Jun 27, 2008 Click on Start (Lower left hand corner blue globe) Then click on Programs, scroll down until you find Microsoft Office or Microsoft Word.
A: While it is possible to open most Windows documents on a Macintosh, Windows applications will not run natively on the Macintosh platform. This is because the programs are written for a specific operating system and processor type.
The operating system, whether it is Windows or macOS, uses a specific API, which is a set of instructions that programs can use while they are running. The problem is that Windows API functions are not recognized on a Macintosh. Furthermore, each application program must be compiled for a specific type of processor in order to run. The process of compiling the source code creates machine code that is recognized by the computer's processor.
Historically, the architecture (or design) of PC processors has been different from the architecture of Macintosh processors. Therefore, programs had to be specifically written and compiled for the correct processor. However, in 2006 Apple transitioned their entire line of Macintosh computers from PowerPCs to Intel processors, meaning they now use the same architecture as PCs. Windows programs will still not run natively on the Mac OS, but software like Apple Boot Camp and Parallels Desktop for Mac allow you to run Windows on an Intel-based Mac. This enables you to install and run Windows programs on your Mac, through the Windows interface.
Four options for running Windows programs on and Intel-based Mac:
| Parallels Desktop | VMware Fusion | Apple Boot Camp | CrossOver Mac |
Emulation on Older PowerPC-based Macs
The only way to run Windows programs on a PowerPC-based Macintosh is to use Windows emulation software. This software emulates a PC processor, which allows a native version of Windows, such as Windows XP, to run on older Macs. A popular Windows emulation program is Virtual PC.
Because Virtual PC is an only an emulator, you need to install the Windows operating system on top of the Virtual PC software in order to run Windows programs. Fortunately, Microsoft offers versions of Virtual PC that include Windows, such as Windows XP Professional or Home Edition.
Virtual PC has been around for many years and has evolved along with both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It was originally developed by Connectix, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2003. Microsoft continued development of Virtual PC and released new versions of the software for several years. However, now that Macs are shipping with Intel processors, Microsoft will not be developing new versions of Virtual PC.
Besides the fact you have to purchase emulation software and a Windows operating system license, there is another downside of running Windows programs using Virtual PC. Because the software is emulated, many programs run significantly slower than they would on a Windows machine. While basic programs such as text editors and Web browsers may run relatively well, processor-intensive programs such as graphics editors and 3D games may run too slowly to be usable.
Fortunately, Intel-based Macs do not require processor emulation, so Windows programs can run much faster through a virtualization program, like Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop, or VMware Fusion.
Updated: December 22, 2018
Moving from your PC to your new Mac? Consider it done.
With macOS, you can move all the information from your old PC to your new Mac. Built-in Windows-to-Mac migration in macOS automatically transfers your documents, music, contacts, calendars, and email accounts (Outlook and Windows Live Mail), and puts them in the appropriate folders and applications on your new Mac. Just like that.
Can Microsoft Programs Run On Mac Computer
If you buy your Mac at an Apple Store, Personal Setup can help you get off to a great start.
Work with anyone.
Every Mac comes with Pages, Numbers, and Keynote — powerful productivity apps from Apple that help you create stunning documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. You can collaborate with one person or many people to create and edit Pages, Keynote, and Numbers files. And everyone can work on the same document at the same time — from across town or across the globe. You can also open, edit, and save Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with these apps, so you can easily work with others, regardless of whether they’re on a Mac or PC.
Use Microsoft Office for Mac. Connect to Microsoft Exchange Server.
Run Windows On A Mac
Fun fact: There’s a version of Microsoft Office written just for Mac. So you can use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on a Mac just like on a PC.
macOS also provides built-in support for the latest version of Microsoft Exchange Server. So you can use all the apps you love on your Mac, and have access to your mail, contacts, and calendar from the office, all at the same time.
Access your files from anywhere with iCloud.
Microsoft Programs On Mac
Your Mac comes with iCloud Drive, which lets you safely store all your presentations, spreadsheets, PDFs, images, and any other kinds of files in iCloud. Then you can access them from any device, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC.1
Industry standard‑bearer.
Thanks to its support for industry standards, macOS works with virtually all email providers and websites. It also lets you view the most common file types, including Office documents, PDFs, images, text files, MP3s, videos, ZIP files, and more.
So if you’re moving files from a PC or if your friends and colleagues send you files, you can rest assured they’ll work beautifully on your Mac.
Relax. Your camera, printer, and mouse work, too.
Can Microsoft Programs Run On Mac Download
Almost any device that connects to a computer via USB, audio cable, or Bluetooth will work with a Mac. That includes digital cameras, external hard drives, printers, keyboards, speakers, and even your right-click mouse. And with technologies like AirPrint and the array of class drivers included with macOS, you can start using these devices as soon as you plug them in — no need to manually download additional software.
A Mac can even run Windows.
Have a Windows application you need to use once in a while? No problem. Every new Mac lets you install and run Windows at native speeds, using a built-in utility called Boot Camp.
Setup is simple and safe for your Mac files. After you’ve completed the installation, you can boot up your Mac using either macOS or Windows. (That’s why it’s called Boot Camp.) Or if you want to run Windows and Mac applications at the same time — without rebooting — you can install Windows using VMware or Parallels software.2
Connect to PCs over a network.
The Finder not only lets you browse files on your Mac, it also makes it easy to find files on other computers — both Mac and PC — on your home network. Computers that allow file sharing automatically show up in the Shared section of the Finder sidebar, allowing you to browse files and folders you have permission to view.
Works on macOS
Find Running Programs On Mac
- Microsoft Office for Mac and Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents created on a Mac or PC
- Windows using Boot Camp or third-party software
- Access to Microsoft Exchange Server in Mail, Contacts, and Calendar
- Virtually all email services and providers
Run Pc On Mac
- Popular file types such as PDF, JPG, ZIP, MP3, PSD, and more
- Digital cameras, printers, hard drives, mice, and keyboards with USB connections
- Wi‑Fi hotspots and Windows networks
- Text messaging with Skype, Facebook, WeChat, LINE, and more