Once your data has been transferred safely and securely, migrating from Windows to macOS is easy in most cases! However, you can use Windows-exclusive applications for general computing.
There are several options. Emulation layers like WineBottler (free) and CrossOver Mac (reasonably priced) can make many Windows applications run on macOS without a full install! Remarkably, they also do this with little or no technical know-how. It is plug-and-play and is a great example of how complex technology is simplified for the everyday user.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to use CrossOver Mac to reliably run PaintDotNet alternatives called PictBear and Notepad ++. Hopefully by the end of this guide, you will be able to install all Windows apps on your Mac yourself!
Note. Some Windows apps do not work with this solution. You cannot run an application like PaintDotNet on a Mac without installing Windows in Boot Camp or a virtualization application. PaintDotNet is a Windows application that relies heavily on system files and frameworks. Unfortunately, these applications or very large and complex applications will find it difficult to work in an emulator such as CrossOver Mac
Before we start
One note about WineBottler before we get started. Since it’s a free alternative, it’s only natural that you might be tempted to try it. Unfortunately, WineBottler‘s performance is poor. The application catalog is smaller, contains very outdated software, and most applications will not start when you are using it.
Hence, this guide is all about CrossOver Mac The app has a free 14-day trial period, and licenses start at an affordable $ 29.95. You don’t have to pay anything to try. It is also fully compatible with macOS Catalina.
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Installing CrossOver Mac
It takes a little more than basic computer literacy to install and use CrossOver Mac If you can open the .zip file and follow some instructions, you’re done.
1. Go to the CodeWeavers website and download a trial version of CrossOver Mac
2. Double-click the downloaded .zip file to extract the CrossOver Mac installer.
3. Double-click the CrossOver application to install the software. When prompted on macOS, select Open and continue by following the onscreen instructions.
4. After installation, start CrossOver Mac and select “Try” when prompted:
This is it! CrossOver for Mac will open.
Using CrossOver Mac
The journey begins with the simple window shown above. Click the big Install Windows App button.
The following window will appear. Select the “Always update” button and wait a bit. The app will notify you when the update is complete.
Then enter the name of the app you want to install in the text input field. Or click the Application Catalog, which contains many applications known to work with CrossOver Mac When you have made your choice, click “Continue”.
The app will start installing. Depending on the application, you might see a typical Windows-like installer. Follow the instructions on the screen.
When the installation is complete, select Finish.
Next, you will see the window below.
In CrossOver Mac terminology, the Windows applications you have installed are called Bottles. This is a joke as the application uses the Wine Windows emulation layer. Then double-click the PictBear icon and the application will launch. It was easy!
How to open Windows applications
If you want to open PictBear or any other app that you install in the future, you must first open CrossOver Mac Then select the application bottle and double-click its icon. Here’s PictBear running on a MacBook Pro:
Install Windows applications
For example, installing Notepad ++ works the same way. Just open CrossOver Mac and click the Install Windows App button. Enter Notepad ++ or your application name in the input text box. If an installer is available for it, it will appear in search results as follows:
Select “Continue” and follow the instructions on the screen. The process is exactly the same as for PictBear.
If an installer for your application is not available, it will most likely not work on CrossOver Mac However, you can still try it!
1. Download the application installer (executable).
2. Click the “Select Installer” tab above and hover over the CrossOver Mac
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Delete Windows applications
Perhaps the app you installed with CrossOver Mac didn’t live up to your expectations, or you found a better alternative. Here’s how to get rid of it:
1. Open CrossOver Mac
2. Hold down the Command key and click the application bottle.
3. Select Remove .
This is it! Hopefully this guide will make your Mac transition easier.
Have you ever tried using CrossOver Mac to run Windows applications on your Mac? Did you do it with a different solution? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
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