How to Install Wine 8.0 on Linux Mint 22, 21 or 20

Wine 8.0 is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux Mint. This version brings significant enhancements, including the shift to PE format for all modules, improving 32-bit application support on 64-bit hosts, and better handling of copy protection. WoW64 enhancements enable improved support for 32-bit PE modules calling 64-bit Unix libraries and an experimental WoW64 mode that closely mimics Windows architecture. Wine 8.0 also introduces a “Light” theme, Print Processor architecture, enhanced Direct2D effects, and significant Direct3D upgrades for better performance. Additional improvements include refined audio/video handling, media foundation enhancements, better input device support, internationalization features, text and font developments, and kernel optimizations.

To install Wine 8.0 on Linux Mint 22, 21, or 20 using the command-line terminal, you can follow the steps outlined in this guide. By using the WineHQ APT repository, you can choose between the latest stable version, pre-release versions, or development builds, ensuring you have the best version suited for your needs.

Update Linux Mint Before Wine Installation

Update your Linux Mint system to initiate the installation process. This step ensures that all software packages on your system are current, reducing the likelihood of conflicts during the Wine installation.

Begin by refreshing your package list:

sudo apt update

After updating the list, proceed to upgrade any outdated packages with this command:

sudo apt upgrade

Install Required Packages for WineHQ PPA

Specific packages must be installed before adding the WineHQ PPA (Personal Package Archive). These packages are essential for managing software repositories and secure communications.

Execute the following command to install these prerequisites:

sudo apt install dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -y

Enable 32-bit Support (Optional)

This step is optional. You can skip this step if you do not intend to use older 32-bit games or applications. However, adding 32-bit support can be beneficial, as it extends the range of compatible applications and games available for use with Wine.

To enable 32-bit architecture on your system, use the following command:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386

Enabling this support is advantageous for low-end systems, which may run older 32-bit games more efficiently, and high-end systems, which will not face any performance degradation from this addition.

Import WineHQ APT Repository

To access the latest versions of Wine, you need to import the WineHQ repository into your system. To ensure the authenticity and security of the packages, start by adding the repository’s GPG key.

Run this command:

curl -s https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/winehq.gpg > /dev/null

Next, add the WineHQ repository. Select the command corresponding to your version of Linux Mint:

Import WineHQ repository for Linux Mint 22:

echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/winehq.gpg] http://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ noble main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list

Import WineHQ repository for Linux Mint 21:

echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/winehq.gpg] http://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ jammy main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list

Import WineHQ repository for Linux Mint 20:

echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/winehq.gpg] http://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ focal main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list

Conclude this step by updating your package list to recognize the newly added repository:

sudo apt update

These steps methodically prepare your Linux Mint system for the installation of Wine 8.0, ensuring a streamlined and successful setup process.

Install Wine 8.0

Install Wine 8.0 – WineHQ Stable Release

Opt for the WineHQ Stable Release to balance the latest features with system stability. This version is ideal for users who need a reliable setup without the frequent updates of more experimental branches.

Execute the following command to install the stable version:

sudo apt install winehq-stable --install-recommends 

Post-installation, confirm the installed version of Wine with this command:

wine --version

Install Wine 8.0 – WineHQ Staging Release

Choosing the WineHQ Staging Release grants access to beta or testing versions before their official release. This option suits users seeking newer features who are comfortable with minor risks associated with a less stable branch.

Install the staging release with this command:

sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-staging

To verify the version of Wine installed, use the command:

wine --version

Install Wine – WineHQ Development Build

The WineHQ Development Build is the go-to for those who prefer cutting-edge features, albeit with a potential for instability. Recommended primarily for advanced users and developers, this build offers the most recent developments in Wine. Install it using:

sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-devel

After completing the installation, check the Wine version installed:

wine --version

It’s important to note that the development and staging repositories occasionally host the same version of Wine. This overlap occurs due to the continuous development cycle of Wine.

Finalize Wine 8.0 Installation

Step 1: Install Required Environments for Wine

After installing Wine, additional environments like Mono are necessary for optimal functionality. Mono is crucial as it allows Wine to run .NET applications not natively supported on Linux.

Initiate this setup with the following command:

winecfg

Executing this command will open a configuration window. A prompt will appear to install Mono and its dependencies.

Click Install to add these essential components to Wine.

Step 2: Configure Wine Window

With the environments installed, the Wine configuration dialog box will open. This interface offers customization options to tailor Wine to your specific needs. It allows you to select the default Windows version that Wine will emulate. While the default is often set to Windows 7, you can change this to a more recent version like Windows 10, depending on the compatibility requirements of your applications.

The configuration dialog also provides access to various settings tabs, such as audio and graphics. These tabs enable further customization of Wine, allowing you to adjust performance and visual aspects to align with your system’s capabilities and personal preferences. After making any desired changes, close the dialog box to finalize the configuration.

Installation of Notepad++ with Wine 8.0

Download and Open Notepad++ Installer

To begin the installation of Notepad++ on your Linux Mint system using Wine 8.0, start by downloading the Notepad++ Windows installer (a .exe file). Ensure you choose the version appropriate for your system’s architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Once downloaded, navigate to the file location, right-click on the installer, and select Open With Other Application. From the list of applications, choose Wine. This action prompts Wine to execute the installer, similarly to how it would run on a Windows environment.

Follow the Notepad++ Installation Steps

After opening the installer with Wine, proceed with the installation steps as if operating on a Windows system. This process includes agreeing to the license terms, selecting installation options, and specifying the installation directory.

Launching Notepad++

You can locate Notepad++ in your application menu post-installation or search for it on your Linux Mint desktop. Launch the application using its coding, scripting, or general text editing features. The integration of Notepad++ through Wine demonstrates the software’s versatility in running Windows-based applications seamlessly on Linux platforms.

This example illustrates the simplicity and effectiveness of using Wine to install and run Windows applications, like Notepad++, on Linux Mint, expanding the range of tools available to Linux users.

First-Time Tips with Wine 8.0

Install Windows Applications Using Winetricks

Winetricks, a valuable helper script for Wine, streamlines the installation of Windows applications and libraries. It’s handy for setting up particular configurations within Wine.

To install Winetricks, execute:

sudo apt install winetricks -y

Once installed, Winetricks allows for the effortless installation of essential Windows components. For instance, to install Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries, use:

winetricks vcrun2015

Manage Wine Prefixes

Wine prefixes create isolated environments, enabling you to run applications separately. By default, Wine uses ~/.wine as the primary prefix. To create a new, custom prefix, execute:

WINEPREFIX=~/.custom_wine_prefix winecfg

Replace ~/.custom_wine_prefix with your chosen directory. This command establishes a new environment and opens its Wine configuration dialog.

Customizing Wine’s Appearance

To align the appearance of Wine applications with your Linux Mint theme, access the configuration dialog:

winecfg

In the “Desktop Integration” tab, you can customize themes, fonts, and colors to ensure that Wine applications visually integrate with your system.

Improve Performance with DirectX

For applications, particularly games, that rely on DirectX, install DirectX libraries via Winetricks for enhanced performance:

winetricks d3dx9 d3dx10 d3dx11

These libraries (DirectX 9, 10, and 11) boost the compatibility and performance of Windows applications on Linux Mint.

Explore the Wine Application Database

The Wine Application Database (AppDB) offers compatibility information and tips for running Windows applications with Wine. Visit Wine AppDB for insights and user-contributed advice on specific applications.

Managing Wine 8.0

Configuring Wine as 32-bit

While Wine defaults to supporting 64-bit Windows applications on Linux Mint, you might need to run 32-bit applications. To configure Wine for 32-bit applications, set a new environment with these commands:

export WINEARCH=win32
export WINEPREFIX=~/.wine32
winecfg

Executing these commands establishes a new Wine prefix exclusively for 32-bit applications and opens the Wine configuration dialog for that specific prefix.

Running Wine from the Linux Mint Terminal

Wine can be operated directly from the terminal, providing a quick method to launch Windows applications. The command structure is as follows:

wine PROGRAM [ARGUMENTS...]

To execute a Windows application, such as example_app.exe, enter:

wine example_app.exe

This method is efficient for running Windows applications without needing a graphical interface.

Update Wine 8.0

Regular updates ensure that Wine remains functional and secure. Update Wine using these standard APT commands:

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt update

These commands fetch the latest updates from the WineHQ repository, keeping your Wine installation current.

Remove Wine 8.0

Should you need to uninstall Wine, select the command that corresponds to your installed version:

sudo apt remove winehq-stable

sudo apt remove winehq-staging

sudo apt remove winehq-devel

For a complete removal, including the repository information, execute:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list

Removing Wine and its related data ensures your system remains clean and organized, especially if you no longer require the software.

Conclusion

With Wine 8.0 successfully installed on your Linux Mint system, you can now easily run various Windows applications and games. Ensure you keep Wine updated to benefit from the latest improvements and compatibility fixes. Refer to the Wine documentation and community forums for any issues or further assistance. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of running Windows software on your Linux Mint setup.