3 Ways to Run EXE Files on a Mac Computer

EXE files are executable files intended to run solely on the Windows operating system. They are utilized for either launching or installing applications on your computer. On Mac systems, the OS does not support EXE files; instead, it relies on the DMG format. If you're curious about running an .exe file on a Mac, here's what you need to know: The main idea is to create or install a Windows system on your Mac. This can be achieved using either macOS's built-in application or third-party software.

如何在Mac上运行EXE文件

To install a Windows system on a Mac, there are numerous approaches you can take. In this instance, we'll explore three of the most popular methods: using Boot Camp, installing Windows on a virtual machine, and creating a portable Windows system drive. Proceed with the guide below to learn how to run exe files on a Mac.

Method 1: Install Windows OS with Boot Camp

Boot Camp 是一款配备在Mac上的实用工具，可让你在Windows和macOS之间切换。下载一份Windows 10的副本，然后让Boot Camp助手指导你完成在Mac电脑上安装软件的步骤。在开始之前，请注意Boot Camp至少需要64 GB的可用磁盘空间才能进行安装。以下是你可以遵循的步骤。

Step 1. Download the installation file

Download the Windows ISO file. Keep in mind that Boot Camp currently only supports Windows 8/8.1/10. Choose the appropriate version to download.

Step 2. Partition Mac Drives

Open the Boot Camp Assistant, which can be found in the Utilities folder within your Applications folder. When prompted to insert a USB drive, select one that is at least 8GB in size. This will be used to create a bootable USB drive for the Windows installation. Additionally, you'll need to set the partition size, which should be a minimum of 64GB.

< b > Step 3. Format the Windows Partition < /b >

The next step is to format the partition for the Windows system. When Boot Camp Assistant finishes, your Mac restarts to the Windows installer. Select the BOOTCAMP partition as the install destination, and click Format. In most cases, the installer selects and formats the BOOTCAMP partition automatically.

Step 4. Install Windows with Boot Camp

Then your Mac will start to install Windows. When the process is finished, you could see a "Welcome to the Boot Camp installer" window. Follow the on-screen wizard to install Boot Camp and Windows support software.

Method 2: Install the Windows Operating System Using a Virtual Machine

Another way to install Windows is by using VM (Virtual Machine) software. For this method, you'll need a valid Windows license. If you already have a product key, you can download and install Windows within a virtual machine program.

Parallels Desktop allows you to run Windows on a Mac without needing to restart. It enables you to smoothly transition and share content between Mac and Windows. The software is straightforward and simple to set up. If you want to learn how to run .exe files on a Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1. Windows installation

Install and open Parallels on your Mac. Go to File > New > Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file. Select Continue to install Windows from a bootable USB drive or a DVD. Then, enter the Windows product key.

Enter the necessary details and proceed, then give a name for the virtual machine. This will start the installation process. After it's installed, open Windows by clicking the Power button and selecting it from the list of Parallels Virtual Machines.

Step 2. Use the Parallels Desktop

Open Parallels Desktop from the Spotlight search. Click on 'Virtual Machine' and then select 'Configure' from the dropdown menu. Click on 'Options' and then click on 'Shared Folders.' Click on 'Add' and then choose the 'Select' option. This process will enable you to include a path from your Mac's desktop to the virtual machine.

Method 3. Creating a Portable Windows USB Drive for Mac

Aside from installing a Windows system on your Mac, there's a better and more convenient approach you can try, which is to create a portable Windows USB drive. This method doesn't require any free disk space on your Mac computer, so you won't have to worry about dual OS installation taking up your Mac's disk space.

This method requires third-party software, and we recommend using OS2Go tools. No complicated操作步骤 or advanced computer knowledge is needed. Through simple steps and clear guidance, you can create a portable Windows USB drive. Here's how to use OS2Go tools:

Step 1. Install OS2Go on your Windows computer. It will show the used space on your system drive. Insert a USB drive with a capacity larger than the used space on the system drive. Select the target USB drive and click Next to proceed.

Step 2. OS2Go will warn you that the following process will erase all data on your drive. Make sure you've backed up all important data. Click Continue to proceed.

Step 3. Adjust disk layout. The default disk layout on the target drive will be identical to the source drive. You can also customize the layout to suit your needs. Check the box provided if you're using an SSD as the Windows boot drive. Then, click Proceed.

Step 4. OS2Go will then begin creating the portable USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on your operating system and network conditions. Once the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable.

Step 5. Insert the portable Windows USB and start your Mac. Press the Option/Alt key. Select the yellow EFI Boot icon to boot from the USB drive. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to boot your Mac.

A portable Windows USB drive not only functions on Mac computers to run Windows-based applications but is also an ideal option for business professionals. Once you've created such a drive from your own computer, you can utilize it to boot any other computer with your personalized system. There's no need to concern yourself about the internet connection or the possibility of erasing others' computer data. We assure you that it doesn't require an internet connection and won't result in any data loss.

Conclusion

There are various methods to run an EXE file on a Mac. Regardless of whether you use Boot Camp, a Virtual Machine, or tools like OS2Go, the essential process typically involves installing the Windows operating system within your Mac computer. Once installed, you can launch the EXE file within the Windows operating system running on your Mac.