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Crosswire
grubwire.io
What it is
Crosswire runs Windows games and apps on macOS, letting users install a Windows .exe and open it from a searchable library. Each installation has an isolated space, keeping apps separate. During installation, Crosswire detects common runtimes such as Visual C++ and .NET and offers to install them. For recognized games, it applies known-good settings automatically. The app can check for and update its Windows compatibility layer; automatic releases are available on version 1.1.1 or later. Crosswire is free and open source under GPL-3.0, with source published on GitHub. It requires an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 14.6 or later, plus about 1 GB of free disk space for the base install. It is not Apple-notarized yet, so macOS requires users to confirm opening it in Privacy & Security. Compatibility varies by app version and macOS release. Microsoft 365 is unsupported, while League of Legends and Valorant are blocked by Vanguard.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Crosswire runs Windows games and apps on macOS; users can install a Windows .exe and launch it from a library.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Support
- The maker directs users to its wiki for troubleshooting and provides an email address for bugs and feedback.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- App library
- Installed apps appear by name in a searchable library and launch with a click.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Compatibility limits
- The maker says compatibility varies by app version and macOS release, Microsoft 365 is unsupported, and League of Legends and Valorant are blocked by Vanguard.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Game configuration
- For recognized games, Crosswire applies known-good settings automatically.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Isolated installs
- Each install gets its own isolated space so apps do not interfere with one another.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- License and source
- Crosswire is free and open source under GPL-3.0, with source published on GitHub.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Requirements
- Crosswire requires macOS 14.6 or later and an Apple Silicon Mac, with about 1 GB of free disk space for the base install.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Runtime support
- During installation Crosswire detects common Windows runtimes such as Visual C++ and .NET and offers to install them.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Security and signing
- Crosswire is not Apple-notarized yet, so macOS requires users to confirm opening it in Privacy & Security.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Updates
- Crosswire can check for and update its Windows compatibility layer, and releases arrive automatically on version 1.1.1 or later.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
- Who it is for
- The maker describes Crosswire for running Windows games and apps on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14.6 Sonoma or later.Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
Plans and prices
Crosswire Free Free and open source under GPL-3.0 Read 3 Oct 2026 · grubwire.io
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free and open source under GPL-3.0.
- Installs apps in isolated spaces.
- Detects common runtimes during installation.
- Applies settings automatically for recognized games.
- Provides a searchable library for installed apps.
Limits
- Requires Apple Silicon and macOS 14.6 or later.
- Base install needs about 1 GB of free disk space.
- Not yet Apple-notarized; opening requires confirmation in Privacy & Security.
- Microsoft 365 is unsupported; two games are blocked by Vanguard.
Who it suits
Crosswire suits people who want to run Windows games or apps on an Apple Silicon Mac with macOS 14.6 or later. It may appeal to users who want separate installs and a searchable app library.
Verdict
Crosswire provides a free way to manage Windows apps and games on supported Apple Silicon Macs, with per-install isolation and some automatic setup. Check app compatibility and the notarization prompt before installing; Microsoft 365 and Vanguard-blocked games are not options.
Where Specifiction places it
- Windows Compatibility Layers#11 of 267.6