Windows Apps on Apple Silicon Macs

There are several reasons why you might need to run a Windows application on a Mac. Some software applications are only available for Windows or have versions with more features or better support on Windows. If you rely on a specific Windows-only application for work, education, or personal needs, running it on a Mac allows you to access its functionality without needing a separate Windows machine.

In some cases, you may have older Windows applications or proprietary software that are critical for your workflow, but they are not updated or supported on modern versions of Windows or macOS. By running them on a Mac, you can maintain access to these legacy applications without relying on outdated hardware or operating systems.

If you are a developer or tester working on software that needs to run on multiple platforms, including Windows, having the ability to run Windows applications on your Mac allows you to test and debug your software in its intended environment. It simplifies the development process and ensures that your software functions correctly on both Windows and macOS.

End of an Era

Boot Camp was a utility that allowed users to install and run Windows natively on Intel-based Macs, but it is not supported on Apple Silicon Macs. Apple Silicon Macs, which use Apple's new proprietary processors, have a different architecture compared to their older Intel-based siblings.

Boot Camp relied on the x86 architecture — which is used by Intel processors — to install Windows operating systems which are designed to run on x86 architecture, and they require specific drivers and software that are not currently available for Apple Silicon.

However, Apple has introduced an alternative solution called "Apple Silicon-compatible virtualization" that allows you to run Windows on a Mac. This approach involves running Windows inside a virtual machine.

Parallels Desktop

One such virtual machine is Parallels Desktop. Parallels Desktop has been updated and optimized for Apple silicon, which means it takes full advantage of the ARM-based architecture of the M1 or other Apple silicon chips. This optimization results in faster performance and better energy efficiency compared to running virtualization software through x86 emulation. This virtual machine offers other advantages to prior Macs that could run BootCamp:

Seamless Integration: Parallels Desktop provides excellent integration between macOS and Windows. You can run Windows applications directly from the macOS dock, drag and drop files between macOS and Windows, and even use features like shared clipboard and shared folders. This seamless integration enhances productivity and makes it easier to work with both operating systems.

Unified Experience: With Parallels Desktop, you can run Windows and macOS simultaneously, without the need to restart your computer or switch between operating systems. This allows for a unified experience where you can access and use Windows applications alongside macOS apps, making it convenient to work with different software without interruptions.

Support for Windows and Other Operating Systems: Parallels Desktop supports not only Windows but also a wide range of other operating systems that run on Intel x86 processors. You can run Linux distributions, older versions of macOS, or even other ARM-based operating systems in virtual machines. This flexibility is useful for developers, testers, or anyone who needs to work with different operating systems on their Apple Silicon Mac.

These advantages make Parallels Desktop a compelling option for running Windows or other operating systems on an Apple Silicon Mac. It combines native performance, seamless integration, and a unified experience, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both macOS and Windows simultaneously. Also if you purchase from this link, you'll get a discount on the purchase price of the software.

Or Skip the Windows License Entirely

However, running Windows on a virtual machine on MacOS, much like installing Windows with BootCamp, does require you to have a license for the version of Windows you want to run — this is not included in the purchase price of Parallels Desktop. There is another option that bypasses the need for an installation of Windows entirely, with the caveat that it may or may not work for a particular Windows app.

Crossover for Apple Silicon Macs utilizes a combination of technologies to enable running Windows applications on macOS:

Apple's Rosetta 2 translation technology plays a crucial role in running Windows applications on Apple Silicon Macs. Rosetta 2 is a binary translation tool that allows apps built for Intel-based Macs to run on Apple Silicon Macs. Crossover leverages Rosetta 2 to translate the x86 instructions of Windows applications, enabling them to execute on the ARM-based architecture of Apple Silicon.

Crossover is built upon Wine, an open-source compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on non-Windows operating systems like macOS and Linux. Crossover integrates Wine into its software, allowing it to handle the execution and compatibility of Windows applications on macOS making most installations of Windows apps a simple point and click affair.

CodeWeavers, the developer of Crossover, has made specific enhancements to Wine to optimize its performance and compatibility on Apple Silicon Macs. Crossover uses a concept called "bottles" to manage Windows applications.

A bottle is a self-contained environment that includes all the necessary components and settings for a specific Windows application to run. Each bottle that holds a Windows app can mimic a different version of Windows, meaning you could run both modern and vintage Windows apps together on the same machine, in the same running environment — something you likely wouldn’t be able to do on an actual Windows machine. All of this with no Windows licensing required!

Crossover integrates with the macOS user interface, providing a seamless experience for running Windows applications. It allows you to launch Windows applications from the macOS Applications folder or Launchpad, and it can create shortcuts or icons for Windows applications on your desktop or dock. This integration helps Windows applications feel like native macOS apps and provides a unified experience. If your applications will work with Crossover, it’s my first recommendation over a virtual machine like Parallels Desktop.

And just for disclosure's sake, yes, I do get a small spiff if you purchase either of these from my links above. But I don't hawk what I haven't used and actually recommend. Crossover has been my go-to for years even before Apple Silicon was a thing, with Parallels Desktop being the fallback when Crossover didn't fit the bill. Crossover has a pretty comprehensive compatibility matrix so you can know for certain about thousands of Windows apps before you buy; it's your first stop for checking if it should work for you!

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