Windows games on Linux

On Linux, native games launch directly, and Windows games run through Proton, the same compatibility layer Steam uses.

Set up once#

1. Open Settings → Compatibility.
2. Click Set up Windows gaming. Sail downloads GE-Proton and UMU for you (this needs Python 3).
3. Choose a Default compatibility version, or let Sail ask each time you set up a game.

Show what was checked lists what Sail found on your system, like Python, Vulkan and graphics drivers, so you can see what's missing if something doesn't work.

Per game#

Open a game's Manage Game window. Under Compatibility you can:

• pick which Proton version it uses, or browse for another Proton folder or a Wine executable,
• set Wine DLL overrides (for Geode, xinput1_4=n,b),
• run a Windows installer inside the game's environment,
• install Windows components it needs, like Visual C++ or DirectX, straight from Microsoft,
• and View launch log when a game won't start.

The first launch is slow#

The first time a Windows game runs, Proton builds its Windows environment and may download a Linux runtime. That can take a few minutes. After that, it starts normally.

Still stuck? See Linux troubleshooting.

Last updated 20 October 2026