How to install Windows apps in Zorin OS

Zorin OS can run many Windows apps using Wine, and in this guide, you’ll learn the easy steps to installing and uninstalling virtually any Win32 application.
However, compatibility varies. Lightweight or older apps work best. Complex software and games may fail or perform poorly.

In Zorin OS, you can install many Windows 11 or Windows 10 applications, but there are limitations you need to understand upfront. This guide explains how the process works and what you can realistically expect.

If you switched to Zorin OS because Windows 10 support ended or you prefer not to use Windows 11, you can still run a wide range of traditional Windows applications. This is possible through Wine, a long-standing compatibility layer used across the Linux ecosystem.

Wine isn’t an emulator. Instead, it translates Windows API calls into Linux-compatible operations, which allows many Windows apps to run in Zorin OS and other Linux distributions. The technology has been around for decades and continues to improve, but it isn’t flawless.

In practice, Wine works best with lightweight or older applications. More complex programs like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft 365 apps, or other large commercial suites may run with issues, limited functionality, or not at all. Performance and stability vary depending on the application and the specific Wine configuration. Also, this solution isn’t suited for installing Windows games in Linux.

Before using Wine, it’s wise to confirm whether the application you need already has a native Linux version or if a reliable alternative exists. In many cases, choosing a native solution delivers far better compatibility, performance, and long-term support than relying on Wine.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to install Windows apps in Zorin OS.

Install Windows apps using Wine in Zorin OS
Uninstall Windows apps using Wine in Zorin OS
FAQs about installing and uninstalling Windows apps in Zorin OS

Install Windows apps using Wine in Zorin OS

To install Windows apps in Zorin OS, follow these steps:

Open the Zorin app launcher.
Search for Windows App Support and click the top result to the installer page.
Click the Install button.

Quick note: This solution installs Wine as well as Bottles, which is a tool to make it easier to install and manage apps in Wine.
Open the official page for the application to download.
Click the Download button for the application and save it to your computer.
Open the folder location where you saved the installer.
Double-click the installer’s “.exe” or “.msi” file.
Click the Run anyway button.
Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the installation.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows application will install in Zorin OS, and you should be able to find it from the app launcher.

Uninstall Windows apps using Wine in Zorin OS

To uninstall Windows apps from Zorin OS, follow these steps:

Open the Zorin app launcher.
Search for Uninstall Wine Software and click the top result for the tool.
Select the Windows 11 (or 10) application and click the “Modify/Remove” button.
Click the Uninstall button (if applicable).
Continue with the on-screen directions.

After you complete the steps, the Windows application should be uninstalled from your computer running Zorin OS.

FAQs about installing and uninstalling Windows apps in Zorin OS

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about installing Windows 11 (or 10) apps in Zorin OS.

Can Zorin OS run all Windows applications?

No. Zorin OS can run many Windows apps through Wine, but compatibility varies. Lightweight or older Win32 applications typically work best, while complex or modern commercial software may run poorly or not at all.

Is Wine the same as an emulator?

No. Wine is a compatibility layer that translates Windows API calls into Linux operations. This approach avoids full emulation overhead but still has limitations depending on the app.

Can I run Windows 11 or Windows 10 apps in Zorin OS?

Yes. Many traditional Win32 apps designed for Windows 10 or Windows 11 can run in Zorin OS using Wine, though performance and functionality depend on how well the app works with Wine.

Do Windows games work through Wine in Zorin OS?

Most Windows games are not suitable for Wine in Zorin OS. Performance, graphics compatibility, anti-cheat systems, and stability issues often make gaming unreliable.

Why do some Windows applications fail to run correctly?

Applications that rely on complex drivers, kernel-level features, advanced graphics engines, or deep system integrations often break under Wine. This includes Adobe apps, Microsoft 365 desktop apps, and many commercial suites.

Should I check for a Linux-native version first?

Yes. Native Linux applications usually offer significantly better reliability, support, and performance. Always verify whether an app has a Linux version or a suitable alternative before relying on Wine.

What is Bottles, and why is it installed with Wine?

Bottles is a management tool that simplifies setting up, configuring, and organizing Windows apps under Wine. Zorin OS installs it automatically when you enable Windows App Support.

Where do I find my installed Windows apps in Zorin OS?

Once installed, Windows apps appear in the Zorin app launcher, just like native applications.

How do I uninstall Windows apps in Zorin OS?

Use the “Uninstall Wine Software” tool from the app launcher. Select the app, choose Modify or Remove, and follow the prompts to complete the process.

Does Wine affect system performance in Zorin OS?

Only when running Windows apps. Wine itself is lightweight, but the performance of individual apps depends on how well they interact with Wine’s translation layer.

Can I use 32-bit and 64-bit Windows apps with Wine?

Yes, but compatibility varies. Many 32-bit apps work reliably, while some 64-bit applications may require additional configuration or may not run at all.

Do Windows apps receive updates in Zorin OS?

If the application includes its own update mechanism, it may work. Otherwise, you’ll need to download and install updated versions manually.