Running Windows applications on Linux is easier than it might seem. You don’t always need to rely on alternative Linux-compatible programs. With tools like Wine and its GUI wrappers or by creating virtual machines, you can seamlessly run many Windows apps and games on Linux. Let’s dive in!
Content
- Run Windows Apps Using Wine Wrappers
- Using Virtualization Software
- What About Playing Windows Games on Linux?
Run Windows Apps Using Wine Wrappers
Before diving into Wine Wrappers, let’s first understand what Wine is. Wine stands for Wine Is Not an Emulator. It is a compatibility layer that enables you to run Windows programs on Linux without requiring a full Windows installation.
There are several ways to use Wine. You can either use the Wine command-line interface or opt for Wine wrappers (GUI tools using Wine in the backend). I recommend using Wine wrappers, especially if working with command-line tools feels intimidating.
Wine wrappers are pre-configured packages that simplify the process of installing and running specific Windows applications or games by managing the complexities of Wine configuration for you. Some popular wrappers include PlayOnLinux, Bottles, Heroic Launcher, Lutris, and others.
Installing Windows apps using bottles
Suppose you want to run Notepad++ in your Linux environment. Instead of dealing with manual Wine configuration, you can utilize one of the previously mentioned wrappers. For this demonstration, I will use the Bottles GUI Wine wrapper to install Notepad++ on my Ubuntu Linux.
To begin, first, install bottles using the Flatpak:
flatpak install flathub com.usebottles.bottles
After installation, open Bottles from the Applications menu and then click the blue Create New Bottle button.
Next, provide a name for your new bottle and select the Application environment. This will create a self-contained environment tailored for running Windows apps. Lastly, click the Create button.
Once the new bottle is created, you can review its details and configuration settings.
Open the bottle and click the Run Executable button.
Browse to the location where you downloaded the Notepad++ installer. Select the file and click Run to start the installation.
Follow the standard Notepad++ installation steps.
After completing the installation, you can run Notepad++ directly from Bottles. Back in Bottles, you’ll see Notepad++ listed as an installed program.
To open it anytime, click the arrow icon next to its name, and you’re good to go!
I always prefer Wine wrappers over the Wine CLI, as they simplify complex configurations and support a wide range of Windows programs.
Use wine command tool
While Wine wrappers are convenient, sometimes you want more control. That’s where the Wine command-line interface (CLI) comes into play. The CLI allows you to fine-tune Wine settings and manage different prefixes.
First, you’ll need to install Wine. On most Linux distributions, installing Wine is straightforward. For example, on Ubuntu, run the following command:
sudo apt install wine
After installing Wine, go to the folder where your .exe file is stored.
cd /path/to/your/application
You can then run the Windows executable directly from the terminal:
wine /path/to/your/application.exe
To access Wine’s configuration utility, use the following command:
winecfg
This tool lets you adjust settings such as Windows version emulation, graphics configurations, and more.
Winetricks is an additional tool that complements Wine by allowing you to install DLLs, fonts, and other components necessary for certain Windows applications. To install it, you can run this:
sudo apt install winetricks -y
Once installed, open the Winetricks interface with the command:
winetricks
Here, you can easily manage components and settings to ensure the smooth operation of your Windows applications.
Using Virtualization Software
While Wine is excellent for running many Windows applications, sometimes running a full-fledged Windows environment on Linux is the better solution, especially for complex or resource-intensive applications. Virtualization software enables you to create and run a virtual Windows machine on your Linux system.
VirtualBox, an open-source and free option, is straightforward to set up. You can download and install it in just a few clicks, create a new virtual machine, install Windows, and run your applications as if you were using a regular Windows PC. It’s like having a miniature Windows computer within your Linux system.
VMware Player is another outstanding choice, particularly if you require advanced features. Moreover, the beauty of virtualization lies in its safe and isolated environment. If anything ends up faulty, you can immediately reset the virtual machine and start fresh. It’s like having a reset button for your Windows environment.
What About Playing Windows Games on Linux?
You can also play various Windows games on Linux using Wine and tools like Proton, Heroic Launcher, or Lutris.
For instance, Proton, developed by Valve for their Steam Play feature, is a modified version of Wine that is optimized for running Windows games on Linux. It integrates seamlessly with Steam, making it incredibly easy to play numerous Windows games on your Linux system.
Similarly, Lutris is a gaming platform that supports multiple libraries, including Steam, GOG, and Epic Games. It’s an excellent tool for managing non-Steam games and other gaming platforms.
If needed, running a Windows virtual machine is another option for gaming. You can install Windows within VirtualBox, VMware, or KVM and run your games as you would on a native Windows system. However, this method is resource-intensive and may not deliver optimal performance.
Before exploring compatibility layers or virtualization, it’s worth checking whether a native Linux version of your favorite game is available. Many developers now release their titles on multiple platforms to meet the growing demand from Linux gamers.
Wrapping up
Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, there’s a solution out there that can help you bridge the gap between Linux and Windows. So, go ahead and explore these options – you might be surprised at how easily you can run your favorite Windows apps on your Linux machine.
Image credit: Operating system computer interface by DepositPhotos. All screenshots by Haroon Javed.
Haroon Javed –
Contributor
Haroon is a lifelong tech enthusiast with over five years of experience writing thousands of articles about Linux, programming languages, and more. He loves exploring new technologies and experimenting with them to find innovative ways to use them. Haroon’s work has been featured on various online platforms, including HTG, Baeldung, and LinuxHint.
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