WinBoat

A Linux desktop app that runs Windows programs from a containerized Windows virtual machine.

FreeOpen sourceLinux
Official websitegithub.com

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About WinBoat

WinBoat is a Linux desktop app that runs Windows applications from a Windows virtual machine inside a container and shows them alongside native Linux programs. It is built with Electron and includes a guest server that runs inside Windows to handle the integration.

The project moved from TibixDev's personal account to the winboat-org organization and has around 23,000 stars on GitHub. It suits people who have switched to Linux but still depend on some Windows-only software.

Strengths

  • Windows apps appear integrated with the Linux desktop
  • Graphical app rather than manual scripts
  • Windows guest runs in a container

Limitations

  • Depends on a full Windows guest running in the background
  • Linux only

Details

Pricing
FreeFree, with source code published on GitHub.
License
Open source, license not stated
Developer
The WinBoat contributors
Platforms
Linux
How it runs
Downloadable app
Account
Not required
Best suited for
Linux desktop users who need occasional Windows-only apps
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to WinBoat

Compare all

Software that can replace WinBoat for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • WinApps

    Runs Windows applications from a background virtual machine as if they were native Linux apps.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    WinApps runs Windows programs from a background VM as native-looking Linux windows, with Nautilus integration, but setup involves several components and scripts.

  • CrossOver

    A commercial Wine-based tool that runs Windows applications and games on macOS and Linux.

    PaidProprietarymacOSLinux

    CrossOver runs Windows programs through Wine on macOS and Linux without a full Windows guest or licence, but it is paid and compatibility varies.

WinBoat as an alternative

Listings that name WinBoat as an alternative.

  • Windows (dockur)

    A Docker container that downloads, installs and runs Windows inside a KVM-accelerated virtual machine.

    FreeProprietaryLinuxSelf-hosted

    WinBoat also runs a containerized Windows guest on Linux, but through a graphical desktop app that shows individual Windows programs integrated with the Linux desktop.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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