How to Install Wine on Ubuntu

Installing Wine on Ubuntu lets you seamlessly run multiple Windows applications on Unix-based operating systems. In other words, you can use various utility apps on Linux with no issues. Here we have the most straightforward methods of doing that.

There are instances when many utility apps originally designed for Windows outperform their competitors in Linux. Also, the lack of several useful applications leaves the users a bit disrupted. Thankfully, there is a promising solution to it.

Introducing Wine, an open-source compatibility layer coded to help users run Windows applications on Linux-type operating systems. Although Wine isn’t capable of running every Windows application, the number that works perfectly is pretty much sure to serve as a day-saving element on many occasions.

Does it sound like facing complex methodologies? Well, to your surprise, installing and using Wine on Ubuntu is as effortless as you can wish for. This article describes the step-by-step guide to installing, configuring, and using Wine on Ubuntu.

Before installing Wine on Ubuntu, you must verify the system packages, whether 64-bit or 32-bit. There are dedicated versions of Wine available for the 64-bit and 32-bit architecture. Thus it is vital to check which version you’re using and install the most appropriate version.

Checking if You Own a 32-bit or a 64-bit System

1. The first thing that you’ll need to do is launch the Terminal. You can do that by either using the Ubuntu Dash or using the key combination “Ctrl+Alt+T”.

2. Next up, run the following command, and fetch details CPU details from the files

sysfs: 
$ lscpu

3. Look for the architecture section and verify your system build.

Enabling Multiarch on Ubuntu 

To cut short the process of verifying system architecture time and time again, you can simply enable Multiarch. It is a process that will allow installing the Wine versions compatible with both 64 and 32-bit packages on the system you’re working on. 

Here is how you can do it:

1. First, you need to launch the Terminal.

2. Run the following commands:

$ sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
$ sudo apt update

How to Install and Use Wine on Ubuntu

Once you’re done checking the system architecture, it is time you install Wine. In general, there are two ways of doing it. Firstly, you can use the standard Ubuntu repository, or secondly, take assistance from the WineHQ repository that comprises a set of standard Wine packages.

The Standard Ubuntu Repository Method

Although you’ve other alternatives to choose from, using the standard Ubuntu repository is recommended for installing Wine. This will prevent you from activating any additional repositories in your system.

Installing Wine on Ubuntu (64-bit System)

1. Launch the Terminal and run the following command as a root user:

$ sudo apt install wine64

2. In case your system is password-protected, you’ll need to input the password for proceeding any further.

3. Once prompted, type “Y” and hit the “Enter” key.

Wait for the process to conclude, and Wine will be ready for you to use.

Installing Wine on Ubuntu (32-bit System)

If you’re using a 32-bit system, installing Wine is pretty much similar. Proceed as follows:

1. Launch the Terminal.

2. Run the following command but make sure you’re doing it as a root user:

$ sudo apt install wine32

3. Again, if your system is password-protected, you’ll need to input that for proceeding to the next step.

4. Once prompted, type “Y” and hit the “Enter” key to confirm the installation process to begin.

The WineHQ Repository Method

Get the Wine repository added following the steps as mentioned below:

1. Launch the Ubuntu Terminal.

2. Run the following command:

$ sudo apt install software-properties-common
$ sudo apt-add-repository "deb http://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ $(lsb_release -cs) main"

Installing Wine on Ubuntu

1. Launch the Ubuntu Terminal.

2. After that, run the following command so that you add the WineHQ signing key.

$ wget -qO- https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/Release.key | sudo apt-key add -

3. Import the WineHQ repository GPG Key by running the command:

wget -qO- https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key | sudo apt-key add -

4. Next, input and run the command for importing the other key available for the WineHQ repository that you’re using:

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 --recv F987672F

5. Once you’re done with that, it is time to add a relevant repository from the WineHQ. All you need to do is input the following command and hit the “Enter” key.

$ sudo apt-add-repository 'deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ bionic main'

6. Updating the Ubuntu package lists is the next step. Do that running the command:

apt-get update

Usually, you’ll have two options of Wine to choose from and install; the stable version and the development version.

7. The WineHQ Stable, as the name suggests, indicates the most recent and stable release of Wine. If you wish to install that, run the following command:

sudo apt-get install --install-recommends winehq-stable

8. You’ll then be prompted with a y/n option. Type “Y” and press “Enter” to proceed with the installation, while using the N option will serve otherwise.

If you wish to install the WineHQ development version, run the command and proceed with typing “Y” thereafter.

sudo apt-get install --install-recommends winehq-devel

After the system finalizes the installation process, make sure to verify the Wine version by running the command:

wine --version

Configuring Wine on Ubuntu

Before you start using Wine on Ubuntu, you must configure it properly. 

1. Launch the Terminal and run the command to install Mono and Gecko and set up the working environment for Wine:

winecfg.

2. After that, you’ll notice a dialog asking to confirm the installation of Mono.

3. Find and tap on the “Install” button and have Mono installed.

4. Next, you’ll need to install Gecko. The installation can be done from the dialog box that prompts immediately after Mono is ready.

As soon as the installation process concludes, you’ll have access to the Wine configuration screen. Although the default settings are fine for most of the cases, you can choose other desired options.

And with that, we conclude the task of walking you through the methods of installing and using Wine on Ubuntu. Following the steps mentioned above will ensure your system is ready to operate various Windows applications with no troubles. 

In case you’re wondering how to remove Wine from your system, the process involved is simple here as well. Once you’re in the Ubuntu Terminal, run the command:

$ sudo apt-get purge winehq-stable

After that, remove the following folders and get Wine uninstalled.

~/.config/wine/ -r
$ HOME/.wine
$ HOME/.config/menus/applications-merged/wine*
$HOME/.local/share/applications/wine
/.local/share/desktop-directories/wine*
/.local/share/icons/????_*.xpm

If you face any trouble, don’t hesitate to let us know using the comment section below.

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