This article explains how to install and run Wine on a Linux computer. This program allows you to use Windows applications on a computer that does not have that operating system.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Install Wine
Step 1. Open the Terminal
Select the application Terminal from your computer's menu or application list.
- On many versions of Linux, you can also open Terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
- On some versions of Linux you will also see a text field that functions as a command line at the top of the screen.
Step 2. Enable 32-bit architecture
If your computer uses a 64-bit processor, you need to activate 32-bit mode. Proceed as follows:
-
Type
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
- in Terminal and press Enter.
- Type the root password when asked, then press Enter.
Step 3. Direct your computer's downloader to the Wine website
This way your system will be able to find the correct files to download.
-
Type
wget -nc
- and press Enter.
-
Type
sudo apt-key add Release.key
- and press Enter.
- If asked, enter the root password.
Step 4. Add the Wine repository to your library
Depending on the version of Linux you are using, you will need to enter one of the following commands:
-
Ubuntu:
sudo apt-add-repository
-
Mint:
sudo apt-add-repository 'deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ xenial main'
Step 5. Update the packages you downloaded
Type
sudo apt-get update
and press Enter.
Step 6. Select a download
You can download the stable version of Wine by typing
sudo apt-get install --install-recommends wine-stable
and pressing Enter.
In the future, versions of Wine may be developed that support more stable download types
Step 7. Confirm the download
Type y and press Enter, then the root password again if prompted. The system will start downloading and installing Wine.
Step 8. Wait for the download to finish
The installation will take up to 10 minutes. Once the operation is complete, you can continue.
Part 2 of 3: Setting up Wine
Step 1. Create a root folder for Windows
Type
winecfg
and press Enter, then look for the confirmation message "created configuration folder 'home / name /.wine'".
If you are asked to install missing packages, click on Install in the window that appears and wait for the end of the operation.
Step 2. Select a Windows version
Click on the "Windows Version" field at the bottom of the "Wine Configuration" window, then click on the Windows version (for example, Windows 7) you want to use.
If you don't see this option, click on the tab first Applications at the top of the window.
Step 3. Click Apply at the bottom of the window
This saves your settings.
Step 4. Click OK at the bottom of the window
By clicking on this button you close the window.
Step 5. Download a Windows program in EXE format
Find the EXE version of the program you want to use on Linux (for example 7-zip) and download it. Once done, you can install it.
On the Wine website you will find a complete list of all programs compatible with Wine
Part 3 of 3: Install a Program
Step 1. Open the downloads folder
You'll find it in the Home folder, although you can also open it from the Applications menu.
Step 2. Find the EXE file you downloaded
Scroll through the files in the Downloads folder until you find the EXE file of the program you want to install.
Step 3. Click on the file with the right mouse button
A menu will open.
Step 4. Click Open with Wine Windows Program Loader
This is the first item in the menu that just appeared. Press it and an installation window will open.
Step 5. Click Install at the bottom of the installation window
The system will start installing the program.
- Some programs require another confirmation before starting the installation.
- You can also change the program installation path by clicking on ⋯ in the right side of the window, then selecting a different folder on your computer.
Step 6. Click Close when prompted
This item becomes available after the installation is complete.
Step 7. Launch the program
You can run the program you just installed from the Applications section, which is usually found within the Menu.
Advice
-
You can install a graphical interface for Wine called PlayOnLinux which allows you to install, remove and use Wine programs. Just open the Terminal after installing Wine, type
sudo apt install playonlinux
- , enter your password and confirm the download by typing y.
- Be sure to check the Wine website often for updates.
