What it is
WinBoat runs Windows applications on Linux. It installs Windows in a virtual machine inside a Docker container, then shows each Windows app as its own window on your desktop using FreeRDP and Windows’ RemoteApp, so it sits next to your Linux apps. You can also open the full Windows desktop, and your Linux home folder is available inside Windows.
WinBoat is in beta, so expect some rough edges.
Why it’s here
- For the apps that only run on Windows. Office suites, tax software, vendor tools.
- No dual-booting. Windows apps open from the same desktop as everything else.
- Guided setup. WinBoat downloads and installs Windows for you.
On CoreDesktop
WinBoat is installed from the AUR, with FreeRDP as a dependency. CoreDesktop also installs Docker, enables it, and adds you to the docker group, which is what WinBoat needs: log out and back in once after installing for the group to apply. You also need virtualization (KVM) turned on in your computer’s firmware settings. Open WinBoat from the app menu.
update keeps WinBoat current with the rest of the AUR packages.