Linux Softwares to Run Windows software

Discover Linux Softwares to Run Windows software.

Provides an environment to install and run Windows applications within a virtual machine, even if the host operating system is not Windows.

Best Linux Softwares to Run Windows software

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PCLinuxOS

PCLinuxOS

Open Source

PCLinuxOS is a user-friendly, rolling release Linux distribution known for its stability and out-of-the-box functionality. It provides a familiar desktop experience, particularly for users transitioning from Windows, focusing on ease of use and a robust package management system.

Exceptional stability despite being a rolling release.
Linux-based
OS & Utilities
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
Virtualmin

Virtualmin

Open Source

Virtualmin is a comprehensive web hosting and cloud control panel designed for managing multiple domains and servers. Available in open-source and commercial variations, it provides a user-friendly interface for server administration tasks, website management, and application deployment.

Comprehensive feature set for server and domain management.
Configuration
Network & Admin OS & Utilities
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
Edubuntu

Edubuntu

Open Source

Edubuntu is a free and open-source operating system derivative of Ubuntu, specifically tailored for educational environments. It provides a robust and stable platform with a wide array of pre-installed educational software, making it an ideal solution for schools, classrooms, and homeschooling.

Pre-loaded with extensive educational software.
Education
Education & Reference OS & Utilities
Zorin OS

Zorin OS

Free Personal

Zorin OS is a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to be accessible and user-friendly for newcomers and existing Linux users alike. It offers a familiar desktop layout similar to Windows and macOS, making the transition from proprietary operating systems smoother. With a focus on security, speed, and a vast software library, Zorin OS provides a robust and flexible alternative for personal computing.

Extremely user-friendly, especially for Windows migrants due to familiar layouts...
Windows-like
OS & Utilities
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
Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux

Open Source

Manjaro Linux is a user-friendly, Arch Linux-based distribution that offers the benefits of a rolling release model combined with ease of use. It provides a stable and customizable desktop experience suitable for both new and experienced Linux users.

User-friendly installation compared to Arch.
Based on Arch Linux
OS & Utilities
QEMU

QEMU

Open Source

QEMU (Quick Emulator) is a versatile and powerful open-source hardware virtualizer and emulator. It allows you to run operating systems and programs designed for different architectures on your existing hardware. Acting as a hosted hypervisor, QEMU provides a virtual machine monitor for executing guest systems.

Excellent cross-architecture emulation capabilities.
Scriptable
Network & Admin OS & Utilities
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
VMware Workstation Player

VMware Workstation Player is a leading virtualization software for Windows and Linux, enabling users to run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single physical machine.

Easy to install and use, even for beginners.
Operating system
Network & Admin OS & Utilities
openSUSE

openSUSE

Open Source

openSUSE is a community-developed, open-source Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE. Known for its powerful configuration tool, YaST, and commitment to usability, openSUSE offers both a stable release (Leap) and a rolling release (Tumbleweed) to cater to diverse user needs, from developers to desktop users.

Powerful and comprehensive YaST configuration tool simplifies system management.
Rolling release
Development 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
VirtualBox

VirtualBox

Open Source

VirtualBox is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product for enterprise as well as home use. As an open-source, freely available software, it allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine. This enables diverse use cases, from software development and testing to creating isolated environments for everyday tasks.

Free and Open Source
Multiple languages
Network & Admin