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Run Windows programs on macOS without buying Windows
Not every Windows application has a macOS counterpart. You can, however, run many Windows programs on a Mac with a free emulator such as PlayOnMac — and you don’t need to purchase a Windows license to do so. If you’re on a Linux machine, the equivalent tool to try is PlayOnLinux.
Suggested emulator options
- KOPlayer (Mac) — free option worth checking
- PlayOnMac — designed specifically for macOS users
- PlayOnLinux — recommended for Linux systems
How to find apps that will work
One of PlayOnMac’s strengths is its broad compatibility with numerous Windows titles and utilities, from games like Alan Wake to productivity suites such as Microsoft Office 2016. The emulator includes a searchable database so you can quickly verify whether the program you want is supported before attempting installation.
Safety, usability, and antivirus warnings
PlayOnMac aims to be an easy, all-in-one way to run Windows games and office software on a Mac. Some antivirus engines may mistakenly flag the emulator’s executable files as malicious; if that happens, treat it as a likely false positive and notify your antivirus vendor. The application itself is generally considered safe to install and use.
Technical
- Mac
- German
- English
- Spanish
- Free
