Mac: Use Windows programs with WineBottler

With WineBottler you can also use Windows programs on your Mac without installing a second operating system. In this tutorial we will explain how easy it is.

WineBottler gets Windows programs running on Mac

There is no adequate Mac equivalent for some Windows programs. Thanks to the Windows emulator "Winebottler" you can also use Windows software under Mac OS X without installing a parallel operating system.

1. Download Winebottler to your Mac and install the program. When downloading, make sure that you have the right version for your Mac OS X. Before you download it, some advertisements will be shown - but the program is free of charge.
2. Start Winebottler, you will see a list of Windows programs that you can install immediately. If you want to install one of these programs, you just have to click on the corresponding "Install" button.
3. After you have defined a storage location, for example "Documents", you only have to confirm with "Save". Winebottler then creates an app for the selected Windows program that can run Mac OS X. The process can take a while. After completion you will receive the message "Prefix created sucessfully", which you have to confirm with "OK".

Start the Windows program under Mac OS X - so it'll work

After installing the Windows program on your Mac using Winebottler, starting is as easy as you are used to with Mac programs.

1. In the Finder, navigate to the predefined location for the Windows software. There you will find the program file created by Winebottler.
2. Double-click the program file to start the program and use it like any other Mac app.

Install other Windows programs with Winebottler

Winebottler provides a large number of Windows programs that are available for installation. If the software or game you want is not on the list, you can still install it.

1. To do this, start Winebottler and click on the tab "Advanced".
2. The following screen looks a bit confusing at first glance. Don't let that put you off. The only really important thing is the line "This is the installer, execute it." (see picture).
3. If you have downloaded a Windows program from the Internet, it contains an EXE or an MSI file. This would start the program under Windows. To make the program Mac compatible, click on "Select File" in Winebottler and select the appropriate EXE or MSI file. Before doing so, check whether the EXE file is not a packed file. In this case, discover the file first, for example with the free tool "The Unarchiver".
4. To run the Windows program on Mac later without the Wine tool, you should create an app bundle. You can find the option a little further down the screen. So check the box next to "Self contained: Include Wine.app, so the user doesn't have to install it".
5. Click "Install, " Winebottler will ask you for the location and name of the file. Here it makes sense to name the app in the same way as the Windows software.
6. By clicking on "Save" Winebottler also starts the Windows installer. Go through the installation steps as you are used to from Windows. Do not change any paths.
7. If the "Start" option is offered at the end of the installation, please do not click on it, but exit the installer. Afterwards Winebottler continues to work, so you have to be patient.
8. When the emulator is finished, you will be asked for the start file. As a rule, you can simply confirm the default with "OK". You will then receive the success report from Winebottler. Confirm this with "OK".
9. To start the Windows program on your Mac, navigate in the Finder to the location specified in point 5. It starts with a double click on the program, but this may take some time depending on the program.

Would you like to use the Windows operating system not just individual Windows programs under Mac OS X? Then read also how you can use several operating systems under Mac OS X.