How to Add a Crosshair to a Game on Windows 10

You can add a crosshair to a game on Windows 10 with a desktop overlay such as CrossOver. The app places a customizable reticle above other windows, so it can help when a game has no crosshair or when its built-in reticle is difficult to see. The basic process is simple: install CrossOver, choose a sight, position it, lock it with Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X, and then open your game.

Whenever a game already offers its own crosshair settings, use those first. An external overlay is not part of the game itself, and online games can have different rules about overlays or helper tools. CrossOver's own documentation also lists game-specific compatibility exceptions, so check the official CrossOver project page before using it in a competitive title.

How to add a crosshair to a game on Windows 10

1. Download CrossOver from the official source

Open the CrossOver GitHub repository and use the Windows download link, or open the official releases page if you want to choose a specific build. The project documentation says its downloadable builds are unsigned, so Windows may display a SmartScreen warning. Only bypass that warning when you are certain the file came from the official project page.

2. Run CrossOver and confirm the overlay appears

Launch CrossOver. A crosshair should appear in the app window or over the desktop. CrossOver's current documentation lists support for Windows 10 and Windows 11. If the overlay is visible on the desktop, you can move on to selecting the sight you want.

3. Choose and position the crosshair

Click the bullseye control to open the crosshair chooser. The app includes many built-in designs, and its documentation also says you can drag in your own PNG, SVG, or GIF image. Keep the design simple enough that it remains visible without covering the target.

To place the crosshair, click and drag it. Double-click the bullseye to center it on the current display. For fine adjustment, use Ctrl+Alt+Shift plus the arrow keys to nudge the crosshair one step at a time.

4. Lock the crosshair, then open the game

Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X to toggle the CrossOver settings window and lock the crosshair in place. Then start your game. If the overlay disappears in exclusive fullscreen mode, switch the game to Windowed or Borderless/Windowed Fullscreen. CrossOver's documentation says exclusive fullscreen commonly hides the overlay, while windowed or borderless modes are generally more reliable.

5. Customize the crosshair if needed

Open CrossOver's settings to adjust the crosshair's size, color, and opacity. The app also provides a separate center reticle option and can hide the overlay while you aim down sights if you configure that feature. Keep the opacity high enough to see the reticle against both bright and dark scenes.

Useful CrossOver shortcuts on Windows

If the crosshair does not appear in the game

• Change display mode: switch from exclusive fullscreen to Windowed or Borderless/Windowed Fullscreen.
• Check the active monitor: on a multi-monitor setup, use Ctrl+Alt+Shift+M to move the overlay to the next display.
• Reset the app: press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R if the position or settings become unusable.
• Check performance settings: the project notes that a small number of users report FPS or stutter issues. Its troubleshooting guidance suggests toggling hardware acceleration and disabling Hide on ADS if that happens.
• Review the game's rules: do not assume every online game allows third-party overlays just because the overlay works technically.

A note about Windows 10 in 2026

CrossOver still documents Windows 10 as a supported operating system, but Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The PC will continue to run, but Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 or using an eligible Extended Security Updates option if you must stay on Windows 10. See Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support guidance for current security options.