Run Windows applications on Linux, macOS and other platforms

Do not confuse! Windows is still the most used (and popular) operating system for desktops and laptops. So we can bet with you that many people still rely on Windows applications to complete everyday tasks.

If you are a switch to Windows after using a different platform or operating system and your computer currently lacks some Windows applications, here are a few ways to get back the applications. Use Windows for your computer.

You can dual boot on Linux or use Bootcamp or Parallels on Mac. If not, you can install the following applications we suggest. These applications will allow you to install and run Windows applications directly on non-Windows operating systems, for example: Mac OS X, GNU / Linux, Ubuntu, BSD and Solaris.

1. Wine

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Wine is a recursive acronym for Wine Is Not an Emulator. Started in 1993, Wine is an open source project, developed and maintained under Alexandre Julliard.

Wine is a compatible platform between Windows programs and the operating system. It converts Windows API calls into POSIX calls, thus enabling the integration of Windows applications into POSIX operating systems (such as Mac OS X, GNU / Linux and BSD). Not only is the simulation, Wine is the addition of the Win32 API.

Wine primarily supports Windows XP, but newer versions of Wine are also gradually being finalized to support new Windows versions. The 32-bit version of Wine has been finalized and the 64-bit version is still in development. With Wine, you can run programs like MS Office, Windows Media Player, Adobe Photoshop, Max Payne as well as some other games and applications.

Link download: https://www.winehq.org/

1. How to install Windows on Linux with Wine-doors.

2. CrossOver

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CrossOver is a commercial version and is supported by Wine for Linux and Mac OS X operating systems. This is a proprietary software with support for many commercial Windows applications such as MS Office, MS Outlook, MS .NET Framework, Adobe Lightroom, DirectX, etc.

On top of that, you can also play popular games like Counter Strike, Half Life, Diablo, StartCraft, World of Warcraft on it. Although Wine is a free alternative, CrossOver, powered by CodeWeavers, is still a better choice for professionals and organizations that want to run software specifically on Linux or Mac OS X.

Download link: https://www.codeweavers.com/products/

3. PlayOnLinux

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Both Wine and CrossOver now support many applications. However with Wine, you need to customize the settings for each specific application, but with CrossOver, you have to pay to use. PlayOnLinux is a perfect alternative to both Wine and CrossOver (if you're using a Mac, go to the next section).

PlayOnLinux is a graphical interface compatible with Wine. It simplifies the installation of Windows applications and games on GNU / Linux by automatically configuring Wine. PlayOnLinux provides different ways to configure Wine for each specific software. PlayOnLinux also uses an online database to apply to different programs, and users can manually install the required configuration that is not available. You can learn how to install Windows software on Linux using PlayOnLinux through the article: Instructions for installing Windows software on Linux using PlayOnLinux

Link download: https://www.playonlinux.com/en/

4. PlayOnMac

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Like PlayOnLinux, PlayOnMac is a graphics software built on the Wine platform, which aims to easily install Windows programs and games on Mac OS.

You can use PlayOnMac to install multiple applications and games on Mac OS without changing Wine's configuration for each specific program. PlayOnMac manages Wine settings so that you don't have to change the configuration manually and you can freely use your favorite software or game.

Link download: https://www.playonmac.com/en/

5. WineBottler

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WineBottler is an application package, which means it integrates Windows-based applications into Mac application packages. The name WineBottler also shows us that it is connected to Wine, and from there basically knows how to run Windows programs on the Mac.

The installation method is as follows: Click the Install button in WineBottler and the software will automatically perform the rest: download, install and configure the application for users.

WineBottler can integrate Windows .exe software into the Mac .app package and convert .exe or .msi into an application. It even has options to install other related applications.

Download link: http://winebottler.kronenberg.org/

6. Wineskin

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Wineskin, also uses Wine to run Windows applications, as a converter. It allows users to transfer Windows applications in Mac application package shells, which can then run on Mac OS X and can even be shared with other Mac users. Wineskin works on Snow Leopard, Lion and Mountain Lion.

Wineskin uses a customized version of the Window X operating system, called WineskinX11, that provides a graphical interface for Windows programs on Mac OS X operating systems. When you have to create a Mac application package for any Any Windows program, you can easily run it on Mac OS X just like any other original software.

Link download: http://wineskin.urgesoftware.com/tiki-index.php

7. Q4Wine

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Q4Wine is a QT4 graphical user interface compatible with Wine. Q4Wine is available for GNU / Linux and FreeBSD operating systems. It helps users manage Wine prefixes and applications installed in an easy-to-use graphical interface.
Q4Wine allows you to easily handle tasks to create and manage prefixes, process control, create prefix backups and many other difficult tasks on Wine.

Download link: https://q4wine.brezblock.org.ua/

See more:

1. How to run Windows applications on Linux with Vineyard
2. Run the Windows application on Android with Wine
3. Do you know how to run Windows applications on Chromebooks?