How to Play Games Windows on Apple macOS

Did You Buy an Apple Laptop and Discover It’s Only Good for Browsing, Word, and Excel? 😧 Don’t Worry, Here’s the Solution to Play Windows Games on macOS!

If you’ve recently purchased a MacBook or an Apple computer and realized that it’s mainly useful for browsing, working on Word or Excel, don’t worry—you’re not out of options! Just as you can play Android games on Windows, there’s also a solution to play Windows games on macOS.

How to run Windows games on Apple Mac computers?: Available Solutions

Age of Empires is one of the most renowned classic strategy games worldwide, captivating players with its deep strategic challenges and smart planning. However, when some players transitioned to using the macOS , they encountered the obstacle of no official support for the game on Mac devices. Alternatively, you can use the same method for any other game to play Windows games on Apple computers.

Fortunately, there’s no need to worry, as there are several solutions available that allow you to run the game and enjoy a smooth experience on a Mac. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods to install and play *Age of Empires* or Windows Games on **macOS**, ensuring you can return to your favorite battles and strategies without any hassle.

Basic Requirements for Running Windows Games on Apple Mac Computers

Before getting started, it’s important to know the basic requirements for running Windows games on Apple Mac computers. Make sure you have the following:

• An Apple Mac computer or laptop running the latest version of macOS.
• Windows OS ISO 
• A copy of the game, such as Age of Empires, or any other game you wish to play.
• A Wi-Fi internet connection to download the necessary software.
• Sufficient disk space on your device.

Available ways to play Windows games on Apple Mac computers macOS

1. Use Parallels Desktop

If you want to run Windows-exclusive games on your Mac, Parallels Desktop is one of the best available solutions. It provides a smooth and efficient way to run Windows applications and games on macOS without the need to reboot or use complicated tools.

How to Use Parallels Desktop to Play Windows-Exclusive Games on Mac

Steps to Install Parallels Desktop on Mac:

1.Visit the official Parallels Desktop website: 

Go to the official Parallels website online. You can choose “Try for Free” to test the software before purchasing, or subscribe directly to get the full version.

2. Download the installation file:

After selecting the version you want, download the installation file with the (.dmg) extension. Once the download is complete, open the file to begin the installation process.

3. Install Parallels Desktop:

Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. You will need to enter your Mac’s admin password when prompted to confirm the installation.

4. Create a new virtual machine:

Once you launch Parallels Desktop for the first time, you will be guided to create a new virtual machine. Select the “Install Windows” option from the available choices.

5. Download a Windows version:

You have two options here. You can either download a version of Windows directly through Parallels or use an existing ISO file. After making your choice, follow the instructions to complete the installation of the Windows operating system.

• Follow the instructions to install Windows, and you may need an activation key.
• After installation, open Windows within Parallels and search for any game, such as Age of Empires in the Microsoft Store or through a Steam account.
• Download and install the game as you would on a regular Windows machine.

Why is Parallels Desktop the best for running Windows games on Mac?

1. High performance: Parallels provides a complete and seamless gaming experience without lag or rollback in performance.
2. Ease of use: The software lets you switch between macOS and Windows quite easily, making it an ideal choice for gamers.
3. Integration with macOS: The software allows you to use your favorite apps on both operating systems without having to restart.
4. By following these steps, you can enjoy playing Windows games on your Mac with ease and efficiency.

2.Using CrossOver Emulator to Run Windows on Mac

If you're looking for a way to run Windows games on a Mac without the complexity of Boot Camp or the high cost of Parallels Desktop, CrossOver is an ideal solution. It combines ease of use with no need to partition your hard drive, although it may face some compatibility issues with certain applications.

Guide to Installing CrossOver for Running Games and Steam on Mac

1. Visit the CrossOver website:

Start by going to the official CrossOver website. You’ll find the option to "Try for Free" if you want to test the software before purchasing, or you can buy a subscription directly to get the full version.

2. Download the installation file:

After selecting the version you want, download the installation file in (.dmg) format. Open the file once the download is complete.

3. Install CrossOver:

Drag the CrossOver icon to your Applications folder. After that, open the application and get ready to install the necessary apps.

4. Install Steam on CrossOver:

Within the CrossOver interface, select the "Install a Windows Application" option. Then, search for **Steam** in the list of available applications. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

5. Launch Steam: 

Once Steam is installed, open the app and log in to your personal account to access your game library.

6. Download any game:

After logging into Steam, use the search feature to find **Age of Empires**. Click the download button to start installing the game on your device.

7. Run the game from your Steam library:

Once the download and installation are complete, go to your Steam game library and launch **Age of Empires** directly from there.

Run your Windows® app on MacOS and Linux

Advantages of using CrossOver

• No need to partition the hard drive: Unlike Boot Camp, CrossOver doesn't require separate space for Windows.
• Ease of use: Installing games and applications is as easily as possible as you find in a Windows environment.
• Free trial: Try CrossOver for free before making a purchase decision.

While CrossOver is a suitable solution for running Windows apps and games on Macs, you may encounter some compatibility issues with some games or software. Therefore, it is always preferable to make sure that the games you wish to play are supported by the software.

With CrossOver, you can enjoy a premium gaming experience on your Mac without having to complicate settings or install additional operating systems.

3. Use Boot Camp to install Windows on Mac

Boot Camp is the most complex option when you want to run Windows on a Mac, but it provides a complete operating system experience, allowing you to use apps and games designed specifically for Windows.

Steps to install Boot Camp

1. Open  Boot Camp Assistant: Start by opening Boot Camp Assistant by going to the Applications folder > utilities. This app will help you set up the installation process.
2. Storage space processing: Make sure you have enough storage space on your hard drive. A minimum of 64GB is recommended, but it is best to provide 100GB to ensure enough space to install Windows, games and other applications.
3. Download the ISO file for Windows: If you do not have a Windows ISO, you can download the ISO file from the official website of Microsoft. Make sure you choose the right version for your device.
4. Partition the hard drive: Follow the on-screen instructions to partition the hard drive. You'll need to select the space allocated for Windows, where Boot Camp creates a special partition for it.
5. Install Windows:After the disk is partitioned, the device will reboot. Follow the Windows installation instructions and choose the BOOTCAMP partition as the destination for installation.
6.  Install the drivers: After the Windows installation process is complete, Boot Camp will automatically install the necessary drivers to ensure that all components of your device run smoothly.
7. Run Windows:At startup, press and hold the Option key to select the system you want to run, whether it's macOS or Windows.
8. Download and install Age of Empires: Once Windows is running, you can open Steam or the Microsoft Store and download Age of Empires. Follow the instructions to install the game on Windows.

Advantages of using Boot Camp

• Full Windows experience: Boot Camp allows you to run Windows in full, which means you can take advantage of the system’s performance and all compatible applications.
• Game compatibility: Allows you to run games that require the Windows environment, opening up a wide range of gaming options for you.

Tips

1. Make sure to back up your important data before starting the installation process, as partitioning the disk can lead to data loss if the necessary precautions are not taken.
2. Check the system requirements for both macOS and Windows to avoid any performance issues.
3. Using Boot Camp, you can enjoy the Windows experience on your Mac effectively, giving you the ability to run a wide range of applications and games that may not be available on macOS.

Tips for Enhancing Your Gaming Experience with Windows Games on Mac

If you want to achieve a smooth gaming experience when running Windows-exclusive games like Age of Empires on your Mac, following certain steps and settings can help improve performance and ensure full enjoyment of the game. Here is a comprehensive guide with essential tips:

1. Regularly Update Parallels Desktop, CrossOver, or Boot Camp

It’s essential to update the software you use to run games, whether it’s Parallels Desktop, CrossOver, or Boot Camp. These updates ensure performance optimization and compatibility with the latest game versions, including Age of Empires, and help fix any issues that may arise with macOS or Windows updates.

2. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

To achieve better performance without freezing or lagging issues, you should adjust the graphics settings within Age of Empires according to your Mac's capabilities. If you're using a Mac with moderate specifications, you may need to lower the graphics quality to increase performance speed and ensure smoother gameplay.

3. Create Backups of Your Data and Games

It is always recommended to create periodic backups of your data and games. In case of emergencies, such as system crashes or data loss, you will be able to quickly restore everything, saving you from having to redownload games or losing your progress.

4. Options for Running Windows-Exclusive Games on Mac

While running Windows-exclusive games like Age of Empires on Mac may seem complex, available solutions like Parallels Desktop, CrossOver, and Boot Camp simplify this process and make it feasible and smooth.

5. Choose the Best Solution

Each of Parallels Desktop, CrossOver, and Boot Camp offers a different solution based on your technical needs. Parallels Desktop is ideal for users seeking a seamless and user-friendly experience, while Boot Camp is the best choice for those who want to fully utilize their Mac's power to run games.

By choosing the method that suits you and applying the tips mentioned, you can enjoy playing Age of Empires and other popular Windows games on your Mac, ensuring strong performance and a trouble-free experience.

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