Play games for Windows on Mac – It works!
People buy a Mac for a variety of reasons. These include the user-friendly macOS operating system, the attractive design, the reliability and durability of the devices, the specialized software ecosystem and the good customer support from Apple. Individual needs, preferences and financial possibilities play a role in the decision. But you certainly don’t buy a Mac to be able to gamble with it. Nevertheless, many Mac users would like to play a round without having to buy an additional Windows PC.
Mac users know that the choice of games for macOS is often limited compared to Windows. Many developers prefer to develop their games for Windows first or exclusively because the Windows user base is larger.
“In May 2023, Microsoft’s Windows operating system held about 62 percent market share of global page views. Apple’s macOS achieved a share of about 19 percent in the same month, while Linux operating systems accounted for 2.7 percent.”
But what if you have a Mac and still want access to the wide range of Windows games? In our article, we will show you possible solutions to still play Windows games on your Mac.
Play games for Windows on Mac – It works!
People buy a Mac for a variety of reasons. These include the user-friendly macOS operating system, the attractive design, the reliability and durability of the devices, the specialized software ecosystem and the good customer support from Apple. Individual needs, preferences and financial possibilities play a role in the decision. But you certainly don’t buy a Mac to be able to gamble with it. Nevertheless, many Mac users would like to play a round without having to buy an additional Windows PC.
Mac users know that the choice of games for macOS is often limited compared to Windows. Many developers prefer to develop their games for Windows first or exclusively because the Windows user base is larger.
“In May 2023, Microsoft’s Windows operating system held about 62 percent market share of global page views. Apple’s macOS achieved a share of about 19 percent in the same month, while Linux operating systems accounted for 2.7 percent.”
But what if you have a Mac and still want access to the wide range of Windows games? In our article, we will show you possible solutions to still play Windows games on your Mac.
Boot Camp: Windows on the Mac
Boot Camp: Windows on the Mac
Apple offers software called Boot Camp that Allows you to install Windows and macOS on the same computer and switch between the two operating systems. With Boot Camp, you can install Windows on a separate partition on your hard drive and then choose to boot macOS or Windows when you start your Mac. Installing Windows with Boot Camp can be a bit tricky and requires a valid Windows License. We’ve put together a guide on how to do this on your Mac:
Check Compatibility: First, you should make sure your Mac model is compatible with Boot Camp. Visit the Apple official website for supported models and operating system versions. Boot Camp definitely requires an Intel-based Mac!
Create Partition: Boot Camp creates a separate partition on your hard drive for you to install Windows on. This partition is separated from the macOS file system and allows independent installation and use of Windows.
Windows installation media: You need a Windows installation disc or ISO image to install Windows on your Mac. This installation medium can either be on a CD/DVD or a USB stick. (USB stick is recommended)
- Boot Camp Assistant: Open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac. This wizard will guide you through the installation process, helping you to create the Windows partition, choose the Windows installation media and make the necessary settings.
- Installing Windows: After creating the Windows partition and making the necessary settings, the Mac will restart and you will enter the Windows installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on the Boot Camp partition.
- Booting between macOS and Windows: After the successful installation, when you start your Mac you can choose whether you want to use macOS or Windows. To do this, hold down the Option (Alt) key while the Mac is booting and select the desired operating system.
Note: While using Windows through Boot Camp, some features and drivers may not work as seamlessly as they do on a traditional Windows PC. However, Apple provides Boot Camp Support Software that provides special drivers for the best possible compatibility with Mac hardware.
It’s recommended to do a full backup of your Mac system via Boot Camp before installing Windows and make sure you have enough space on your hard drive to store both macOS and Windows.
Apple offers software called Boot Camp that Allows you to install Windows and macOS on the same computer and switch between the two operating systems. With Boot Camp, you can install Windows on a separate partition on your hard drive and then choose to boot macOS or Windows when you start your Mac. Installing Windows with Boot Camp can be a bit tricky and requires a valid Windows License. We’ve put together a guide on how to do this on your Mac:
Check Compatibility: First, you should make sure your Mac model is compatible with Boot Camp. Visit the Apple official website for supported models and operating system versions. Boot Camp definitely requires an Intel-based Mac!
Create Partition: Boot Camp creates a separate partition on your hard drive for you to install Windows on. This partition is separated from the macOS file system and allows independent installation and use of Windows.
Windows installation media: You need a Windows installation disc or ISO image to install Windows on your Mac. This installation medium can either be on a CD/DVD or a USB stick. (USB stick is recommended)
- Boot Camp Assistant: Open Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac. This wizard will guide you through the installation process, helping you to create the Windows partition, choose the Windows installation media and make the necessary settings.
- Installing Windows: After creating the Windows partition and making the necessary settings, the Mac will restart and you will enter the Windows installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on the Boot Camp partition.
- Booting between macOS and Windows: After the successful installation, when you start your Mac you can choose whether you want to use macOS or Windows. To do this, hold down the Option (Alt) key while the Mac is booting and select the desired operating system.
Note: While using Windows through Boot Camp, some features and drivers may not work as seamlessly as they do on a traditional Windows PC. However, Apple provides Boot Camp Support Software that provides special drivers for the best possible compatibility with Mac hardware.
It’s recommended to do a full backup of your Mac system via Boot Camp before installing Windows and make sure you have enough space on your hard drive to store both macOS and Windows.
Virtualization: Windows within macOS
Virtualization: Windows within macOS
Another option is to use virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. These programs allow you to run Windows within macOS so you can play Windows games without having to restart your Mac. However, virtualization also has its disadvantages. Because Windows and the game run concurrently with macOS, your computer’s resources are shared, which can result in slower performance. Also, not every virtualization software can support all games, especially those that require a powerful graphics card. If you choose this option, proceed as follows:
- Select virtualization software: There are various virtualization software for the Mac, such as Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion or VirtualBox. These programs make it possible to create virtual machines and run various operating systems, including Windows, within macOS.
- Installing the virtualization software: Download and install the selected virtualization software on your Mac. These programs provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to create and manage virtual machines.
- Windows installation media: You will need Windows installation media such as an ISO file on an external disk (e.g. external SSD) or a Windows DVD to install Windows in the virtual machine.
Create a virtual machine: Open the virtualization software and create a new virtual machine. Select the desired operating system (in this case Windows) and configure the settings such as storage space, processor cores and allocated RAM.
Windows installation in the virtual machine: Start the virtual machine and then follow the instructions to install Windows inside the virtual environment. You need to select the Windows installation media (e.g. USB stick) and follow the installation process as you would on a traditional Windows PC.
Using the virtual machine: After successfully installing Windows, you can start the virtual machine and run Windows within macOS. The virtual machine appears in a separate window and allows you to use Windows applications and features as if you were working on a standalone Windows PC.
Another option is to use virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. These programs allow you to run Windows within macOS so you can play Windows games without having to restart your Mac. However, virtualization also has its disadvantages. Because Windows and the game run concurrently with macOS, your computer’s resources are shared, which can result in slower performance. Also, not every virtualization software can support all games, especially those that require a powerful graphics card. If you choose this option, proceed as follows:
- Select virtualization software: There are various virtualization software for the Mac, such as Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion or VirtualBox. These programs make it possible to create virtual machines and run various operating systems, including Windows, within macOS.
- Installing the virtualization software: Download and install the selected virtualization software on your Mac. These programs provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to create and manage virtual machines.
- Windows installation media: You will need Windows installation media such as an ISO file on an external disk (e.g. external SSD) or a Windows DVD to install Windows in the virtual machine.
Create a virtual machine: Open the virtualization software and create a new virtual machine. Select the desired operating system (in this case Windows) and configure the settings such as storage space, processor cores and allocated RAM.
Windows installation in the virtual machine: Start the virtual machine and then follow the instructions to install Windows inside the virtual environment. You need to select the Windows installation media (e.g. USB stick) and follow the installation process as you would on a traditional Windows PC.
Using the virtual machine: After successfully installing Windows, you can start the virtual machine and run Windows within macOS. The virtual machine appears in a separate window and allows you to use Windows applications and features as if you were working on a standalone Windows PC.
Cloud gaming: stream games
Cloud gaming: stream games
Cloud gaming allows users to stream games over the internet instead of installing them locally on their device. In terms of playing games that were actually developed for Windows but should run on the Mac, this is the simplest and, in my opinion, the best solution.
How cloud gaming works on macOS:
- Choose cloud gaming platform: There are various cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now, Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming ( formerly known as xCloud) and others. Here you simply choose a service that supports cloud gaming on macOS.
- Registration and Subscription: In most cases, you will need to register and subscribe to the cloud gaming service’s website. Depending on the service, there are different pricing models, including free and paid subscriptions.
- Internet connection: Cloud gaming requires a fast and stable internet connection as the games are streamed over the internet in real-time. A broadband connection with a recommended minimum bandwidth of 10 Mbps or higher is usually required. The lower the bandwidth that you can use at home, the more you should think about establishing a wired connection to your router, because you don’t have a buffer here and can’t do without a single Mbit. In addition, the latency (delay time) is also lowest here.
- Compatible Hardware: Because you’re using cloud gaming on macOS, you need a Mac computer that also meets the minimum requirements of the relevant cloud gaming service. This can affect the version of the operating system, the graphics card or other hardware components. You will find further information and information on this under the selected cloud gaming service.
- Download the app or use a web browser: Some cloud gaming services offer a special app for macOS that you need to install on your Mac. Other services allow playing directly through a supported web browser on macOS.
- Select and stream games: After you have signed up, you can choose from a large library of available games. The games run on powerful servers in the cloud and you get a video stream of the game on your Mac. Your input is sent to the servers and the game is displayed on your screen in real time. You can then control the game normally with a mouse, keyboard or a supported controller.
Cloud gaming allows users to stream games over the internet instead of installing them locally on their device. In terms of playing games that were actually developed for Windows but should run on the Mac, this is the simplest and, in my opinion, the best solution.
How cloud gaming works on macOS:
- Choose cloud gaming platform: There are various cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now, Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming ( formerly known as xCloud) and others. Here you simply choose a service that supports cloud gaming on macOS.
- Registration and Subscription: In most cases, you will need to register and subscribe to the cloud gaming service’s website. Depending on the service, there are different pricing models, including free and paid subscriptions.
- Internet connection: Cloud gaming requires a fast and stable internet connection as the games are streamed over the internet in real-time. A broadband connection with a recommended minimum bandwidth of 10 Mbps or higher is usually required. The lower the bandwidth that you can use at home, the more you should think about establishing a wired connection to your router, because you don’t have a buffer here and can’t do without a single Mbit. In addition, the latency (delay time) is also lowest here.
- Compatible Hardware: Because you’re using cloud gaming on macOS, you need a Mac computer that also meets the minimum requirements of the relevant cloud gaming service. This can affect the version of the operating system, the graphics card or other hardware components. You will find further information and information on this under the selected cloud gaming service.
- Download the app or use a web browser: Some cloud gaming services offer a special app for macOS that you need to install on your Mac. Other services allow playing directly through a supported web browser on macOS.
- Select and stream games: After you have signed up, you can choose from a large library of available games. The games run on powerful servers in the cloud and you get a video stream of the game on your Mac. Your input is sent to the servers and the game is displayed on your screen in real time. You can then control the game normally with a mouse, keyboard or a supported controller.
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