Verify Application Compatibility for macOS and Windows
Determine if your software is compatible with macOS or Windows before installation. Avoid system errors with these verification steps.
- Check the software developer system requirements. Navigate to the official product page for your application. Locate the Support or Requirements section to confirm the specific Operating System versions supported by the build.
- Review the file extension of the installer. Identify the file format of your download. Files ending in .dmg or .pkg are intended for macOS, while files ending in .exe or .msi are designed for Windows.
- Determine your computer processor architecture. On macOS, select the Apple menu > About This Mac to view your Chip type. On Windows, open Settings > System > About to see if your system is x64 or ARM-based.
- Utilize the native compatibility scanner. On Windows, right-click the installer and select Properties > Compatibility to run the Compatibility Troubleshooter. On macOS, Gatekeeper will automatically alert you if the application binary is incompatible with your architecture.
- Confirm support for the current OS version. Ensure your OS is updated to the minimum required version listed by the developer. Use System Settings > General > Software Update to verify your current system status.