How to Install Wine on Fedora 40/39 Linux

Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux systems. It translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls, enabling seamless integration of Windows software on your Linux environment. Wine is beneficial for those who need to use specific Windows applications or games that do not have native Linux versions.

The following guide will demonstrate how to install Wine on Fedora 40 or 39 using the command-line terminal. You have two installation options: Fedora’s AppStream repository or the WineHQ RPM for the latest stable, pre-release, or development versions.

Wine Pre-Installation Steps

Update Fedora Packages Before Wine Installation

To start, it’s essential to update your Fedora system. This step guarantees that all existing packages are current, reducing the likelihood of conflicts when installing Wine.

Execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes the repository metadata and updates the packages to their latest versions. Ensuring your system is up-to-date not only aids in a smoother Wine installation but also enhances overall system security and performance.

Verify if Wine is Already Installed

Before proceeding with the installation, it is wise to check if Wine is already on your system. This avoids redundant installations and lets you know your current version if Wine is installed.

Use the command:

wine --version

This command will display the version of Wine installed on your system, if any. If Wine is not installed, the system will prompt you with an error message, indicating that you can proceed with the installation steps.

Method 1: Install Wine via Default Appstream

Install Wine via DNF Command

To install Wine on Fedora Linux, you must first install the core Wine package. This is done using the DNF package manager, a powerful tool for managing software in Fedora.

Open your terminal and execute:

sudo dnf install wine

This command installs the Wine software, enabling your Fedora system to run Windows applications. It’s a straightforward process and typically completes without issues, provided your system is current.

Optional: Install Wine 32-bit Support

Many Windows applications, particularly older software and games, are designed for 32-bit systems. 32-bit support for Wine is recommended to ensure these applications run smoothly on your Fedora system. This is particularly vital for lower-end or older systems.

Execute the following command to enable 32-bit support:

sudo dnf install wine.i686

This command installs the necessary libraries for running 32-bit Windows applications. It’s an essential step for users who rely on various software and games that may not be available in 64-bit formats.

Verify Wine Appstream Installation

After installation, verifying that Wine is correctly installed on your system is good practice. Check the Wine version to ensure the installation was successful. In your terminal, type:

wine --version

This command displays the version of Wine installed, confirming the successful setup of the software on your system.

With these steps, you have successfully installed Wine using Fedora’s default repository. Users interested in the latest features and updates should consider installing Wine from the official WineHQ repository. This alternative installation method grants access to the newest versions of Wine, including stable, pre-release, and development builds, and is ideal for those who wish to experiment with the latest advancements in Wine technology.

Method 2: Install Wine via WineHQ

Enable the WineHQ Repository

The initial phase in installing Wine via WineHQ on Fedora involves activating the WineHQ repository. This repository contains the latest Wine builds, providing access to newer versions than those available in Fedora’s default repositories.

Execute the following command in your terminal, replacing <Fedora version> with your specific Fedora release number (e.g., 40, 39, or 38):

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/fedora/<Fedora version>/winehq.repo

For example, if you are using Fedora 40, 39, or 38, you would use the following commands:

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/fedora/40/winehq.repo

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/fedora/39/winehq.repo

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/fedora/38/winehq.repo

Select Wine Installation Build From WineHQ

Install Wine – WineHQ Stable Release

The WineHQ stable release is recommended to balance the latest features and system stability. This version offers newer features than Fedora’s default version while maintaining a stable experience.

Install it by running:

sudo dnf install winehq-stable

After installation, verify the installed version of Wine with the following:

wine --version

This command confirms the successful installation of the stable release on your Fedora system.

Install Wine – WineHQ Staging Release

For users keen on experimenting with upcoming features before their official release, the WineHQ staging release is an ideal choice. This version is a beta, offering a glimpse into future updates while retaining stability. To install, use the command:

sudo dnf install winehq-staging

Confirm the installation with:

wine --version

This ensures that the staging release of Wine is correctly installed on your system.

Install Wine – WineHQ Development Release

The WineHQ development release provides the latest Wine features for advanced users and developers. However, this version may contain bugs or instabilities, making it less suitable for a production environment.

To install, run the following:

sudo dnf install winehq-devel

Verify your installation with:

wine --version

This confirms the installation of the Wine development release, allowing you to explore the latest advancements in Wine technology.

Finalize Wine Installation on Fedora Linux

Setting Up the Wine Environment

Once Wine is installed on your Fedora Linux system, it’s crucial to configure it for optimal performance. The primary tool for this setup is the winecfg command. When you run this command in the terminal, it opens the Wine configuration utility. Here, you can adjust settings like the Windows version to emulate the location of your Windows drive. Additionally, winecfg ensures all necessary libraries and dependencies for Wine are correctly installed.

Running winecfg after each Wine upgrade or when you install a new Windows application is advisable. This practice guarantees that your applications will function as intended on your system. To run the command, open a terminal, type winecfg, and press Enter.

Ensure you execute this command as a regular user, not as root, to avoid potential complications.

winecfg

Installing Mono for Enhanced Compatibility

After launching winecfg, the next critical step is to install Mono. When prompted, select the “Install” option. This action triggers the installation of Mono and its dependencies. Mono is an open-source counterpart to Microsoft’s .NET Framework, essential for running specific Windows applications in Wine. This installation ensures that Wine can support a broader range of Windows software, particularly those reliant on the .NET Framework.

When you select “Install,” the system automatically downloads and installs Mono and related components. This process can be time-consuming, as it involves downloading and setting up various packages and dependencies. Be patient and allow the installation to complete fully.

Upon completion, your Fedora Linux system is equipped to run Windows applications through Wine, bolstered by the additional capabilities provided by Mono. This setup ensures a smoother and more reliable experience running various Windows software on Fedora Linux.

Configure Wine GUI

Customizing Audio, Libraries, Drivers, and Graphics in Wine

After setting up Wine on your Fedora Linux system, fine-tuning its configuration is vital to achieving optimal performance. The Wine Configuration window, accessible through the winecfg command, provides various customization options, including audio, libraries, drivers, and graphics settings.

Audio Settings

You can configure the sound output and input within the audio settings according to your system’s hardware and preferences. This flexibility ensures that sound in your Windows applications is rendered correctly, whether for gaming, media playback, or any other audio-reliant application.

Library Settings

The libraries section is particularly significant for advanced users. Here, you can specify versions of Windows libraries Wine should use. This level of control can be crucial for running applications that require specific library versions not typically found in Linux environments, thereby enhancing compatibility with a broader range of software.

Driver Settings

In the driver settings, you can configure the graphics that Wine uses. This setting can impact the performance and compatibility of graphics-intensive applications like games or design software. Choosing the right driver ensures that these applications leverage your hardware effectively, delivering a smoother experience.

Graphics Settings

Finally, the graphics settings section allows you to customize display preferences, such as setting a virtual desktop resolution. This feature is handy for applications that require a specific screen resolution or for users who prefer to run Windows applications in a Windows environment rather than full screen.

Adjusting these settings allows you to tailor your Wine environment to meet your needs, enhancing performance and user experience. These configurations can benefit users running various applications with varying requirements.

Example: Install NotePad++ Windows Application on Fedora Linux

Downloading and Opening the Notepad++ Installation File

An effective way to demonstrate Wine’s capabilities on Fedora Linux is by installing a Windows application like Notepad++. The first step involves downloading the Notepad++ installation .exe file from its official website. Once downloaded, you can initiate the installation process directly within the Linux environment, thanks to Wine.

To open the downloaded .exe file with Wine, right-click on it, and choose “Open With Wine Windows Program Loader.” This action triggers Wine to launch and execute the Windows-based installer on your Fedora system. This method applies to any compatible Windows binary file and is a straightforward approach for installing Windows applications on Linux.

Install Notepad++ Using Wine

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Notepad++, similar to how you would on a Windows operating system. Wine seamlessly interprets these instructions, allowing the installation process to proceed as it would in a native Windows environment.

Once the installation is complete, Notepad++ will be ready for use on your Fedora Linux desktop. You can launch it through your application menu or use the Wine application loader, just as with any other Windows application installed via Wine.

This example illustrates the straightforward process of installing Windows applications using Wine and showcases Wine’s ability to efficiently handle widely used software like Notepad++.

Additional Commands with Wine

Configure Wine as 32-bit

In some scenarios, you might need to run Wine in a 32-bit environment, especially with applications designed exclusively for 32-bit Windows systems. By default, Wine on Fedora Linux is configured for 64-bit.

To switch to a 32-bit environment, execute the following commands in the terminal:

• Set the Wine architecture to 32-bit:

export WINEARCH=win32

• Define the Wine prefix (configuration directory) for 32-bit:

export WINEPREFIX=~/.wine32

Launch the Wine configuration utility:

winecfg

These commands establish a separate 32-bit Wine environment, allowing compatibility with 32-bit Windows applications.

Update Wine

Keeping Wine up-to-date is crucial for security and functionality. To update Wine to the latest version available in your Fedora repositories, use the following command:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes your package lists and upgrades Wine and other packages with available updates.

Remove (Uninstall) Wine

Uninstalling WineHQ Versions

If you need to uninstall Wine, the process varies slightly depending on your installed version. For Wine installed from the WineHQ repository, use the command that corresponds to your specific version:

• Stable WineHQ release:

sudo dnf remove winehq-stable

• Staging WineHQ release:

sudo dnf remove winehq-staging

• Development WineHQ release:

sudo dnf remove winehq-devel

To delete the WineHQ repository, execute:

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/winehq.repo

Uninstalling Standard Wine Versions

If Wine was installed from Fedora’s default repository, use the following command to uninstall it:

sudo dnf remove wine

And for the 32-bit support:

sudo dnf remove wine.i686

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This guide has demonstrated how WineHQ significantly enhances the Fedora 40 or 39 Linux experience by enabling Windows applications to run seamlessly on Linux. Ideal for sysadmins, gamers, and general users, Wine effectively translates Windows system calls into a Linux-friendly format. This opens up a more comprehensive range of software options and improves productivity and gaming experiences.

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using Wine:

• Wine Official Website: Visit the official Wine website for information about the compatibility layer, features, and download options.
• Wine News: Stay updated with the latest news and announcements related to Wine.
• Wine Help: Get help with Wine through various support resources, including documentation and FAQs.
• Wine Wiki: Access the Wine Wiki for comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and user guides.
• Wine Application Database (AppDB): Explore the Wine Application Database to find information about application compatibility with Wine.
• Wine Forums: Join the Wine forums to discuss issues, share solutions, and get support from other Wine users.
• Wine Bugzilla: The Bugzilla platform allows users to report bugs, track issues, and view bug reports related to Wine.