CrossOver for Mac
Run Windows apps on your Mac.
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CrossOver Mac
A Windows compatibility software available for Linux, macOS, and ChromeOS.
What is CrossOver Mac?
CrossOver Mac allows you to run your Windows apps on macOS or Linux as if they were designed to be Mac-native. CrossOver for Mac is a good alternative to emulators that would simulate the operating system you need. Instead, CrossOver Mac will translate Microsoft Windows commands into macOS prompts to make your favorite apps available on your Mac or Linux computer.
CrossOver Mac works with productivity software, utility programs, and games.
CrossOver for Mac is a great no-code alternative for dual-booting and Virtual Machine solutions. Here’s a detailed comparison of the three approaches to compatibility management.
CrossOver Mac vs. Dual-booting vs. Virtual Machine solutions
One of the main advantages of CrossOver Mac over dual-booting and Virtual Machine solutions is the seamless user experience - no booting is required. Also, CrossOver Mac will run your Windows application at a native speed, which prevents overheating, which commonly happens with Virtual Machine solutions. So, if you are looking for efficiency and speed, CrossOver Mac is your go-to.
However, where there are pros, there are cons. If you can run any Windows application on Mac and Linux with dual-booting and Virtual Machines, CrossOver Mac cannot offer the same wide range of software compatibility. Although it can run a wide variety of Windows software on your computer, it will not run all applications.
While dual-booting offers native performance and speed with all Windows applications (since it runs on the hardware), it will require a reboot before you switch between macOS and Windows, which can be quite inconvenient.
One huge drawback of Virtual Machine solutions is that computers using a Virtual Machine for compatibility software usually suffer from overheating. Also, this is a typically more expensive solution. Even though it allows you to run absolutely all Windows applications without rebooting, the price and performance overhead are definitely the cons to be considered.
So, while CrossOver is a cost-effective solution for running many Windows applications on macOS without rebooting, its inability to run all Windows applications makes it less versatile than Dual-Booting and Virtual Machine solutions.
How to download CrossOver on Mac and install it
You have two options for trying CrossOver on your Mac: purchasing it or getting a trial.
- Go to a trial page and download CrossOver Mac for free with the 14-day trial option. To try CrossOver before buying it, you will need to enter your full name and email address.
- Once you have the zip. file in your Downloads folder, go ahead and double-click it to start the installation process.
- Confirm that you want to open CrossOver on your Mac.
- It will prompt you to move the file to the Applications folder. By clicking Move to the Applications folder, you will put CrossOver in the same location as your Mac applications.
- After that, a CrossOver free trial window will pop up. Click Try Now.
- You’re all set—enjoy your favorite Windows apps on your Mac.
How to use CrossOver for Mac
As a simple and user-friendly solution, CrossOver for Mac offers a native experience by packaging its software into an environment familiar to Mac users - the App Store. Once you open the CrossOver app, you will see a window similar to the App Store window that provides a search bar where you can type in the name of the Windows app you want to use on your Mac.
- Type the name of your Windows app in the search bar.
- Open the app page and press Install.
- Choose the folder to store your Windows app.
- All done.
Make sure to visit the CrossOver Mac Games category to search for your favorite Windows games.
Reputation
CrossOver users' main concern is that it only offers 700+ Windows applications. Most of the CrossOver reviews show disappointment, although they state that it is an easy, no-code solution at a sensible price.
G2 rates CrossOver 3.7 out of 5 stars. TechRadar gave a more ravaging review and ranked CrossOver 2 out of 5 stars, but Amazon users were a bit more favorable and rated the app 3 out of 5 stars.
Alternatives
CrossOver description
CrossOver can get your Windows productivity applications and PC games up and running on your Mac quickly and easily. CrossOver runs the Windows software that you need on Mac at home, in the office, or at school without purchasing a Windows license, without rebooting your computer, and without having to use a virtual machine. And CrossOver can run a wide range of Windows software.
Easy Installs! Many Windows titles can be installed using our CrossTie technology. If you have CrossOver installed, and have the installer for your Windows software, simply click the button in our Compatibility Database, and CrossOver will automatically install your application for you!
Note: the price reflected in the listing is for that of a perpetual license. To view other pricing options, please go here.
What’s new in version 24.0.5
- Fix for latest Rockstar Games Launcher update.
CrossOver for Mac
$74.00
In English
Version 24.0.5
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What needs improvements
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(157 Reviews of CrossOver)
Comments
User Ratings
Jul 14 2024
Version: 24.0.4
The interface is clean and user-friendly, and the performance of most applications has been quite good. However, there are occasional glitches with certain apps, and the support for the latest software updates can be a bit hit-or-miss. Despite these minor issues, CrossOver has saved me time and hassle, and it’s a great solution for bridging the gap between Windows and macOS.
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Feb 4 2024
Version: 23.7.1
While this is very useful when it works Vmware Fusion Player is much more compatible for Windows and faster too, if you can run the ARM version of Windows. This operates much better that anticipated on Apple Silicon and x86 code is translated. It's not perfect, but the best I've ever tried anywhere Mac.
Make no mistake Codeweavers are brilliant when it comes to games et al. That still doesn't help me and Fusion does.
Dec 6 2023
Version: 23.7.1
30 (thirty) years ago, I definitively gave up using Windows and computers that run on this operating system. And I'm very happy with the Macintosh logic.
Aug 16 2023
Version: 23.0.0
It runs 'native' on ARM (Apple Silicon) but it's only an EMULATOR, meaning that it's running x86 software using Apple's (most wonderful) Rosetta 2. So don't expect speed. It's also a good idea to go through Crossover's compatibility list, meaning the list of Windows (x86) apps that run on it AND how well they run. - - NOTE that Crossover asks for money in order to further their WINE development work. But as WINE developers, everything they code for WINE is actually free to use via the latest WINE updates, as per their WINE license. So, if you want to help, donate! If you can't, then off to WINE with you!
Aug 24 2022
Version: 22.0.0
Q: Is there any chance of WINE running on ARM CPUs in the near future? - - A: NO. Oh and NO. - - BTW: The yearly support subscription for CrossOver is $64.00. IOW: You don't have to pay $494.00 for 'Lifetime Support' if you don't want to.
