How to Run Windows Apps on Linux with CrossOver 25

For many tech enthusiasts and professionals, the duality of operating systems can present a unique challenge. If you’re someone who has embraced the versatility of Linux but feels tethered to essential Windows applications—be it for work or leisure—you’re not alone. A growing number of users desire seamless integration of beloved Windows software within their Linux environment. Fortunately, tools like CrossOver offer a bridge to this dual experience, enabling the use of Windows applications without the complexities of dual-booting or full Windows installations. In this guide, we’ll explore how to utilize CrossOver to efficiently run Windows software on your Linux system.

What is CrossOver?

CrossOver is a powerful commercial software solution developed by CodeWeavers that enables Linux users to install and run Windows applications effortlessly. Leveraging Wine, an open-source compatibility layer, CrossOver allows software designed for Microsoft Windows to operate on Linux and Unix-based systems. This means you can enjoy productivity tools, games, and utilities without the need to install a separate Windows operating system.

What’s New in CrossOver 25?

CrossOver 25 has introduced a suite of features aimed at enhancing the user experience when running Windows software and games on Linux. This latest version boasts improved compatibility with a variety of Linux distributions, such as openSUSE Leap 15.1, Debian 13, and Ubuntu 24.10, ensuring a smoother integration for users across different environments.

How to Install CrossOver 25 on Linux

To install CrossOver 25 in Linux, you need to download the CrossOver 25 installer from the CodeWeavers website for your Debian-based (.deb) and RHEL-based (.rpm) distribution.

Once your download is complete, install using the Software Install application, then click the CrossOver icon to launch it.

Alternatively, you can install CrossOver 25 from the terminal as shown.

sudo apt install ./crossover_25*.deb    [On Debian Systems]
sudo dnf install ./crossover-25*.rpm    [On RHEL Systems]

Once your installation is complete, open CrossOver from the “Activities” dock.

Next, click on the “Hamburger” button in the CrossOver window. A drop-down menu will open, having a couple of options. Click on “Unlock CrossOver…” to register for CrossOver 25.

The following dialog box will appear supposing that you have a paid version of CrossOver 25 and you wish to unlock it by entering your credentials.

In case you’ve not registered for CrossOver 25, it will start with the CrossOver Demo. You can either register by clicking the “Buy Now” button or press the “Try Now” button to start the free trial version.

Install Windows Applications on Linux Using CrossOver 25

CrossOver provides the popular Windows applications in the “Popular Applications” list. You can click on any desired software from this list or search for others using the search bar.

Let’s install one of the popular applications, Microsoft Office 2016, for this blog.

The selection of Microsoft Office 2016 opens its details, where CrossOver should display a check mark for each detail. Here, the first detail has a red X symbol which means it requires the user to provide the installer file or disk to install it using CrossOver 25.

For the installer file or disk to be made available, click on the “Edit” button and provide the installer file or location.

The CrossOver window also offers the capability to search for applications that are not listed in the “Popular Applications” section. Let’s install Notepad on our Ubuntu system.

The installation of the Windows application will take a few minutes. During this time the user may be prompted for customized settings such as language selection, themes, and other inputs like end-user license agreements from the Windows software.

Lastly, press the “Finish” button to conclude the installation of the Windows software.

Once you press the “Finish” button, the Notepad application will be launched in your system.

Interacting with Bottles

In the CrossOver window, you will see the installed Windows applications under the “Bottles” section on the left side panel.

Bottles are containers that encapsulate Windows applications, allowing them to run on other OS. If you click on the application or bottle, it displays the “Run Command” button, and the Bottle Actions, Advanced Options, Control Panels, and Bottle Details menus in the right sidebar.

Also, the details of the bottle such as name, ratings, type status, etc are shown in the center.

Conclusion

With CrossOver, running your favorite Windows applications on Linux becomes a reality, eliminating the hassle of installing an entire Windows operating system. This innovative solution not only preserves your workflow and enjoyment but also enhances the versatility of your Linux experience. Dive into the world of CrossOver and unlock the potential of your Linux system today!