These days, many people need to use Windows programs on Linux systems. Luckily, there’s a tool called Wine that lets you do just that. It’s free and open-source. It makes it possible to run Windows programs on Ubuntu computers, almost like they’re meant for it.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to install Wine version 9 on Ubuntu 23.10, a prevalent Linux system. Then, we’ll show you how to use it to run Windows software with the “.exe” extension. Let’s get started with the setup!

Credit: Ubuntu
Using Windows Programs on Ubuntu with Wine: Get the Best of Both Worlds
It is a free tool that lets you use Windows programs on your Linux or Unix computer. You don’t need a Windows license or system to use it.
Unlike virtual machines, it doesn’t need a separate Windows setup.
Instead, it translates how Windows programs work so they can run on Linux, almost like they’re made for it. This means you can use Windows software on Linux without causing significant problems with memory or speed.
Some programs even work better on Linux with it than they do on regular Windows! This is great if you like using Linux more. Overall, Wine is an excellent tool that helps you get the best of both worlds: Windows and Linux.
What are the Benefits of Using Wine?
This unique software is a free tool that lets you use Windows apps on Linux OSes, even without a Windows license or system.
One great thing about it is that it makes Exe files work on Linux, almost like they’re made for it. Plus, it lets you run software on Ubuntu without slowing things down much.
Sometimes, programs even run better on OS with this software than they do on regular Windows. Overall, Wine is a beneficial tool that lets you enjoy both Windows and Linux worlds.
Why Would We Want to Turn on the 32-bit Setup?
Well, if you want to use programs or tasks made for 32-bit systems, you’ll need to do that.
You can do this in your computer settings or control panel. It helps your computer handle more types of programs and tasks, no matter what they’re for.
This could be really helpful if you’re dealing with older software or hardware.
Installing Wine on an Ubuntu PC
If you want to install the newest WineHQ on your Ubuntu 23.10, you have a couple of options. You can either watch an easy video guide or follow simple steps. This will help you smoothly use Windows programs on your Linux PC.
- First, open the terminal on your Ubuntu 23.10 computer. Then, check your internet connection. It is essential to make sure you have a good, steady connection to access stuff online.
ping -c 2 www.google.com
- If your computer uses a 64-bit system, you might have to turn on the 32-bit setup to run some programs or tasks meant for 32-bit systems. You can do this in your computer settings or control panel. It might be needed if you need help with older software or hardware. Turning on the 32-bit setup lets your computer handle more kinds of programs and tasks, no matter what they need to run.
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
- To get WineHQ 9.0 up and running on your computer, first, you have to download a unique key. This key makes sure that the WineHQ stuff you download and install is the real deal and has yet to be messed with. Once you have this key, add it to your system, and then you’re good to go with the installation.
sudo wget -NP /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/dists/mantic/winehq-mantic.sources
- Please refresh the list of stuff available for your version 23.10. In this case, type sudo apt update into the terminal. This command will grab all the newest updates for your system, making sure your software is all up-to-date.
sudo apt update
- To get the latest stable version of WineHQ on your PC, open the terminal and type in “sudo apt install –install-recommends winehq-stable.” This will make sure you have everything you need for Wine to work well on your OS.
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable
- To check if version 9 is installed correctly, you can see what version of the software you have after installing it. This way, you’ll know for sure that you have the correct version on your PC.
wine --version
- If you want to change or control the settings for WineHQ, use the command “winecfg.” This lets you check and change different settings for the Windows programs you want to run with WineHQ. Also, if you need to use apps based on .NET, install the Mono package. It gives you a free version of the .NET framework.
winecfg
Running a Windows Program using Wine in Ubuntu
- Let’s say you’ve got WineHQ set up on your OS. If that’s the case, it’s a breeze to include Notepad, which is an exe file, on your system. But before you get the program, make sure to go to the Downloads folder in the terminal.
cd ~/Downloads
- To grab the Notepad link, copy it first and then start the download process in the terminal.
wget https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/releases/download/v8.4.1/npp.8.4.1.Installer.x64.exe
- To put in Notepad using WineHQ from the command line, type “wine npp.8.4.1.Installer.x64.exe”.
wine npp.8.4.1.Installer.x64.exe
Conclusion
To sum up, it is a great tool that lets you use Windows programs on your Ubuntu or Unix PC. It’s free and open-source, so you don’t need a Windows license or system. With Wine, you can smoothly run Windows software on your Linux computer without slowing it down.
Installing Wine on Ubuntu 23.10 is easy, and you can use it to run Windows software with the “.exe” extension. Just read the steps in this guide, and you’ll have the best of both worlds: Windows and Linux. Let’s give it a try and see how it works for you.
If you use macOS and want to run Windows apps, you can use Wine, too. Please take a look at our guide on How to Install Wine on macOS to figure out how to get it ready on your computer. With this software layer, you can use Exe files, just like you would on Linux. So, why not give it a shot?