Wine, Proton, PlayOnLinux: modern solutions for running Windows applications on Linux (without a VM)

TL;DR:

• Wine allows you to run Windows applications on Linux without a virtual machine (WineHQ).
• Proton, integrated into Steam, simplifies running Windows games… and more and more apps (Wikipedia).
• PlayOnLinux provides a user‑friendly graphical interface to manage Wine easily (Wikipedia).
• Recent tools like Bottles or CrossOver make the transition even easier (CyberPanel).
• Performance is now almost native, even without a VM (Reddit Linux Gaming).
• Migrating to Linux is simpler than before, even for companies dependent on Windows software.

1. Wine: the efficient bridge between Windows and Linux

Wine ("Wine Is Not an Emulator") is the foundation of many modern solutions. It allows Windows applications to run directly on Linux without virtualisation.

Rather than simulating a complete OS, Wine translates Windows system calls into Linux on the fly, avoiding the overhead of a virtual machine.

✔️ Simple installation via official repositories (sudo apt install wine on Ubuntu, or via DNF, Pacman, Zypper depending on your distribution).

🗂️ WineHQ AppDB lets you check your software''s compatibility (Office, Adobe, line‑of‑business tools).

💡 For system administrators: Wine works well in controlled environments with user profiles and network integration.

2. Proton: the gaming revolution… and Windows apps too

Developed by Valve (Steam) in partnership with CodeWeavers, Proton is an optimised version of Wine focused on performance.

Originally designed for video games, Proton now supports more and more productivity applications.

🎮 Integrates DXVK, VKD3D and vkd3d-proton to handle DirectX via Vulkan efficiently.

⚙️ Simple activation in Steam: tick a box and your Windows software launches without manual configuration.

⚡ Recent versions of Proton often offer performance equivalent to native Windows, even on modest hardware.

🧩 Proton GE (community version) and protonup‑qt let you go further, both at home and in business.

3. PlayOnLinux, Bottles, CrossOver: easy app management

• PlayOnLinux: graphical interface to configure Wine per application, perfect for installing software like Microsoft Office, SAP GUI, etc.
• Bottles: offers ready‑made "environments" (games, office suites, .NET, etc.) with isolated profiles, easy to use even without technical expertise.
• CrossOver: commercial version of Wine maintained by CodeWeavers. It specifically targets business environments with exclusive patches, professional support and tested compatibility with suites like Office 365 or QuickBooks.
• exclusive patches,
• professional support,
• tested compatibility with suites like Office 365 or QuickBooks.

🎯 CrossOver is used by many SMEs and schools to reduce Microsoft licence fees while keeping their Windows software.

4. The positive points of transitioning to Linux today

✅ Increased compatibility

More and more Windows applications work perfectly on Linux thanks to Wine, Proton and their derivatives.

✅ Ease of use

Modern interfaces like Bottles and PlayOnLinux make everything accessible, even without a command line.

✅ Near‑native performance

Wine 9+ and Proton deliver solid performance, without a resource‑hungry Windows VM.

✅ Security, freedom and savings

Fewer critical vulnerabilities, no intrusive telemetry and substantial savings on licences.

✅ Active community

Compatibility databases like AppDB, ProtonDB or dedicated forums let you quickly find solutions if you run into trouble.

🦊 Blue Fox''s message

At Blue Fox, we help companies modernise and future‑proof their infrastructure without abandoning the Windows tools they’re familiar with.

Thanks to Wine, Proton, PlayOnLinux, Bottles or CrossOver, transitioning to Linux has never been so simple or cost‑effective.

Need an audit, pilot test or support during this transition? Write to us—we love solving hybrid challenges. 💻✨

#Linux #OpenSource #Wine #Proton #PlayOnLinux #Interoperability #BlueFox #DigitalSovereignty #SMEs

📚 Sources:

• WineHQ – Official website
• Wikipedia – Proton (Valve)
• Wikipedia – PlayOnLinux
• Wikipedia – CrossOver (software)
• CyberPanel – Run Windows apps on Linux (2025)
• Reddit – r/linux_gaming – Proton Performance Benchmarks