How to Install Wine in Ubuntu
Last Updated :
21 Apr, 2025
If you've ever wished you had the ability to use Windows programs on Ubuntu, you're not the only one. Most users convert to Linux due to the speed, security, and open-source compatibility—but still require the ability to use some Windows-specific software. That’s where Wine comes in.
Wine (short for “Wine Is Not an Emulator”)is a free compatibility layer that lets you natively execute.exe programs and Windows software on Linux, without installing Windows or running under a virtual machine. It is light, speedy, and suitable for developers, gamers, and common users as well.
In this article, we'll guide you through the installation of Wine on Ubuntu 24.04, tell you why it's so handy, and demonstrate how to install your favorite Windows programs from your Linux desktop. Whether you're installing MS Office, Notepad++, or even some games, this easy-to-follow guide has you up and running in no time—no technical expertise required.
Why Use Wine in Ubuntu?
Wine is an excellent utility that allows Ubuntu users to run Windows applications without having to install Windows. It fills the gap between operating systems, making your Wine box a more capable machine. As a developer, gamer, or someone who requires access to a particular Windows application, Wine provides you with that freedom—straight from your Ubuntu desktop.
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|
| Run Windows apps | Lets you use Windows software like Notepad++, Adobe Reader, MS Office, and even games that don’t have Linux versions. |
| Lightweight alternative | Wine doesn’t need a full Windows OS or virtual machine—saving time and system resources. |
| Great for developers | Helps test or run legacy Windows programs directly in Linux environments. |
| Gaming support | Supports Steam Play and many Windows-exclusive games through compatibility layers. |
Also Read: How to Use Wine on Linux?
Install Wine in Ubuntu
Here are steps to install Wine in Ubuntu
Step 1: Enable 32-bit Architecture
Even on 64-bit systems, many Windows apps need 32-bit support. Run:
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
Step 2: Add the WineHQ Repository
You’ll need to install the latest Wine packages from WineHQ, the official Wine source.
sudo mkdir -pm755 /etc/apt/keyrings
sudo wget -O /etc/apt/keyrings/winehq-archive.key https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key
Add the Wine repository for Ubuntu 24.04:
sudo wget -NP /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/dists/noble/winehq-noble.sources
Step 3: Update Package Lists
Now update your local package database:
sudo apt update
Step 4: Install Wine on Ubuntu 24.04
You have 3 versions to choose from:
| Version | Description | Command |
|---|
| Stable | Most reliable for general use | sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable |
| Development | Latest features but less tested | sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-devel |
| Staging | Testing features before stable release | sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-staging |
Step 5: Verify Wine Installation
Check that Wine installed correctly:
wine --version
How to Run Windows Applications Using Wine?
Once installed, you can launch .exe files with Wine:
wine setup.exe
It will open a Windows-style installer inside Ubuntu.
Common Issues and Fixes in Wine
Even though Wine works well for running Windows applications on Linux, you might still face a few issues during setup or use.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
| Wine crashes or hangs | Run winecfg in the terminal to reset and reconfigure the Wine environment. |
| Missing libraries (e.g., libfaudio0) | Install missing packages with: sudo apt install libfaudio0 |
| Fonts not displaying correctly | Install Winetricks and use it to add Microsoft core fonts. Run: winetricks corefonts |
Also Read:
Conclusion
Wine installation on Ubuntu 24.04 introduces an many software possibilities to the game. From running critical Windows applications on Linux to supporting legacy applications and games, Wine offers versatility without necessitating dual-booting or virtual machines.
With a couple of terminal commands, you can install Wine, set it up for your machine, and fix common issues like missing fonts or libraries. It's lightweight, simple, and works fine with most mainstream Windows programs.
Whether you're a coder, gamer, or simply a random user, having Wine in your machine means that you can enjoy the best of both system—Linux speed with Windows compatibility. Just follow the above procedure, and your Ubuntu system will be ready to take on those annoying.exe files in no time.
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