Apple has rolled out a first-ever software patch to run Microsoft's dominant Windows operating system on its PCs, a move that could draw millions of new buyers.
By enabling the move to Windows, Apple hopes to draw people who want Macs, considered by many as easier to use and more stylish, but prefer the Windows operating system.
Apple shares rose 5.7 per cent in early trade on Nasdaq today on foot of the announcement.
Apple said the "Boot Camp" software, available immediately as a download, enables Macs powered by Intel chips to run either Windows XP or Apple's Mac OS operating system software.
Apple's rivals Dell and Hewlett-Packard primarily use Microsoft's Windows software.
In addition, with the patch, Macintosh users will now likely be able to run some games and other software on their Mac OS X computers without buying a separate Windows based computer.
The final version of Boot Camp will be available as a feature in the upcoming Mac OS X version 10.5 "Leopard" personal computer.
Apple said it will not provide support for installing or running Boot Camp and does not sell or support Microsoft Windows software.
Apple said last June it would shift to microprocessors made by Intel, the world's biggest chipmaker, from those made by IBM. It plans to move its entire Macintosh line to Intel chips by the end of 2007. The stock was up $3.48 to $64.65 on Nasdaq.