# CrossOver

> software

**Wikidata**: [Q1071138](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1071138)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrossOver_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/crossover

## Summary
CrossOver is a proprietary compatibility layer software developed by CodeWeavers that allows users to run Windows applications on Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android. It is based on Wine, an open-source compatibility layer, and includes additional features to enhance compatibility and usability.

## Key Facts
- **Developer**: CodeWeavers (inception: 2002-03-27)
- **Based on**: Wine, an open-source compatibility layer
- **Operating Systems Supported**: Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, Android
- **Programming Language**: Python
- **Latest Stable Version**: 24.0.4 (released: 2024-07-03)
- **License**: Proprietary license, GNU General Public License, GNU Lesser General Public License
- **Aliases**: CrossOver Office, CrossOver Server, CrossOver Linux, CrossOver Mac, CodeWeavers, CrossOverOffice, Cross Over Office
- **Website**: [https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/](https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/)
- **Use**: Compatibility layer for running Windows applications on non-Windows platforms

## FAQs
### Q: What is CrossOver used for?
A: CrossOver is used to run Windows applications on Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android by providing a compatibility layer based on Wine.

### Q: Is CrossOver free to use?
A: CrossOver is proprietary software, meaning it is not free to use. It requires a paid license for full functionality.

### Q: How does CrossOver differ from Wine?
A: CrossOver is built on Wine but includes additional features and optimizations to improve compatibility and usability for running Windows applications on non-Windows systems.

### Q: Which operating systems does CrossOver support?
A: CrossOver supports Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android.

### Q: What is the latest version of CrossOver?
A: The latest stable version of CrossOver is 24.0.4, released on 2024-07-03.

## Why It Matters
CrossOver plays a crucial role in enabling users of non-Windows operating systems to run Windows applications seamlessly. By leveraging the Wine project and adding proprietary enhancements, CrossOver bridges the gap between Windows and other platforms, making it easier for users to access software that is otherwise Windows-exclusive. This software is particularly valuable for businesses and individuals who rely on Windows applications but prefer to use alternative operating systems for performance, cost, or other reasons. CrossOver’s development reflects the ongoing need for cross-platform compatibility in the software industry.

## Notable For
- **Proprietary Enhancements**: CrossOver builds on the open-source Wine project, adding proprietary features to improve compatibility and performance.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: It supports multiple operating systems, including Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android.
- **Python Integration**: CrossOver uses Python as a programming language, which contributes to its flexibility and ease of use.
- **Regular Updates**: The software receives frequent updates, with the latest stable version being 24.0.4 as of 2024.
- **Dual Licensing**: CrossOver is available under a proprietary license as well as the GNU General Public License and GNU Lesser General Public License, catering to different user needs.

## Body
### Overview
CrossOver is a proprietary compatibility layer software developed by CodeWeavers. It is designed to allow users of Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android to run Windows applications. The software is based on Wine, an open-source compatibility layer, but includes additional proprietary features to enhance compatibility and usability.

### Development and Release
- **Inception**: CrossOver was first released on 2002-03-27.
- **Developer**: CodeWeavers is the primary developer of CrossOver.
- **Versions**: CrossOver has seen multiple releases, with the latest stable version being 24.0.4, released on 2024-07-03.

### Technical Details
- **Based on**: Wine, an open-source compatibility layer.
- **Programming Language**: Python is used in the development of CrossOver.
- **Operating Systems**: CrossOver supports Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android.
- **Licensing**: CrossOver is available under a proprietary license, GNU General Public License, and GNU Lesser General Public License.

### Usage and Features
- **Use**: CrossOver serves as a compatibility layer for running Windows applications on non-Windows platforms.
- **Aliases**: CrossOver is also known by names such as CrossOver Office, CrossOver Server, CrossOver Linux, CrossOver Mac, CodeWeavers, CrossOverOffice, and Cross Over Office.
- **Website**: The official website for CrossOver is [https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/](https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/).

### Significance
CrossOver is notable for its ability to provide a seamless experience for running Windows applications on non-Windows systems. Its development reflects the ongoing need for cross-platform compatibility in the software industry, particularly for businesses and individuals who rely on Windows applications but prefer alternative operating systems.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "CrossOver",
  "description": "A proprietary compatibility layer software that allows users to run Windows applications on Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android.",
  "url": "https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/",
  "applicationCategory": "Compatibility Layer",
  "operatingSystem": ["Linux", "macOS", "ChromeOS", "Android"],
  "softwareVersion": "24.0.4",
  "datePublished": "2024-07-03",
  "license": ["Proprietary License", "GNU General Public License", "GNU Lesser General Public License"],
  "sameAs": ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrossOver_(software)", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1551807"]
}

## References

1. [CodeWeavers Announces CrossOver 15.0.0](https://www.codeweavers.com/support/forums/announce/?t=24;msg=179952)
2. [Change Log](https://www.codeweavers.com/products/more-information/changelog)
3. [Change Log For CrossOver](https://www.codeweavers.com/products/more-information/changelog)
4. [CrossOver Change Log. 2018](https://www.codeweavers.com/products/more-information/changelog)
5. [CrossOver Change Log (אנגלית)](https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/changelog)
6. [Presenting CrossOver 22.1 — The hallmark of this holiday. 2023](https://www.codeweavers.com/blog/jschmid/2023/2/14/presenting-crossover-221-the-hallmark-of-this-holiday)
7. [Level up with CrossOver 23. 2023](https://www.codeweavers.com/blog/mjohnson/2023/8/16/level-up-with-crossover-23)
8. [CrossOver 24 with Wine 9 in record time. 2024](https://www.codeweavers.com/blog/mjohnson/2024/2/22/crossover-24-with-wine-9-in-record-time)
9. [2024](https://media.codeweavers.com/pub/crossover/cxlinux/demo/crossover-24.0.4-1.rpm)
10. [Source](https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/changelog)
11. [CrossOver Change Log | CodeWeavers](https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover/changelog)
12. [CrossOver 26 cures artificial incompatibility with Windows games on Mac. 2026](https://www.codeweavers.com/blog/mjohnson/2026/2/10/crossover-26-cures-artificial-incompatibility-with-windows-games-on-mac)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013