Run Windows Apps Seamlessly on Linux with WinApps

Run Windows Apps Seamlessly on Linux with WinApps

For Linux users who often find themselves needing specific Windows applications, the search for a viable solution has often led to compromises such as virtualization software with clunky integration or compatibility layers like Wine with varying success. However, a groundbreaking open-source project named WinApps is changing the game by offering a remarkably seamless way to run Windows applications directly on your Linux desktop.

WinApps empowers you to run applications like Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud as if they were native parts of your Linux environment. Whether you're using Ubuntu, Fedora, or other popular distributions with desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE, or XFCE, WinApps provides deep integration. This includes features like Nautilus (file manager) integration, allowing you to right-click files and open them with your chosen Windows applications based on their MIME types.

How WinApps Works

The magic behind WinApps lies in its clever architecture. It runs a Windows virtual machine (using backends like Docker, Podman, or libvirt) and then queries the installed Windows applications. Subsequently, it creates native-looking shortcuts for these applications on your host Linux OS. Leveraging FreeRDP, WinApps renders these Windows applications alongside your native Linux applications, creating a truly unified experience.

Key features that enhance this seamless integration include:

• Nautilus Integration: Open files directly from your Linux file manager with Windows applications.
• Host Link Handling: Microsoft Office scheme links (e.g., ms-word://) are automatically routed to the Windows subsystem.
• Full Desktop Access: Option to access a full RDP session of your Windows VM.
• System Tray Control: An optional WinApps Launcher provides easy access to manage your Windows VM and launch applications directly from the system tray.
• File System Access: Your Linux /home directory is accessible within Windows via \tsclient\home.

Supported Applications

WinApps boasts broad compatibility, supporting virtually ALL Windows applications. It achieves this by scanning for officially supported applications with high-resolution icons and pre-populated MIME types, as well as any other .exe files found within the Windows Registry. The project actively encourages community contributions to expand the list of officially supported applications.

Installation and Configuration

Getting WinApps up and running is a well-documented process. It typically involves:

1. Setting up a Windows VM: Using Docker, Podman, or libvirt. Guides are provided for each backend.
2. Installing Dependencies: Specific packages required for your Linux distribution (e.g., curl, dialog, freerdp3-x11, git, etc.).
3. Creating a Configuration File: A winapps.conf file in ~/.config/winapps/ to store your RDP credentials and preferences.
4. Testing FreeRDP: Ensuring a basic RDP connection can be established.
5. Running the WinApps Installer: A simple script (setup.sh) that automates the installation of WinApps itself.

For users of the Nix package manager, WinApps also offers comprehensive installation instructions for both standalone Nix and NixOS, including support for flakes.

Conclusion

WinApps represents a significant step forward for Linux users who rely on the Windows ecosystem. Its commitment to seamless integration, extensive application support, and clear installation process makes it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to bridge the gap between their Linux desktop and essential Windows software. Whether for productivity, creative work, or development, WinApps offers a compelling solution.