How to install Windows programs in Linux using Wine
May 18th, 2007 by Ross McKillop |
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This somewhat brief tutorial will guide you in installing Wine, and then using it to install Windows applications. Though the steps and screenshots are specific to Ubuntu Linux, they will be very similar for most Linux/*nix distributions.
Background:
Think of Wine as a compatibility layer for running Windows programs. Wine does not require Microsoft Windows, as it is a completely free alternative implementation of the Windows API consisting of 100% non-Microsoft code. Wine is not a Windows emulator (hence the name, Wine Is Not an Emulator).
Before you get started, you may want to check and confirm that the Windows program you want to install is in fact supported by Wine. Visit the Wine Application Database for a list of all the programs known to work in Wine, and at what level (fully supported, needs some tweaking, etc). Some of the more common/popular programs that are known to work include: Diablo II, Rollercoaster Tycoon 2, World of Warcraft 2.0.x, Day of Defeat, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty 2, Prey (do you see a common theme here? Lots of games!). But don’t worry, it’s not just games that are supported.
- If you have the Synaptic Package Manger installed, use it to install Wine. For help using the Synaptic Package Manger, please see this tutorial. If you don’t use Synaptic, there are up to date Wine packages available here for many operating systems.
- After you’ve successfully installed Wine, launch it by selecting Wine File …
- And then the Wine File Browser will open.
- Navigate to the Windows program or program installer, and double-click it. In the example below I’ll be installing Homesite+, the only HTML editor that I’ve ever loved - and it’s not available for OS X or Linux (natively).
- The installation Wizard will launch, and the setup continues as it would in Windows.
- Once the installation has completed, use the Wine File Browser to navigate to the program and double-click it. Hint: by default, most Windows programs install on a “C:” drive - use the Wine File Browser to locate your new “C:” drive (see screenshot below).
- Ta-da! The Windows version of Homesite+ is now up and running - in Linux.
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18 Responses to “How to install Windows programs in Linux using Wine”
By Rob on May 20, 2007 | Reply
Thank you! I don’t have to boot into Windows to play Prey anymore! Hmmm maybe now I can just delete my Windows partition….
By Jonathan on May 22, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for this. I never knew about Wine’s File Manager. It is very handy for a Linux noob like me. By the way, for those not on Ubuntu (I’m using Mepis) who didn’t get a Wine File Menu shortcut, you can start Wine File by running winefile in a terminal.
I am installing Counter-strike Source: Source and Day of Defeat as we speak.
Wine Rocks.
By Nuvolablues on May 27, 2007 | Reply
Wine looks grate, but are there any drawbacks?…
By Ross McKillop on May 27, 2007 | Reply
Nuvolablues,
No. Except that sometimes you get frustrated trying to get Windows programs to work in Wine. That and it can stop people from trying to find an open source alternative to whatever Windows program they’re trying to install. But overall, Wine is great.
By hariji on Aug 8, 2007 | Reply
How to install Windows programs in Linux using Wine Related PostsFeedback :
its very useful for me
thanks
By Steven on Aug 29, 2007 | Reply
thanks guys im new to linux xp 2007 and couldnt figure out how to install windows games
thanks again *-*
By TomRussell on Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
Thank you very much for your most helpful guide to setting up Wine on an Ubuntu system. I don’t know how newbies like me could manage without the help of experts like you. I am most grateful, as I could not use the Windows program I could find to do what I wanted without your advice.
By Ross McKillop on Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
@TomRussell:
I’m so glad it helped
Cheers!
By pramodace@yahoo.com on May 18, 2008 | Reply
can anyone pleaaaaassssssee tell me the exact method to install wine….mail me on my email
By anon on May 19, 2008 | Reply
thanks for the simple guide.
By john on May 23, 2008 | Reply
tnks guys very useful prog!!!
By Akhilesh on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Can I Install .net windows application also which have database connectivity??
By pgtips on Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
Anyone out there successfully running Autoroute Express in Wine (Ideally under Ubuntu Hardy)?
I have not tried running Wine yet as I’m still a Linux newbie.
Thanks in anticipation.
By Damon on Jul 8, 2008 | Reply
I’m trying to install a game that comes on 5 cds. The first cd works great, but I can’t get the installer to realize that the second cd is in my second drive and ready to go.
I’ve tried putting the second cd in the same drive, but can’t because the computer sees it as in use.
One site suggested that I copy all 5 cds to my computer and run the installer from there, but that didn’t work for me, either.
Thank you!