Apps to Run Windows software

Virtual PC is a discontinued free virtualization software developed by Microsoft, allowing users to create and run virtual machines on their Windows operating systems. It primarily supported running older versions of Windows and some Linux distributions within a virtual environment.

Wineskin Winery is a macOS utility that leverages Wine to create 'wrappers' for running Windows applications and games. It simplifies the process of packaging Windows software into self-contained macOS bundles, allowing users to execute them directly on their Mac without needing a full Windows installation or virtual machine.

Boot Camp Assistant is a native utility for macOS that enables users to install and run a Microsoft Windows operating system directly on their Mac computer. This allows for seamless switching between macOS and Windows, providing access to Windows-specific software directly on Apple hardware without the need for virtualization.

WineBottler effortlessly packages Windows software into Mac applications, eliminating the need for complex emulators or separate operating system installations for running your favorite Windows programs directly on macOS.

Lutris is an open-source gaming client for Linux, designed to centralize and manage your entire game library from various sources. It supports native Linux games, Windows titles via compatibility layers like Wine and Proton, and games from multiple platforms through integrated emulators, providing a unified gaming experience.

Edubuntu is a free and open-source operating system derivative of Ubuntu, specifically tailored for educational environments. It provides a robust and stable platform with a wide array of pre-installed educational software, making it an ideal solution for schools, classrooms, and homeschooling.

Windows 2000 is a professional operating system developed by Microsoft, bridging the gap between the consumer-focused Windows 9x series and the server-centric Windows NT line. It was designed for business environments, emphasizing stability, security, and networking capabilities.

Portable-VirtualBox allows you to run virtual machines directly from a USB drive without requiring an installation on the host computer. It provides a convenient and portable way to access different operating systems and applications.

Zorin OS is a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to be accessible and user-friendly for newcomers and existing Linux users alike. It offers a familiar desktop layout similar to Windows and macOS, making the transition from proprietary operating systems smoother. With a focus on security, speed, and a vast software library, Zorin OS provides a robust and flexible alternative for personal computing.

CrossOver is a compatibility layer allowing you to run thousands of Windows applications directly on your macOS or Linux operating system without the need for a Windows license or virtual machine. It provides a seamless experience for accessing your favorite Windows programs.

Manjaro Linux is a user-friendly, Arch Linux-based distribution that offers the benefits of a rolling release model combined with ease of use. It provides a stable and customizable desktop experience suitable for both new and experienced Linux users.

Parallels Desktop for Mac enables users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems side-by-side with macOS without rebooting. It provides seamless integration and performance for various applications.

QEMU (Quick Emulator) is a versatile and powerful open-source hardware virtualizer and emulator. It allows you to run operating systems and programs designed for different architectures on your existing hardware. Acting as a hosted hypervisor, QEMU provides a virtual machine monitor for executing guest systems.

PlayOnLinux is a compatibility layer for Linux and macOS allowing users to install and run Windows-based games and applications. It simplifies the process of running Windows software without needing a full virtual machine or dual booting.

VMware Workstation Player is a leading virtualization software for Windows and Linux, enabling users to run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single physical machine.

ReactOS is a free and open-source operating system aiming for binary compatibility with Windows. It's designed to run Windows applications and drivers, offering an alternative to Windows built from scratch based on reverse-engineering its architecture. It is lightweight and community-driven.

openSUSE is a community-developed, open-source Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE. Known for its powerful configuration tool, YaST, and commitment to usability, openSUSE offers both a stable release (Leap) and a rolling release (Tumbleweed) to cater to diverse user needs, from developers to desktop users.

Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that allows users to run Windows applications on various POSIX systems, such as Linux, macOS, and BSD. It translates Windows API calls into POSIX API calls in real-time, eliminating the need for a traditional virtual machine or emulator.

VirtualBox is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product for enterprise as well as home use. As an open-source, freely available software, it allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine. This enables diverse use cases, from software development and testing to creating isolated environments for everyday tasks.