Wine

An open-source compatibility layer that runs Windows applications and games on Linux, macOS and BSD.

FreeOpen sourcemacOSLinux
Official websitewinehq.org

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1 more ways to get Wine

Package managers

  • Flathubflatpak install flathub org.winehq.Wine

About Wine

Wine lets programs written for Windows run on Linux, macOS and BSD systems without installing Windows itself. It translates what a Windows program asks of the operating system into calls the host system understands, so applications and games can run alongside native software.

It suits people who have moved away from Windows but still depend on a few Windows-only programs, and it is the base that many gaming compatibility tools build on.

Strengths

  • Runs Windows programs without a Windows licence or virtual machine
  • Works on Linux, macOS and BSD
  • Serves as the base for many other compatibility tools

Limitations

  • Not every Windows program works, and some need manual tweaks
  • Configuration can be fiddly for newcomers

Details

Pricing
FreeFree and open source.
License
Open source, license not stated
Developer
The Wine contributors
Platforms
macOS, Linux
How it runs
Downloadable app
Account
Not required
Works offline
Yes
Best suited for
Running Windows-only programs and games on Linux or macOS
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Wine

Compare all

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

  • CrossOver

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

    PaidProprietarymacOSLinux

    CrossOver is a paid, closed-source Wine-based tool for macOS and Linux that adds commercial support, tutorials and forums, while compatibility limits remain.

  • Proton

    Valve's Wine-based compatibility tool that lets Steam run Windows games on Linux.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Proton is Valve's Wine-based tool integrated into Steam on Linux with bundled DXVK, but it is Linux only and tied to the Steam client for normal use.

  • GE-Proton

    A community build of Valve's Proton compatibility tool for running Windows games through Steam Play on Linux.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    GE-Proton is a community Proton build with extra patches, chosen per game in Steam on Linux, and must be installed manually or with a helper tool.

  • Bottles

    A friendly manager for Wine prefixes on Linux, so running a Windows program means picking an environment rather than editing config files.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Bottles manages Wine prefixes on Linux through a graphical interface with templates, runner versions and backups, while still depending on Wine's own compatibility.

  • Porting Kit

    A macOS app that installs Windows games and applications on a Mac using Wineskin wrappers.

    FreeProprietarymacOS

    Porting Kit is a free, closed-source Mac app that installs Windows games through Wineskin wrappers with prepared installers, so no manual Wine configuration is needed.

  • Winlator

    An Android app that runs x86_64 Windows applications and games using Wine and Box86/Box64.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Winlator moves Windows program support to Android by combining Wine with Box86/Box64 translation, with performance that varies widely between devices.

  • Lutris

    A Linux gaming platform that installs the right emulator, Wine build or engine for each game and launches them from one place.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Lutris is a Linux gaming platform that installs the right Wine build per game through community scripts and brings Steam, Epic, GOG and Humble libraries together.

Wine as an alternative

Listings that name Wine as an alternative.

  • umu-launcher

    A unified launcher that runs Windows games on Linux with Proton outside of Steam.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxCommand line

    Wine is the base compatibility layer itself, running Windows programs on Linux, macOS and BSD without Steam's Proton runtime, and configuration can be fiddly.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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