EXE files are made for Windows, but there are several ways to deal with them on a Mac depending on what you actually need.

File Juicer	UTM	Parallels	Fusion	ClamAV	Boot Camp	CrossOver
Extracts images, CAB and other files from EXE	Free VM, runs Windows on Apple Silicon	Virtual Machine, runs Windows	Free VM for personal use	Virus scanning	Intel Macs only, discontinued	Runs Windows apps without Windows
$19	Free	Subscription	Free	$30/year	Discontinued	$74/year

File Juicer

File Juicer does not run EXE files. It searches inside the EXE file to see if it contains images, compressed ZIP or RAR archives, CAB files and many other formats. If it finds any, it extracts and saves them. An example EXE file containing photos: AutumnToadStools.EXE

13 second video showing how to extract images from an EXE file (a screen saver). This works on most EXE files, but not if the EXE is encrypted or uses a proprietary storage format.

ZIP and RAR files are common inside EXE files made "self-extracting" on Windows. File Juicer can extract the CAB files from EXE files too, which is useful for Windows installers that package software for other platforms.

Because File Juicer does not run EXE files but only searches them for extractable content, even infected EXE files are safe to drop on File Juicer.

Some EXE files cannot be opened by File Juicer -- typically packages created by installer tools like InstallerVise that use proprietary compression.

UTM -- Free Virtual Machine for Apple Silicon and Intel

UTM is a free and open-source virtual machine application for macOS. It runs Windows on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. You will need a copy of Windows 11 ARM (available free from Microsoft for evaluation) or Windows 11 for Intel.

UTM is the best free option for running Windows on an Apple Silicon Mac. It takes some setup but works well once configured.

Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is the most polished way to run Windows on a Mac, supporting both Apple Silicon and Intel. It integrates tightly with macOS so you can run Windows applications alongside Mac apps without switching contexts.

Parallels is sold as a subscription. Visit the Parallels website for current pricing.

VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs and has been free for personal use since 2023. It is a solid alternative to Parallels at no cost. Download VMware Fusion.

ClamXav -- Antivirus

If you plan to run an EXE file in a virtual machine, it is worth scanning it for malware first. ClamXav is a well-regarded Mac antivirus based on the open-source ClamAV engine. Unlike many antivirus tools it does not run continuously in the background unless you enable that.

Apple Boot Camp (discontinued)

Boot Camp allowed Intel Macs to boot directly into Windows at full speed. Apple discontinued it with the transition to Apple Silicon in 2020. If you have an older Intel Mac, Boot Camp may still be an option, but it is no longer supported or recommended for new setups.

CrossOver Mac

CrossOver from CodeWeavers runs many Windows applications on macOS without needing a copy of Windows. It supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Not every application works, but their compatibility list covers a large number of popular titles. It is more affordable than buying Windows and a virtual machine.

Where to find Mac software instead

If you received an EXE file and just need the Mac version of the same software, check:

• Apple's App Store for macOS
• MacUpdate
• MacWorld for reviews and recommendations