Parallels Desktop runs a whole Windows PC inside your Mac. If what you really need is one or two Windows programs, there's a lighter way.
Last updated: 2026-11-07
CrossDriver App is an alternative to Parallels Desktop when you need Windows apps rather than all of Windows. It runs the apps directly on your Mac, so you don't buy a Windows license, set aside tens of gigabytes for Windows, or wait for it to start. It's free for personal use. If you need a complete Windows system, for example to test Windows itself, a virtual machine like Parallels is still the right tool.
| CrossDriver App | Virtual machine (e.g. Parallels Desktop) | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows license | Not needed | Needed |
| Disk space | A few MB per environment | Tens of GB for Windows |
| Opening an app | About 2 seconds | Start Windows first |
| Windows apps on the Mac | Each in its own Mac window, in the Dock and ⌘Tab | Inside the Windows window, or blended in |
| Price | Free for personal use; Pro for work | Paid, plus a Windows license |
| A complete Windows system | No: it runs apps, not Windows | Yes |
Choose CrossDriver App if you use a handful of Windows programs, such as Excel with macros and add-ins, Access, Visio, Project or QuickBooks Desktop, and want them to feel like Mac apps.
Choose a virtual machine if you need Windows itself: Windows-only drivers and devices, testing software on Windows, or tools that must run as a full Windows system.
For running Windows apps, yes: CrossDriver App is free for personal use and needs no Windows license. For a free virtual machine, UTM runs Windows on a Mac, but you still need Windows itself.
Yes. CrossDriver App runs Windows programs directly on macOS, without a virtual machine.
Install them again in CrossDriver App with their own installers. Most desktop programs work; check the supported apps or try yours with the free edition.
Every Pro feature is free during the preview, until December 31, 2026
Download the CrossDriver App preview