How to Open Exe File on Mac | Full Guide

Are you wondering how to open EXE files on Mac in multiple ways? This article will cover efficient methods to fix damaged EXE files using different tools. Read until the end to get the information you need.

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Are you experiencing a similar situation where opening EXE files on a Mac has become confusing? Worry no more! With the proper tools and approaches, EXE files can be easily accessed and executed on macOS. Wondering how to open EXE files on Mac?

"How to open exe file on Mac? I have Outlook on a Mac and need to open an EXE file. Do I need to use Boot Camp and reboot every time while opening an EXE File on Mac?"—Report from Apple Community

This detailed article will look at multiple ways to open EXE files depending on user preferences and technological needs. Let's delve into further details!

1. Open EXE File on Mac with Winebottler

WineBottler converts Windows API calls into macOS-compatible POSIX calls to execute Windows EXE files on Mac. Mac users may find it beneficial for occasional Windows program demands. This open-source tool is the perfect option to open Windows EXE files on Mac. Let's find out how to open EXE files on Mac M1:

Step 1. Download the macOS-compatible WineBottler from the website.

Step 2. Double-click the downloaded file to begin installation. Drag Wine and WineBottler into Applications. Wait a few minutes for installation.

drag wine bottler into applications

Step 3. Use "Finder" to find the Windows EXE file you wish to launch on Mac.

Step 4. Right-clicking the EXE file opens a drop-down menu. Choose "Open With" and "Wine."

open with wine

Step 5. After choosing Wine, a pop-up box will ask how to execute the file. Select "Run directly in [address]" and click "Go."

Step 6. The specified EXE file should load in WineBottler. Depending on file size and complexity, loading may take time. That's how to open EXE files on Mac via Winebottler!

2. Extract EXE Files on Mac Using Boot Camp

Wondering how to open EXE files on MacOS Sonoma? Boot Camp lets you install Windows alongside macOS for an authentic Windows experience on your Mac. Follow the steps to install Windows EXE files on Mac and set up Boot Camp.

Note: Boot Camp is not supported on Macs with M1, M1 Pro, or M1 Max CPUs, so make sure your Mac has an Intel processor.

Step 1. Before installing "Boot Camp," back up any vital Mac files and data to avoid loss during partitioning and installation.

Step 2. Launch "Boot Camp Assistant" from the "Launchpad" in the "Other" section on your Mac.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a Windows partition on your Mac's hard drive and click "Install." 

create partition for windows

Step 5. Install Windows on the freshly formed partition by inserting Windows installation media or a disk image file and following the instructions. A valid Windows license key is needed for activation.

Step 6. Macs restart into Windows setup after installation. Customize Windows settings and finish setup using the on-screen directions.

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3. Run EXE Files on Mac Using Parallel Desktop

Parallels Desktop provides a virtual machine option for running.exe files on a Mac without interruption. One of the advantages of this method is you don't need to partition the disk. Follow these steps to install and utilize Parallels Desktop for this purpose.

Step 1. Download the current "Parallel Desktop" version from the official website and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Step 2. In Parallels Desktop, install the "Mac-compatible Windows" version. Choose "disk or ISO file installation" and follow the instructions to finish.

install windows on mac

Step 3. After Windows installs, launch it from "Launchpad" or the "search bar."

Step 4. Parallels Desktop can let you install Windows. Select the Windows version-specific installation method and enter the license key when requested.

Step 5. Answer any more Parallels Desktop questions about your Mac's.exe file usage. After entering your details, let Parallels Desktop finish setting up, which takes around 20 minutes.

4. Open EXE Files on Mac by Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop is an effective way to access Mac .exe files. However, you'll need both a Windows PC and a Mac to utilize this method. Follow these steps to configure and utilize Remote Desktop to open EXE files:

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop on your PC. Please confirm the remote connection.

remote desktop

Step 2. Write down your PC's "IPv4 address and name."

Step 3. Mac users may install "Microsoft Remote Desktop" from the App Store.

install Microsoft remote desktop

Step 4. Enter your PC's IPv4 address or name into Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac to connect. Complete setup and connect to your PC from your Mac by following the on-screen directions.

Bonus Tips: How to Repair Corrupted EXE Files

Users may seek aid from specialist software such as EaseUS Fixo File Repair when EXE files become damaged and cease to work correctly. This utility is intended to repair damaged EXE files, restoring their functionality swiftly.

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Other than repairing corrupted files on Mac, this robust file repair software for Mac can also fix corrupted RAR files and Zip files and solve many compressed file errors. Here are some common cases: 

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FAQs on Open EXE File on Mac

Below are some user-related queries about how to open an exe file on Mac:

1. Can I run an EXE file on a Mac?

Yes, Mac can run EXE files using Winebottler, Parallels Desktop, or Boot Camp, which emulate Windows.

2. How do I run an EXE file on my Mac without Windows?

If you don't have Windows installed on your Mac, you can still execute EXE files by using an emulation tool like Winebottler. This will allow you to access specific Windows apps from inside macOS.

3. How do I unzip an EXE file on a Mac?

EXE files are not often utilized for compression. If you find an EXE file that must be unzipped, it might be a self-extracting archive. Simply double-click it to extract the contents.

Conclusion

How to open exe file on mac? Macs can open EXE files via compatibility layers, virtualization software, or remote desktop apps. Users may pick the best approach depending on their interests and requirements since each has pros and cons. Mac users can access and use EXE files regardless of the method, improving flexibility and efficiency.

Moreover, trustworthy repair solutions like EaseUS Fixo File Repair are recommended for corrupted EXE files. Its powerful capabilities recover corrupted files smoothly, guaranteeing consistent workflow.

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About the Author

author Finley

Finley

Finley is interested in reading and writing articles about technical knowledge. Her articles mainly focus on file repair and data recovery.

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