WinDockRun Windows apps on a Mac without Windows
Compatibility layers run Windows programs directly on macOS, without a Windows license or virtual machine. Here is how the main options compare.
| Price model | Ease of use | Mac App Store | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinDock EXE | Free trial + one-time purchase | Easy: add an EXE and run | Yes | Each program in its own Mac window and Dock icon; x86, x64 and ARM64 |
| CrossOver | Paid | Easy | No | Long-standing commercial product built on Wine |
| Wine | Free, open source | Technical | No | Command-line setup; the basis of most tools |
| Whisky | Free | — | No | Development stopped in 2025 |
Pricing and features change; check each vendor's website for current details. Information as of October 2026.
When a compatibility layer is the right choice
- You need one or two Windows programs, not the whole Windows desktop.
- You do not want to buy a Windows license or reserve tens of gigabytes for Windows.
- The program is a utility, office tool or classic application rather than a modern 3D game.
When to use a virtual machine instead
- The program needs drivers, services or Windows features that compatibility layers do not provide.
- You need internet access from the Windows program (WinDock EXE programs have no internet access).
- You want the highest compatibility. Use WinDock to run Windows 11.
Get started
Try WinDock EXE free for 7 days with the programs you need, or read how to run .exe files on a Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wine safe to use on a Mac?
Wine itself is a well-established open-source project. As with any Windows software, only run programs from trusted sources.
What happened to Whisky?
Its developer stopped active development in 2025. Existing versions may keep working but no longer receive updates.
WinDock EXE
WinDock EXE opens compatible Windows programs directly on macOS with a built-in compatibility engine. Add an EXE or MSI file, install it once and run it like a Mac app.