Exploring Alternatives to Windows: Running Windows Apps on Linux with Wine
With the impending end of support for Windows 10 and the stringent system requirements for Windows 11, many users are exploring alternatives to the Windows operating system. One of the most popular alternatives is Linux. However, a common concern arises: how can Windows users run their favorite applications on an open-source operating system like Linux?
Enter Wine. Wine is a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on Linux. Given the vast array of Windows applications that lack native Linux versions, Wine serves as a crucial tool for users transitioning to the open-source platform.
Additionally, the extensive list of native applications available for Linux, combined with built-in app stores, universal package managers such as Snap and Flatpak, AppImages, and Wine, makes the software landscape for Linux incredibly diverse. Despite this, not every Windows app can run flawlessly via Wine. If you're curious about which applications are compatible with Wine, there is a comprehensive searchable database that lists these apps, covering everything from productivity tools to games.
Getting Started: How to Run Windows Apps on Linux using Wine
The following guide demonstrates the process on Ubuntu Desktop, though Wine can be installed on most Linux distributions. The requirements are minimal: a running Linux distribution and a user with sudo privileges.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Open a Terminal Window
First, log in to your Linux desktop and open a terminal window.
2. Install Wine on Ubuntu-based Distributions
For Ubuntu-based distributions, you can install both Wine and Winetricks (a tool to simplify Wine configuration) with the following command:
sudo apt-get install wine winetricks -y
Note that this command may take some time to complete.
3. Install Wine on Fedora-based Distributions
For RHEL-based or Fedora-based distributions, first add the necessary repository:
sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/fedora/36/winehq.repo
Then, install Wine with the command:
sudo dnf install winehq-stable -y
Winetricks needs to be installed manually on Fedora:
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Winetricks/winetricks/master/src/winetricks && chmod +x winetricks && sudo mv winetricks /usr/local/bin/
4. Configure Wine
Run the Winetricks app to automatically create necessary directories:
winetricks
In the resulting window, select "Select the default wineprefix" and click OK. Then, choose "Run winecfg" and click OK. Here, you can configure the Windows version Wine will mimic.
Installing a Windows App with Wine
To demonstrate, let's install Notepad++ using Wine. First, download the Windows installer for the application and save it in your Downloads directory. Open your terminal and navigate to the Downloads directory:
cd ~/Downloads
Run the installer with the command:
wine npp.*.exe
The Windows installation wizard will open, allowing you to complete the installation just as you would on a Windows machine. Once installation is complete, you can find the Notepad++ launcher in your desktop menu.
Installing Windows Apps Through Winetricks
Wine also allows direct installation of Windows apps via the Winetricks GUI. Launch Winetricks from your desktop menu, select "Install an application," and choose from the list of available applications. The necessary installer will download and run automatically.
Handling Further Configuration
While Notepad++ is relatively simple to install, some applications (particularly games) may require additional configuration. If you encounter issues, running the Winetricks app again can help adjust settings. The level of configuration required depends on the specific application.
Even with potential complications, running supported Windows applications on Linux with Wine is significantly easier than many expect. If your current computer cannot upgrade to Windows 11, consider switching to one of the many Linux distributions and continue using your machine for years to come.
