Run Windows On Mac: Top 5 Emulators For 2025
7 min. read 
Published on
Running Windows applications on your Mac doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right emulator, you can seamlessly access your favorite Windows-only software and games without needing a separate PC. This article explores the best Windows emulators for Mac in 2025, ensuring you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re a gamer, developer, or simply need access to specific Windows applications, these emulators provide a reliable and efficient way to bridge the gap between macOS and Windows. Let’s dive into the top choices.
What Are The Best Windows Emulators for Mac?
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is a leading virtualization solution for Mac, known for its ease of use and robust performance. It allows you to run Windows and macOS side-by-side without rebooting, offering a seamless experience for switching between operating systems. Whether you need to run Windows-specific software, develop cross-platform applications, or play Windows games, Parallels Desktop provides a powerful and efficient solution. It also integrates well with macOS features, allowing you to copy and paste files, share folders, and even use Windows applications directly from your Mac’s Dock.
Parallels Desktop is particularly useful for professionals who need to use Windows applications for work but prefer the macOS environment for personal use. Its ability to run resource-intensive applications smoothly makes it a top choice for demanding tasks. The latest versions also support the newest macOS features and hardware, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
Key Features:
- Run Windows and macOS side-by-side
- Seamless integration with macOS
- Optimized for performance and speed
- Supports a wide range of Windows applications
Pricing: 99.99
VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion is another popular virtualization software that allows you to run Windows on your Mac. It’s known for its advanced features and flexibility, making it a great choice for both personal and professional use. VMware Fusion offers a range of capabilities, including the ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously, create virtual networks, and even connect to VMware vSphere for enterprise-level virtualization.
VMware Fusion is particularly well-suited for developers and IT professionals who need to test software on different operating systems or create isolated environments for security purposes. Its robust features and extensive customization options make it a powerful tool for managing virtual machines. The software also supports a variety of guest operating systems, including Linux and other versions of Windows, providing a comprehensive virtualization solution.
Key Features:
- Run multiple operating systems simultaneously
- Advanced networking capabilities
- Supports a wide range of guest operating systems
- Ideal for developers and IT professionals
Pricing: 149
CrossOver
CrossOver takes a different approach to running Windows applications on Mac. Instead of using a full virtual machine, CrossOver translates Windows system calls into macOS system calls, allowing you to run Windows applications natively without needing a Windows license. This approach can result in better performance and lower resource usage compared to traditional virtualization.
CrossOver is particularly appealing to users who only need to run a few specific Windows applications and don’t want the overhead of a full Windows installation. It supports a wide range of applications, including games, productivity tools, and utilities. However, compatibility can vary depending on the application, so it’s important to check the CrossOver compatibility database before purchasing.
Key Features:
- Run Windows applications natively on Mac
- No Windows license required
- Lower resource usage compared to virtualization
- Wide range of supported applications
Pricing: 74
VirtualBox
VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows you to run Windows on your Mac. It’s a popular choice for users who need a cost-effective virtualization solution without sacrificing too much performance. VirtualBox offers a range of features, including the ability to create and manage virtual machines, install guest operating systems, and configure virtual networks.
VirtualBox is particularly useful for users who need to run Windows for specific tasks, such as testing software or accessing legacy applications. While it may not offer the same level of performance or integration as paid virtualization solutions, it provides a reliable and functional way to run Windows on Mac. Its open-source nature also means that it benefits from a large and active community of users and developers.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Create and manage virtual machines
- Supports a variety of guest operating systems
- Cost-effective virtualization solution
Pricing: Free
Boot Camp Assistant
Boot Camp Assistant is a utility built into macOS that allows you to install Windows on a separate partition on your Mac’s hard drive. This approach provides the best possible performance for running Windows, as it allows Windows to run natively on your Mac’s hardware without any virtualization overhead. However, it requires you to reboot your Mac to switch between macOS and Windows.
Boot Camp Assistant is ideal for users who need to run demanding Windows applications or games and want the best possible performance. It also allows you to take full advantage of your Mac’s hardware resources, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience. However, it requires you to allocate a significant amount of disk space for the Windows partition, and switching between operating systems can be inconvenient.
Key Features:
- Run Windows natively on Mac
- Best possible performance
- Full access to Mac’s hardware resources
- Requires rebooting to switch operating systems
Pricing: Free (Requires Windows License)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Parallels Desktop | VMware Fusion | CrossOver | VirtualBox | Boot Camp Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtualization | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Windows License | Required | Required | Not Required | Required | Required |
| Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Price | 99.99 | 149 | 74 | Free | Free (Windows Cost) |
Tips
- Check Compatibility: Before choosing an emulator, ensure that the Windows applications you need to run are compatible.
- Consider Performance: If you need to run demanding applications or games, consider Boot Camp Assistant or a high-performance virtualization solution like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate sufficient RAM and disk space to your virtual machine to ensure optimal performance.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your emulator and Windows installation to ensure compatibility and security.
- Explore Alternatives: If you only need to run a few specific Windows applications, consider using web-based alternatives or finding macOS equivalents.
Emulating Windows on Mac: A Summary
Choosing the right Windows emulator for your Mac depends on your specific needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize performance, ease of use, or cost-effectiveness, there’s an emulator that can meet your requirements.
FAQ
Can I run any Windows application on a Mac using an emulator?
While emulators strive for broad compatibility, some applications may not function perfectly due to hardware or software limitations. Check compatibility lists for each emulator.
Do I need a Windows license to use a Windows emulator?
Yes, most virtualization-based emulators like Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox require a valid Windows license. CrossOver is an exception, as it translates Windows system calls without needing a full Windows installation.
Is it safe to run Windows emulators on my Mac?
Yes, running Windows emulators is generally safe, but it’s important to keep your emulator and Windows installation updated with the latest security patches to protect against malware and vulnerabilities.
How much disk space do I need for a Windows emulator?
The amount of disk space you need depends on the emulator and the applications you plan to run. At a minimum, allocate at least 20-30 GB for the Windows installation and additional space for your applications and data.
Will running a Windows emulator slow down my Mac?
Running a Windows emulator can impact your Mac’s performance, especially if you’re running demanding applications or games. Choose an emulator that is optimized for performance and allocate sufficient RAM and CPU resources to the virtual machine.
Related reading
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more
Improve this guide
User forum
0 messages