How to run Windows software on a Mac without Parallels

Business software, a trading platform, accounting tools or an old program that only exists on Windows: sooner or later, many Mac users need one. The usual answers are a virtual machine on the Mac (Parallels, VMware Fusion) or a second computer. There is a third, often simpler option: a Windows PC in the cloud that you open from your Mac like an app.

1. The options side by side

On recent Apple silicon Macs, a virtual machine runs the ARM version of Windows: most software works, but some older programs and drivers do not. A cloud PC runs classic Windows on an Intel processor, so that question does not arise.

2. Set up a cloud Windows PC

1. Order a Windows VPS. 4 GB is enough for office work and business software; choose 8 GB for comfortable use. See our cloud Windows PC page.
2. Install Windows App from the Mac App Store: Microsoft's free Remote Desktop app.
3. Add your PC: click +, then Add PC, and enter the IP address you received by email. On first launch, enter the username and password.
4. Install your software in the Windows session, as on any PC.

3. Settings that make it pleasant

• Full screen and resolution: in the PC's settings in Windows App, match your screen resolution and enable Retina optimisation.
• Shared folders: share a Mac folder (Downloads, for instance) to exchange files with the session.
• Clipboard: copy and paste of text and files works between the Mac and Windows.
• Keyboard: the Cmd key acts as the Windows key; you can adjust this in the app's preferences.

4. Limits to know

A cloud PC needs an Internet connection, and smoothness depends on your distance to the server, which is in Paris: from Europe it feels excellent. Our servers have no graphics card, so they are not suited to recent games, heavy video editing or 3D. Finally, close the window without signing out if you want your programs to keep running.

Frequently asked questions