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Is it possible to create an OS that simply automatically runs .exe files through WINE/Proton/Bottles? (feddit.nl)
submitted 9 months ago by helenslunch@feddit.nl to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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I really enjoy Linux but I find myself having to keep Windows partitions around for software that specifically requires Windows.

Proton makes everything easier by automatically running game files through a translation layer, and it "just works" quite well most of the time.

Also VanillaOS can apparently auto-spin a container when you try to open a .deb or AUR package (this is my rudimentary understanding).

Setting up WINE/Bottles, etc. is above my pay grade.

Is it not possible to create an OS that just does the same thing as Steam but for the entire OS?

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[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 25 points 9 months ago (2 children)

I have to add, please use Bottles Flatpak (or something similar) to run .exe files in an isolated environment.

Bottles has very secure presets and a fully modern stack with Pipewire and Portals. Running .exes there is probably safe.

But starting to run random Windows apps unisolated on your system will open a huge can of worms. Especially with quacked games ;D

[–] helenslunch@feddit.nl 0 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I just downloaded a .exe then "open with bottles" and...nothing happened 🤷

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 4 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

As I said this is not very good behavior, some .exe files may install a program first and then it may create a desktop entry, by default this windows link will only be accessible from within the app library but you can export it. Linux uses .desktop entries, running .exe files is not how you do it.

Did you already create a bottle? If not do so, use "programs" or whatever you want to run.

pupgui is needed if you want games, install latest proton GE and use that instead with a "Games" bottle.

Then if you have any bottle created, close the app again and try to open that .exe again with bottles.

Things to consider that I have the feeling you might not know

  • bottles has a really well made flatpak, this is the only supported version
  • flatpak apps have an internal app storage (pupgui flatpak can write there to install the wine engines)
  • even if not in flatpak (which you should 100% use, wine is a security hole), WINE will create a fake Windows directory structure and place the .exe there
  • so running an .exe is completely different from an appimage (which you should not use unless you need to). This app will likely depend on Windows libraries so it needs to be installed i.e. placed in that WINE directory structure
[–] helenslunch@feddit.nl -1 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

I don't know what any of that means 🤷

As I mentioned in the OP, I have games installed on a separate machine and they work fine with Steam/Proton. Just click "Play" and they go. This is the functionality I'm looking for.

Several other people claimed this is how it works.

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

How do you have them installed? I have no experience with proton.

If you didnt understand things ask good questions or use your favourite search engine ;D

[–] helenslunch@feddit.nl -3 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

How do you have them installed?

I click the "install" button on Steam.

If you didnt understand things ask good questions or use your favourite search engine

I'm really just not interested in obtaining a software engineering degree. But thanks.

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 4 points 9 months ago

I have no idea of coding, this is just about using software.

Yeah idk this may be a steam specific thing so use it with steam I guess?