How to run Windows applications on Linux with Wine
Today, many people are switching to using Linux. When moving to this new platform, users often have to find alternatives for popular Windows programs they previously used. When it comes to replacement programs, most of them are already available on the Linux platform. Some programs have been replaced. For example, Photoshop is replaced by GIMP and Microsoft Office is replaced by Libre Office. Many mainstream Windows programs have open-source alternatives.
However, not every program has a suitable replacement. There are some essential Windows applications without any alternatives on Linux. Fortunately, there is a software project that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux. This software is called Wine. It creates a compatibility layer for Windows programs to interact with the Linux operating system.
Installing Wine on Linux
All mainstream Linux versions integrate Wine in one way or another, under different names. Open the Terminal window and use the following Linux command to install it on your operating system. Additionally, open the Gnome Software (usually installed on Linux computers), search for Wine, and click on the install button to proceed.
Ubuntu
sudo apt install wine-stable
Debian
sudo apt-get install wine
Fedora
sudo dnf wine
Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S wine
OpenSUSE
sudo zypper install wine
Running Windows applications on Linux with Wine
Wine can be used in two ways. Users can launch a Windows program through the Terminal application or with the system's file manager.
1. Using the Terminal application
For those who prefer using the Terminal application, below is how to run a Windows application. First, go to the directory containing the program on your PC using the CD command.
Note: if the EXE file is not in the Downloads folder but is stored elsewhere, change your command accordingly.
~/ = /home/username.cd ~/Downloads
Then, use the Wine command to start the program.
wine windowsprogram.exe
2. Using the File Manager
Windows applications can be launched (and installed) directly from the file manager. To do this, open the file manager that comes with your Linux operating system. Please note that all computers will not be exactly the same. Settings and options will vary depending on the operating system you're using. However, the main content remains pretty similar.
Even if Wine software has been installed, it doesn't mean the EXE file will run right away. Instead, you will need to set Wine as the default program for “exe” files.
To launch the application, find the folder containing the application and right-click on it. Select "properties" in the menu and find "open with", "file type options", or similar content. In this section, select Wine. If you can’t find Wine in the list of programs, look for an option to write an alternate command, and type: Wine.
Go back to the file manager and double-click on the exe file. Wine will open the Windows application and run it.
3. Wine Helpers
Basically, everything in Wine works smoothly, and most users do not encounter any difficulties when running Windows applications on Linux. However, for some, Wine's operation seems a bit complicated, and they need assistance. That's why in this article, Gpwebmedia will briefly introduce some "helpers" in Wine. These are resources that people can use to make using Wine more convenient.
4. PlayOnLinux
For those who want to use Wine to install Windows games, PlayOnLinux is the obvious choice. It comes with some helpers that make installing many Windows games at once easier. Simply use the search bar, find a game you like, and click on the install button. PlayOnLinux installs everything the game needs to run (even things like the Windows runtime the game requires). PlayOnLinux is available on most mainstream Linux versions. To install it, open the terminal application and enter the following command. Additionally, open the software tool that comes with your Linux and search for “PlayOnLinux.”
Ubuntu
sudo apt install playonlinux
Debian
sudo apt-get install playonlinux
Fedora
sudo dnf install playonlinux
Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S playonlinux
OpenSUSE
sudo zypper install playonlinux
5. CrossOver
CrossOver, like PlayOnLinux, is software designed within the Wine framework. However, unlike PlayOnLinux, you have to pay to use this software. It allows users to create "Wine bottles". Wine bottles enable software to run independently from the rest of the system. Meaning, if a user has one program that requires Windows 2000, but another requires Windows 10 or 8, each piece can run its own Windows.
Additionally, CrossOver has a long list of "helper scripts". All users need to do is search for the program they need, click on the install button, and the software will install it for you. For this reason, if you are new to Linux and need help installing Windows programs, this software is the best choice for you...
You can download Linux here:
https://www.codeweavers.com/products/crossover-linux
With the help of Wine, installing Windows software on Linux becomes easier. It's not perfect but is capable of running programs developed for another operating system and truly enhances the usability of this OS. Those using Linux but needing access to some specific Windows programs can breathe a sigh of relief.
