Linux Softwares to Compatibility layers

Discover Linux Softwares to Compatibility layers.

Translates Windows API calls into POSIX API calls dynamically, allowing Windows applications to run without a traditional virtual machine or emulator.

Best Linux Softwares to Compatibility layers

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Proton

Proton

Open Source

Proton is a compatibility layer developed by Valve Software that allows Windows games and applications to run seamlessly on Linux-based operating systems. It integrates with Steam Play, enabling Linux users to access a vast library of Windows-only titles, significantly expanding the gaming ecosystem on Linux without requiring complex configurations or dual-boot setups.

Vast Windows game compatibility on Linux.
Run Windows software
MinGW-w64

MinGW-w64

Open Source

MinGW-w64 is a free and open-source collection of development tools designed for creating Microsoft Windows applications using the GNU toolchain. It provides compilers for C, C++, Fortran, Ada, and other languages, allowing developers to build native Windows executables.

Enables native Windows application development with GNU tools.
Compiler
Development
Lutris

Lutris

Open Source

Lutris is an open-source gaming client for Linux, designed to centralize and manage your entire game library from various sources. It supports native Linux games, Windows titles via compatibility layers like Wine and Proton, and games from multiple platforms through integrated emulators, providing a unified gaming experience.

Centralizes games from multiple sources.
Custom Scripts
Games
CrossOver

CrossOver

Commercial

CrossOver is a compatibility layer allowing you to run thousands of Windows applications directly on your macOS or Linux operating system without the need for a Windows license or virtual machine. It provides a seamless experience for accessing your favorite Windows programs.

No Windows license required saves cost.
Compatibility layers
OS & Utilities
MinGW

MinGW

Open Source

MinGW is a minimalist software development environment for Windows, leveraging the GNU toolchain, primarily GCC. It provides a set of freely available and freely distributable Windows specific header files and import libraries combined with GNU tools that allow users to create native Windows applications.

Provides the powerful and widely used GCC toolchain on Windows.
Compiler
Development
PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

PlayOnLinux is a compatibility layer for Linux and macOS allowing users to install and run Windows-based games and applications. It simplifies the process of running Windows software without needing a full virtual machine or dual booting.

Simplifies running Windows software on Linux/macOS.
Ad-free
Games
BusyBox

BusyBox

Open Source

BusyBox is the 'Swiss Army Knife' of embedded Linux, combining a miniature version of many common UNIX utilities into a single small executable. It's optimized for size and memory, making it ideal for resource-constrained environments like embedded systems, routers, and simple Linux distributions.

Extremely small size and low memory usage.
Command line interface
OS & Utilities
Wine

Wine

Open Source

Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that allows users to run Windows applications on various POSIX systems, such as Linux, macOS, and BSD. It translates Windows API calls into POSIX API calls in real-time, eliminating the need for a traditional virtual machine or emulator.

Enables running numerous Windows applications on non-Windows OS.
Compatibility layers
OS & Utilities