Linux OS That Can Run Windows Programs: Complete Guide for 2026

One of the biggest barriers to adopting Linux is compatibility with Windows programs. Fortunately, Linux has matured to the point where a wide range of Windows software — from productivity suites and utilities to games — can run on Linux systems with excellent performance.

This article explains how Linux can run Windows applications, explores the best Linux distributions for compatibility, covers tools like Wine, Proton, and virtual machines, and walks you through practical setup steps so you can run Windows programs on Linux confidently.

Can You Run Windows Programs on Linux?

Yes — but not natively. Windows programs are built for the Windows API, which Linux doesn’t implement by default. To bridge the gap, Linux uses a combination of compatibility layers and virtualization tools that allow Windows software to execute on Linux systems.

The most common approaches include:

Wine – Compatibility layer for many Windows apps
Proton (Steam) – Gaming‑focused Wine implementation
Virtual Machines (VMs) – Full Windows installations inside Linux
CrossOver – Commercial Wine‑based solution with support

Each method has strengths and is suited to different use cases, from gaming to office productivity.

Key Tools for Running Windows Apps on Linux

Wine: Compatibility Without a Full OS

Wine stands for “Wine Is Not an Emulator.” Instead of emulating Windows, it reimplements Windows APIs so Windows binaries can run directly on Linux.

Pros:

Runs many Windows programs without a full Windows license
Lightweight compared to virtualization
Works with installers and .exe/.msi files

Cons:

Not every Windows app is supported
Some applications require specific configurations

You can check application compatibility on the Wine AppDB to find tested setups.

Proton: Play Windows Games on Linux

Proton is a fork of Wine developed by Valve, integrated into Steam. It optimizes Windows game compatibility on Linux and includes technologies like:

DXVK – Direct3D‑to‑Vulkan translation
FNA – Audio and input translation layer
Performance tuning for Steam games

Proton works best with games distributed through Steam, enabling titles that would otherwise be unplayable on Linux.

Virtual Machines: Full Windows Inside Linux

For maximum compatibility, you can run a full Windows installation inside a virtual machine (VM) using tools like:

VirtualBox
VMware Workstation Player
QEMU/KVM

Pros:

Complete Windows environment
Runs any Windows software without compatibility issues

Cons:

Requires Windows license
Higher resource usage
Performance may lag for games or heavy applications

Virtual machines are ideal for legacy apps or software that doesn’t work well under compatibility layers.

CrossOver: Simplified Wine Experience

CrossOver is a commercial product based on Wine, offering:

Preconfigured environments for popular apps
Paid support and optimized performance
Easier installation workflow

CrossOver often provides better out‑of‑the‑box results for business software and productivity tools.

Best Linux Distributions for Running Windows Programs

While most Linux distributions can run Windows applications with the above tools, some are better suited for this purpose:

Ubuntu and Ubuntu‑Based Distros

Strong community and documentation
Excellent support for Wine and Steam
Ideal for beginners

Recommended: Ubuntu LTS, Linux Mint

Pop!_OS

Developed by System76, Pop!_OS emphasizes:

Great gaming support
Pre‑configured drivers (including NVIDIA)
Native support for gaming tools like Steam Proton

Fedora

Cutting‑edge packages and virtualization features make Fedora a good choice for running Windows programs in VMs or through compatibility layers.

Manjaro

Arch‑based rolling release with access to up‑to‑date Wine builds and gaming tools. Great for users who want the latest features.

How to Run Windows Programs with Wine (Step‑by‑Step)

Step 1: Install Wine

On Ubuntu:

sudo dpkg --add‑architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install wine64 wine32

On Fedora:

sudo dnf install wine

Step 2: Configure Wine

Run:

winecfg

This opens the Wine configuration panel where you can adjust:

Windows version compatibility
Libraries and DLL overrides
Graphics settings

Step 3: Install the Windows Program

Navigate to the installer and run:

wine program‑installer.exe

Wine will create a virtual Windows environment (prefix) and install the app there.

Gaming on Linux: Steam + Proton

Enable Proton in Steam

Open Steam
Go to Settings → Steam Play
Check Enable Steam Play for supported titles
Optionally enable for all titles

Steam will automatically use Proton to run Windows games.

Check Game Compatibility

The Steam DB / ProtonDB website lists performance reports and settings for thousands of games.

Virtual Machines: When Compatibility Matters Most

Set Up a VM

Install VirtualBox or VMware
Create a new VM with assigned CPU and RAM
Mount Windows ISO and install
Install Guest Additions for better performance

VMs run nearly any Windows software, including apps without Wine support.

Tips for Better Performance

Keep your system updated
Use Vulkan drivers for gaming
Allocate enough RAM and CPU cores to VMs
Enable 3D acceleration if available
Optimize Wine prefixes for specific applications

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

App Doesn’t Launch

Check Wine AppDB for tweaks
Use specific DLL overrides

Poor Performance

Use Proton for games
Consider running the app in a VM instead

Missing Dependencies

Install packages like winetricks, dxvk, or mono

FAQs

Can Linux run all Windows programs?
Not all, but a significant portion — especially with Proton and Wine. Full compatibility may require a VM.

Do I need a Windows license?
Wine and Proton do not require a Windows license. VMs do.

Which Linux distro is best for gaming?
Ubuntu‑based distros and Pop!_OS are excellent choices.

Is performance slower than on Windows?
It depends on the method. VMs may be slower than native; Proton often performs well for games.

Conclusion: Linux Is More Compatible Than Ever

With tools like Wine, Proton, CrossOver, and virtual machines, running Windows programs on Linux is now more accessible and reliable than ever. Whether you’re a casual user wanting your favorite apps, a gamer migrating to Linux, or an IT professional managing mixed environments, Linux offers multiple pathways to satisfy your needs.

Linux is no longer just an alternative — it’s a capable platform that can support Windows software with impressive flexibility and performance.