Transitioning from a Windows PC to a Chromebook doesn’t mean saying goodbye to all your favorite Windows programs. While Chromebooks primarily run on ChromeOS, an operating system developed by Google, you can still leverage a tool called Wine to run Windows applications on your Chromebook. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process, ensuring a seamless experience even if you’re new to the Linux environment.
Contents
Why Use Wine on Chromebook?
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand why you might want to use Wine. While Chromebooks offer excellent alternatives like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, some users may have specific Windows applications they are accustomed to. Wine, an emulator, creates a Windows-like environment within ChromeOS, allowing you to run .exe files on your Chromebook.
Steps to Run Windows programs using Wine on Chromebook
Enable Linux Development Environment
Enabling the Linux development environment on your Chromebook is the first step. This process installs a Linux virtual machine, providing the foundation for running Wine.
- Click on the time at the bottom right of your Chromebook.
- Choose Settings, then go to Advanced and select Developers.
- Toggle “Turn On” next to “Linux development environment.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions; the setup process may take 10 minutes or longer.
During this process, you’ll be prompted to allocate storage space for the Linux virtual machine. While the recommended is 10GB, adjust it based on your Chromebook’s storage capacity.
Install Wine Application
Wine comes in both 64-bit and 32-bit versions. Depending on the compatibility of your Windows application, you might need the 32-bit variant. Installing Wine on your Linux container sets the stage for running Windows programs.
- After installing Linux on your Chromebook, access the Terminal from the app drawer and execute the following command to install wine 32-bit package:
sudo apt install wine32
- Fine-tune how your Windows program interacts with the emulator by configuring graphics, drivers, audio, and more. For instance, you may need to uncheck “Allow the window manager to decorate windows” under the Graphics tab for optimal Chromebook mouse and keyboard interaction.
- To see the Wine windows settings, open the terminal and type:
winecfg
READ ALSO: Switching to Chromebook: 15 Apps and Extensions to Replace your Desktop favorites
How to Install Windows Programs on Your Chromebook
After successfully setting up Wine on your Chromebook, the next step is installing and running a Windows 10 or Windows 11 application, such as IrfanView, a popular image viewer, on Chrome OS. Follow these steps:
- Download the EXE file of the Windows program you want and move it to the Linux files section on your Chromebook. Rename the file to something easy to type, adhering to the one-word naming rule for simplicity in the Linux Terminal.
- Open the Terminal and input the following command, replacing “irfanview.exe” with your chosen app’s filename if you’re installing a different application. The setup wizard will appear, allowing you to install the application, similar to the process for Windows programs.
wine irfanview.exe
Conclusion
Switching from a Windows PC to a Chromebook doesn’t mean sacrificing access to favorite Windows programs. By using Wine, a versatile emulator, you can seamlessly run Windows applications on your Chromebook within a Linux environment. This step-by-step guide ensures a smooth process, enabling you to enjoy the familiarity of Windows programs alongside the ChromeOS experience, enhancing the overall versatility of Chromebook.