virtual Machine and WINE, to mention the most prominent ones. And you don’t need to be an expert to do this. As long as you can follow simple instructions, you’re all set.
Can You Run an EXE File on a Mac?
Yes, you can. With how innovative and creative developers have become, it was only a matter of time before they devised a means to run EXE files on Mac, even though such files are incompatible with macOS.
What’s an EXE file, though? It’s a file extension that denotes an executable file format. Okay, but what’s an executable file? It’s any file capable of being executed as a program. to put it simply, it’s what makes the installation and running of software possible.
EXE files are used in a few operating systems, the most notable of them being Microsoft Windows. you can think of EXE files because the Windows version of APP files (APP files, if you’re unaware, are executable files under macOS).
Running EXE files on Mac is very possible but only through backdoor means, so to speak. you need an emulator (WINE is by far the most popular), or you install a virtual machine software on your macOS to enable you to load Windows VM, or make an extra partition on your disk where you can simultaneously have both macOS and Windows in your Mac.
Again, you have several options to choose from when attempting this. so many software out there can assist you open EXE files on Mac. you're advised to go with the Parallel Desktop.
Windows Installation
Open up your Mac’s Application folder and double-click on the “Parallels” icon (you have to do this to install Windows).
Click on “File.”
Click on “New.
Click on “Install Windows or another Operating system from DVD or image file.”
Click on “Continue.” you can easily install Windows either from a DVD or the more popular .iso disc image; or maybe a bootable USB drive.
You can even switch to the manual mode, locate the source for the Windows installation, and choose it via clicking on “Select a file…”
Click on “Continue”. you will be taken to a Windows product key window.
Leave the “Express installation” because it is, input the key and click “Continue.”
You will be asked to select how you wish to use Windows: Whether for productivity, games only, software development, design, etc. Once you’re done selecting, click on “Continue.”
Type in a name for the virtual machine and select the directory or location for the Parallels Desktop.
Click on “Continue” and the Windows installation will commence. All Intel-based Macs are compatible with both 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows: From Windows XP to Windows 10.
Once the installation concludes you can open up Windows by clicking on the “Power” button in the list of the Parallels Virtual Machine.
Using Parallels Desktop
The very first time Windows restarts, “Parallels Tools” will be installed. this will be what ultimately integrates your Mac with your Windows desktops. After the installation is done, you will be asked to restart Windows.
Open up your Parallels Desktop from “Spotlight.’
Click on “Virtual Machine.”
Select “Configure” in the drop-down menu which appears.
Click on “Options.”
Click on “Shared Folders.”
Click on “Add.”
Click on “Choose.” Doing this will add a location from your Mac’s desktop to the virtual machine. Simply put any EXE file in this location to enable Windows to access and install them