Are you a Mac owner but sometimes feel like you want to switch it to Windows so that you will be finally able to use some of those exclusive Windows software & Apps?
If yes, then you are not alone. Many Mc owners out there have the same feeling. Not everyone can run out to buy a Windows laptop. It is why opting for emulators is a good idea.
What is an EMULATOR?
For all of you who don’t know, an EMULATOR is a software or hardware that lets your system act like a completely different one. In layman’s terms, you can run software & applications that are not even compatible with your device.
Thus, with an emulator on your MAC, you can finally access windows OS programs to run its exclusive software & other dedicated applications.
Today in this article, you will find the list of the 5 best windows emulators for Mac in 2024.
5 Best Windows Emulators For MAC in 2024
Although Mac is a high-end system, no one can deny the uniqueness & features Windows bring to the table. There are times when you need to get a job done, but your Mac OS is not the right choice.
Not everyone owns two different systems with different OS. At such times, having an emulator on your device can be a real life saver.
Thus, we bring you this list of the five most reliable Windows emulators for Mac. Some of these emulators are free while some come with annual charges, some can run only one OS while some can go for more than one, and so on.
Keep Reading to find the best one for your MAC.
1. Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is one of the most popular Windows emulators you can get for your Mac. You can use it to install almost any operating system out there.
It is effortless to set up and allows you quick sharing of files & other resources between your Windows & Mac. There is no need to reboot your system to get the work done.
One of the prime features of Parallels Desktop is that it gets yearly updates, making it compatible even with the latest macOS.
Also, it holds helpful file archiving features & drive cleanup tools that give a smooth sailing experience while you run Windows on your Mac.
Key Features:
- Works fast
- Come with an annual subscription of $79.99
- Reboot is not necessary to implement changes
- Touch Bar integration
- One-click tuning
- Capability to launch Windows software from the Dock
- Can view your resource usage
2. Boot Camp
One of the most dedicated tools to use Windows on your MAC is Boot Camp. It is Apple software and comes pre-installed on all Mac devices.
The best thing about this tool is that it lets you install both Mac and Windows on two separate partitions. The system will always prompt you to decide which one you want to access every time you turn on your device.
You can run all the windows applications, software, and games on your Mac simply by switching to Windows. The only disadvantage here is that you can not use both simultaneously. You will require to swap every time.
Another thing, the Boot Camp is free and is only compatible with Intel machines only. If you have Apple M1 Mac, it will not work.
Key Features:
- Come pre-installed on your Mac
- Dual-boot system
- Free
3. VMWare Fusion
VMWare Fusion is a virtual machine that allows you to run Windows on your Mac or vice-versa in full screen. You can easily make your Mac a PC and your PC a Mac.
With this one, you can run Windows software parallel to Mac apps, giving you a better experience and saving your time.
It holds a Unity mode that allows you to run Windows File Browser as an application in your Mac operating system. Also, it works well with the latest Mac OS.
Lastly, Fusion is not free. But if you want to ensure, that it is right for you, you can go for the 30 days, fully functional, free trial, and that too without any registration.
Key Features:
- Authorized per client
- Cost $149
- Free 30 days trial available
- Support OS other than Windows
4. Virtual Box
Virtual Box is a free, open-source Windows emulator that lets to form a virtual machine on your Mac. It allows you to use Windows-based apps & other software with ease.
You do not need to make specific alterations to your system to run Virtual Box. There is a paid version available providing better features & IT support.
Good hardware support ensures a better connection with peripheral devices. Furthermore, apart from Mac, you can use it on various operating systems like Windows, Linux, etc.
Key Features:
- Free
- Seamless mouse integration
- Distant access
- Shared clipboards
- Branching snapshots
- Shared folders
5. WINE
If you own a Mac OS as old as Catalina or even its previous ones, Wine is the ideal emulator for you.
It is open-source and allows you to run one or two Windows applications on your Mac without installing Windows OS.
With this emulator, you can experience all the latest Windows OS on your old Mac operating system.
The crucial thing to know is that Wine does not allow operating the complete Windows OS on your Mac as a virtual machine.
Key Features:
- Free
- Easy to use
- Not for the Mac OS after Catalina
- You do not require to install Windows
Summing Up
Emulators are one of the easiest & efficient ways for you to use different types of operating systems on one device. It declines the need to own more than one device.
You can work without any issues and enjoy different apps, games, & other software any time you feel like it.