Convert EXE to DMG

Converting EXE to DMG

Converting a Windows executable file to an Apple disk image isn't straightforward. These two file types are designed for different operating systems (Windows and macOS, respectively) and contain different data types. Using a virtual machine or a compatibility layer like Wine, you can run Windows software on a Mac.

Running Windows exe programs on macOS using a virtual machine

In a virtual machine (VM), you can run multiple operating systems on the same computer. You can run Windows on a Mac using VM software such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.

1. Install virtualization software on your Mac first (e.g., Parallels).
2. The next step is to install Windows on your virtual machine.
3. Once Windows has been installed on your virtual machine, the .exe program file can be run within the Windows environment.

Virtualization on an M-series Mac

Millions of older Intel-based Macs are still used worldwide and can run Windows through Boot Camp or virtualization. Apple began to move away from Intel processors in 2020 in favor of its own Apple Silicon processors. All Macs sold by Apple now feature Apple-made M-series processors. In contrast to Intel's x86 architecture, Apple's processors use a different architecture called ARM (named after Arm Ltd, the British company that originally designed the chip). On newer ARM-based Macs, you need the latest version of Parallels Desktop and install the ARM version of Windows to the virtual machine. You can do it directly from the program, download and buy the Windows ARM license.

Using Wine

The Wine compatibility layer allows Windows software to run on other operating systems, such as macOS. As it does not require a Windows license, it is popular for running Windows software on Macs.

1. The first thing you need to do is install Wine on your Mac.
2. Open or run the EXE file with Wine after it has been installed.

Creating a DMG file from an EXE file

The above methods allow you to run Windows .exe program files on a Mac but do not convert EXEs to DMGs. If you wanted to create a DMG containing Windows software, you would have to package it with the necessary compatibility software (like Wine). Packaging and distributing software is a complex process that may require technical expertise or a complete rewrite of the program.

Best .exe to .dmg converter

The differences between EXE and DMG files make it impossible for software to convert one to the other directly. You can run Windows software on a Mac using virtual machine software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion and compatibility layers like Wine. Still, you will not find any easy "one-click" converter for this purpose.