Can Microsoft Dynamics run on a Mac?

We have recently had some interesting comments and questions regarding the ability of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics NAV to run on Macs. So can the solutions run on Macs, and would Mac users want them to anyway? The answer is yes on both counts, we often come across organisations that are Mac only.

The following three Client types interact with the Dynamics NAV or Business Central database through the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server or Business Central SaaS Service.

1. Browser – Web Client

Chrome for Windows and Firefox for Windows: Dynamics NAV and Business Central is designed to work with the current version of these desktop browsers.
Safari: Dynamics NAV and Business Central is designed to work with the current version of Safari on OSX.
Microsoft Edge: Dynamics NAV and Business Central is designed to work with the current version of Microsoft Edge.
Internet Explorer: Dynamics NAV and Business Central is designed to work with Internet Explorer 11 (build 11.0.9600.17239) for Windows 10 and for Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit versions). We recommend that you upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer supported for your version of Windows.

The only downside for the web client is that some browsers have feature restrictions. See more here.

2. Mobile Devices – Universal App

Access your Dynamics NAV or Business Central data from your mobile device. You can: navigate through business data, use features such as “send to Excel or Office 365”, view up-to-date charts and KPIs, email sales quotes and invoices, and take and attach pictures with your phone’s integral camera.

You can install the Dynamics NAV app or the Business Central app on your mobile device by downloading the app from the Windows Store, App Store, or Google Play.

Requirements:
Windows: Dynamics NAV and Business Central for Windows can be installed on devices with at least 1GB of RAM and Windows 10 Phone, Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education (32-bit and 64-bit editions).
iOS: Dynamics NAV and Business Central for iPad and iPhone requires iOS 9.0 or later.
Android: Dynamics NAV and Business Central for Android tablet and Android phone can be installed on devices with at least 1GB of RAM and Android 5.0 or higher.

3. Windows Client – only for Microsoft Dynamics NAV

There are two options to run the Windows Client on a Mac.

The first one is to run a Virtual Machine with your Microsoft SO and Windows Client installed using software such as: VMWare Fusion, Parallels Desktop, Virtual Box.

The second option is easier, and recommended, and this route uses Terminal Services with a Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Requirements:
Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (32-bit and 64-bit editions).
Windows 8.1 Professional or Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit editions).
Windows Server 2016 Standard, Essentials, or Datacenter.
Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard or Essentials (64-bit edition).
Windows Server 2012 Standard or Essentials (64-bit edition).

For many industries, the choice of effective ERP software solutions can be limited, so even though it may seem that configuring the Mac to run Microsoft Dynamics applications is additional effort, why would you deny your business some of the best operational solutions available? Microsoft Dynamics provides a wealth of industry solutions supported by an extensive partner channel on both PCs and Macs.

Updated September 2018