Running Windows applications on Linux can be a surprisingly straightforward endeavor. Rather than searching for Linux-compatible alternatives, users can leverage tools such as Wine and its graphical user interface (GUI) wrappers, or even set up virtual machines to run a variety of Windows applications and games seamlessly.
Run Windows Apps Using Wine Wrappers
To begin with, it’s essential to understand what Wine is. The acronym stands for Wine Is Not an Emulator, and it serves as a compatibility layer that allows Windows programs to run on Linux without necessitating a complete Windows installation.
There are multiple ways to utilize Wine. Users can opt for the command-line interface or choose to work with Wine wrappers, which are GUI tools that simplify the process by managing the complexities of Wine configuration. For those who find command-line tools daunting, Wine wrappers are highly recommended.
These wrappers come as pre-configured packages that streamline the installation and execution of specific Windows applications or games. Some popular options include PlayOnLinux, Bottles, Heroic Launcher, and Lutris.
Installing Windows apps using Bottles
For instance, if you wish to run Notepad++ on your Linux system, you can bypass the manual Wine configuration by using one of the aforementioned wrappers. In this case, we’ll use the Bottles GUI Wine wrapper to install Notepad++ on Ubuntu Linux.
Start by installing Bottles via Flatpak:
flatpak install flathub com.usebottles.bottles
Once installed, open Bottles from the Applications menu and click the blue Create New Bottle button.
Next, assign a name to your new bottle and select the Application environment. This creates a self-contained space specifically designed for running Windows applications. Finally, click the Create button.
After the bottle is created, you can review its details and configuration settings. Open the bottle and click the Run Executable button.
Navigate to the location where you downloaded the Notepad++ installer, select the file, and click Run to initiate the installation process.
Follow the standard installation steps for Notepad++. Once completed, you can launch Notepad++ directly from Bottles, where it will be listed as an installed program. To access it anytime, simply click the arrow icon next to its name.
In my experience, Wine wrappers are preferable to the Wine CLI, as they alleviate the burden of complex configurations while supporting a broad spectrum of Windows programs.
Use wine command tool
While Wine wrappers offer convenience, there are moments when users might desire more control. This is where the Wine command-line interface (CLI) comes into play, allowing for fine-tuning of Wine settings and management of different prefixes.
To get started, you’ll first need to install Wine. On most Linux distributions, this process is quite simple. For example, on Ubuntu, you can run:
sudo apt install wine
Navigate to the folder containing your .exe file:
cd /path/to/your/application
From there, you can execute 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 utility allows you to adjust settings such as Windows version emulation and graphics configurations.
Additionally, Winetricks complements Wine by enabling the installation of necessary DLLs, fonts, and other components for certain Windows applications. To install it, run:
sudo apt install winetricks -y
Once installed, you can open the Winetricks interface with:
winetricks
This interface provides an easy way to manage components and settings to ensure your Windows applications run smoothly.
Using Virtualization Software
While Wine is effective for many Windows applications, there are instances where a full Windows environment on Linux is preferable, especially for resource-intensive applications. Virtualization software allows users to create and run a virtual Windows machine on their Linux system.
VirtualBox is a popular open-source option that can be set up with ease. Users can download and install it quickly, create a new virtual machine, install Windows, and run applications as if they were using a native Windows PC. It’s akin to having a miniature Windows computer within your Linux setup.
VMware Player is another excellent choice, particularly for those needing advanced features. The beauty of virtualization lies in its safe and isolated environment; if something goes awry, users can reset the virtual machine and start anew, much like having a reset button for their Windows environment.
What About Playing Windows Games on Linux?
For gaming enthusiasts, various Windows games can also be played on Linux using Wine alongside tools like Proton, Heroic Launcher, or Lutris.
Proton, developed by Valve for their Steam Play feature, is a modified version of Wine optimized for running Windows games on Linux. It integrates seamlessly with Steam, making it incredibly user-friendly for playing numerous Windows games on a Linux system.
Similarly, Lutris serves as a gaming platform that accommodates multiple libraries, including Steam, GOG, and Epic Games. It’s a fantastic tool for managing non-Steam games and other gaming platforms.
If necessary, running a Windows virtual machine is another viable option for gaming. Users can install Windows within VirtualBox, VMware, or KVM and run games as they would on a native Windows system. However, this method can be resource-intensive and may not yield optimal performance.
Before delving into compatibility layers or virtualization, it’s prudent to check for a native Linux version of your favorite game, as many developers now release titles across multiple platforms to cater to the growing demand from Linux gamers.
