How to Run Mac Apps on Windows [3 Easy Ways]

Can I run Mac programs on Windows?

Mac apps are specifically designed for macOS, which isn't natively compatible with Windows. Why? The two operating systems use different architectures, file systems, and software frameworks. While macOS is optimized for Apple hardware, Windows works on various devices. These differences create challenges, but don't worry—there are ways to overcome them.

Running Mac apps on Windows, or running Windows apps on Mac, might seem impossible, but with the right tools and methods, it's surprisingly doable! Let's explore how to run Mac apps on Windows 11 & 10 and bring the best of macOS to your Windows machine.

How to run Mac apps on Windows easily

Many users install macOS applications on their Windows PCs for various reasons, and doing so comes without any penalties or repercussions. If this is something you're interested in, here are some methods you can explore.

Way 1. AnyViewer - Best free remote desktop software

If you have both a Mac and a Windows PC, AnyViewer makes it incredibly simple to run Mac apps on your Windows device. This free remote desktop software allows you to connect to your Mac from your Windows computer seamlessly, giving you full access to macOS applications without needing to install them directly on Windows. This is especially handy if you want to run a Mac-exclusive application without leaving your Windows environment.

Benefits of using AnyViewer:

• Cross-platform compatibility: Perfectly bridges macOS and Windows environments.
• High performance: Ensures smooth operation with minimal latency.
• Security first: Features advanced encryption to keep your data safe during remote sessions.
• User-friendly interface: Simple setup process, even for beginners.

With AnyViewer, you can harness the power of your Mac while working on a Windows PC, making it the best solution for anyone needing to run Mac apps effortlessly. Here's how to run Mac apps on Windows without virtual machine:

Step 1. Get AnyViewer on both your Mac and Windows.

Step 2. Create an account on Windows and log in. Use the same account to log in on your Mac.

Step 3. On Windows, go to the “Device” tab, select your Mac, and click “One-click control”.

Step 4. You can now control your Mac from your Windows PC.

★Tips: Upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise account offers several benefits, including:

Add more users for unattended remote access.

Control unlimited Mac from your Windows computers simultaneously.

Connect to remote devices in privacy mode.

Create device groups for easier management of large numbers of devices.

Set roles and permissions to control user access.

Way 2. Run Mac apps on a virtual machine

Another option for running macOS applications on your Windows device is using virtual machines. With software like VirtualBox or VMware, you can create a virtual computer within your PC. These programs allow you to install and run Mac software on Windows, offering a secure and effective solution.

However, this method requires technical know-how. You'll need to follow specific steps, such as downloading a macOS image file, setting up the virtual machine, and adjusting certain system settings on your PC. Once everything is set up, you won't need to make further changes, and you'll have full access to the macOS environment. This means you can download any apps you want from the App Store.

To implement this method, you'll need a high-performance Windows device, as virtual machines demand significant system resources, particularly RAM and processing power. Here's what you'll require to begin:

• A Virtualization Tool: VirtualBox by Oracle Corporation is a top choice for open-source virtualization. Visit the VirtualBox website to download the latest version.
• A macOS Installer: Obtain a supported macOS version of your choice. Ensure your PC has ample storage, as macOS files are typically large.

After installing VirtualBox and acquiring the macOS file, you can set up a Mac environment on your Windows system using these steps:

Step 1. Download and install VirtualBox along with its Extension Pack for Windows (both are free).

Step 2. Open VirtualBox and click the New button to create a virtual machine.

Step 3. Name the virtual machine, select a destination folder, and set the system type to Mac OS X and version to Mac OS X 64-bit. Follow the prompts to configure the virtual machine. Allocate at least 35GB of storage for macOS Monterey.

Step 4. Assign some of your system's RAM to the virtual machine, ensuring at least 4GB for optimal performance.

Step 5. Select the macOS hard disk file you downloaded earlier and click Create to finalize the setup.

Step 6. Highlight your new virtual machine in VirtualBox, go to Settings, and adjust the configuration:

• System Settings > Motherboard tab: Uncheck Floppy from the boot order and set the chipset to ICH9.
• System Settings > Processor tab: Allocate at least two processors and enable PAE/NX.

• Display Settings: Allocate 128MB to Video Memory.

• Storage Settings: Attach your macOS optical disk under Optical Drives.

• USB Settings: Enable USB 3.0.

Step 7. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and navigate to the VirtualBox installation directory. For example:

• cd "C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\"

Step 8. Run the following commands, replacing “virtual machine name” with the name of your macOS virtual machine:

• VBoxManage.exe modifyvm "virtual machine name" --cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff
• VBoxManage setextradata "virtual machine name" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemProduct" "iMac11,3"
• VBoxManage setextradata "virtual machine name" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiSystemVersion" "1.0"
• VBoxManage setextradata "virtual machine name" "VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/Config/DmiBoardProduct" "Iloveapple"
• VBoxManage setextradata "virtual machine name" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/DeviceKey" "ourhardworkbythesewordsguardedpleasedontsteal(c)AppleComputerInc"
• VBoxManage setextradata "virtual machine name" "VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC" 1

Step 9. After running the commands, return to VirtualBox, select your macOS virtual machine, and click Start.

Step 10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the macOS installation.

Step 11. Once the setup is complete, your virtual machine will run macOS Monterey, enabling you to install and use macOS applications directly from your Windows system.

Way 3. MacinCloud: Run Mac apps on Windows with a cloud-based service

Using a macOS virtual machine to access Apple apps isn't practical for everyone. While 4GB of RAM is the minimum requirement, it can lead to poor performance, especially on older computers that struggle with the demands of virtualization.

An alternative is to use a cloud-based macOS environment like MacinCloud. These services are primarily designed for macOS and Apple app development but can also be used to run specific apps. However, this comes with drawbacks, including subscription costs, potential latency issues, and the upfront expense of setting up the service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring how to run Mac apps on Windows can be useful. Whether you choose AnyViewer for seamless remote access, a virtual machine for full macOS emulation, or a cloud-based service like MacinCloud, each method offers distinct advantages depending on your needs. AnyViewer stands out for its ease of use and robust performance, making it the best choice for most users. With these solutions, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, bringing macOS functionality to your Windows device effortlessly.