2 Easiest Ways to Open Exe File on Mac (Free!)

Mac devices are known for their aesthetic designs, easy-to-use software, and intuitive interface. Despite extensive features and a large library, it often lacks basic features like opening and running exe files. But every problem has a solution, so there are! Our geek developers find out the way to open the exe files and this article explains in detail how to open exe files on Mac.

What is an exe File

Executable files, often simply known as Exe files, are the heart of the software. As humans cannot survive without the heart, so as same the software can’t run without Exe files. It contains programs that can be executed directly by the OS or by the Software application. The Exe helps operating software to read the code of Software .Exe can do anything you want as in the software.

It must be noted that exe files are compatible with operating systems like Windows and MS-DOS while incompatible with Mac devices. However, you can run these files indirectly on your Mac by using the methods discussed here.

Can I run a .EXE file on my Mac?

In today’s world, Apple has become a symbol of esteem, so everyone has Apple devices with them in terms of Mac or iPhone. But when you suddenly receive an exe file from your friends and clients, you may ask – Can Exe File run on Mac?

The straightforward answer is yes, but not directly as Mac doesn’t support exe files. To open an exe file on Mac, there are indirect solutions or emulators like using Parallel Desktop, using Bootcamp, and WineBottler. We are discussing the two best and free ways to do so.

How to Open Exe File on Mac Using WineBottler

WineBottler so far the best way to run the exe file on Mac. It is an open-source Windows-based application for Mac that allows Mac users to configure, download, and install incompatible apps on Mac devices. The best part is that it eliminates the need for emulators, virtualizers, or boot into other operating systems.

• Open the WineBottler website on your Mac by clicking here.
• On the screen, you can see the downloading sign or WineBottler 1.8.6 Stable, click on it.

• When you click, it shows a popup message “We show Ads to sponsor our software. After 5 seconds, just click Skip Ad in the top right and your download starts automatically”
• Click on the download button.
• Once the WineBottler file is downloaded on your Mac, click on the file.
• It leads you to the downloaded file with the icon of Wine and install the application.
• Now, go to the exe file that you want to open on your Mac device.
• Right-click over the exe file and select open with option.
• Once done, click on the Go, and it automatically opens the exe file on the Mac.

Also read: 2 Quick Methods to Import Canva to Google Slides

Run Exe File on Mac Using Boot Camp

Boot camp is another easy and convenient way of running an exe file on a Mac device. It is a powerful software that allows to installation of Windows for Mac devices that can easily be switched back and forth between Windows and Mac operating systems.

By running Windows 10 (or a compatible version), you can easily open exe file on Mac. This is often the less preferred method due to the fact that you need to restart your Mac. Follow the below-mentioned steps –

• Before starting this method, ensure that you have downloaded the latest version of Windows on your Mac. If not, first download the latest version from the Microsoft’s website.
• Next, go to the Mac search bar, search for “utilities”, and press the enter button.

• Under the utility section, look for the Boot Camp Assistant.app, and click on it.
• On the screen, you can read the instructions and warnings before booting the Mac.
• According to the instructions, click on the Continue button, and then the restart button to boot.
• Once you are done with this, it will restart your Mac.
• Next, you will be taken to the Windows installer screen.
• Now time to create a partition for Windows.
• By default, it partitioned your Mac in specific storage but you can make them equal by clicking on divide equally.
• At the bottom of the screen, click on the install button to get the Windows version on your Mac device.
• Once the installation is completed, your Mac will restart.
• While it restarting, press and keep hold the option key (adjacent to the command key)
• The Startup Manager will start showing on the screen and provide you with the drives you can boot your Mac from.
• You need to select the Boot Camp option.
• Then click on the Return button.
• Once done, the Mac will be now loaded to Windows.
• Now, go to the exe file on your Mac and open it.

Note – When you want to return to your Mac operating system, reboot your Mac again and hold the Option key. It opens the startup manager on the Mac. But this time select the Macintosh HD instead of Boot Camp.

Conclusion

There is no direct way to run exe files on Mac devices but thanks to our brilliant developers who make it possible though indirectly. In this article, we have outlined the 2 best ways how to open exe file on Mac. We have discussed two methods – without booting your Mac or by booting the Mac. You can use the method that is most convenient to you.