Linux Bottles Guide - Run Windows Apps in a Bottled Environment!

Bottles makes it easy to run Windows applications inside a containerized environment, which means it’s separate from the rest of your system. Bottles also supports all your favorite game stores as well, so gamers might want to consider this as an alternative option to Lutris and Heroic Games launcher.
See my previous video on content creation in Linux: • Linux For Content Crea...
Flatpak installation: flatpak.org/setup
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:26 What makes Bottles unique?
04:03 Installing Bottles & setup
08:20 Installing a game store
11:23 Installing an application
12:39 Running a downloaded EXE
14:44 Manage Flatpak permissions with Flatseal
16:36 Outro

[@PhazerTech]

If you're new to Linux check out my Linux playlist which contains additional guides: kzbin.info/aero/PLlLR7EXXYZ0bFjsMf_DkHIiGvJlToeecV Also like I said in the video, I installed FL Studio in a gaming environment just to show that it's possible to run general applications in a gaming environment. But something I forgot to mention is that gaming environments force a set audio latency which is good for games but not what you want for DAWs, so this is an example where you'd actually want to use an application environment. To get more details on the differences between environments and other information be sure to check out the docs for Bottles: docs.usebottles.com/ And finally, at 13:59 you might need to change the filter in order to see .exe files.

[@Cypherdude1]

Thanks for your video. Since W95A user here, dreading but being forced to switch to Mint bc of privacy. What about .MSI installers?

[@PhazerTech]

@@Cypherdude1 No problem, I've been receiving a lot of comments lately saying similar things. It's a great time to switch over to Linux and it's not as difficult as it might seem at first, you just gotta jump in and start using it. I suggest watching my Linux playlist as well. And you can install .MSI files the same way as EXE files, great question!

[@masterbond9]

i am so glad this came up in my feed. i have a few friends who use linux, but have dual boot on their computers to windows. im most definitely a windows poweruser, but i know windows 11 enough to want to stay clear of it, but im just not used to linux environments. my idea was to use linux to control my computer and files, but use windows 10 in a virtual machine and set it up in a way that allows it to easily reset to a previous time, to keep windows 10 from becoming too dangerous to use until windows 12 comes out, but this is definitely an option i would like to explore as well

[@dianaalyssa8726]

@@masterbond9 I started with dual boot. You could make a VM small enough in size it won't be able to install a bunch of large updates and shut it down when not in use. I guess the question to ask yourself is what you need in Windows, you can access your Windows drive in Linux also (other way around is hard though I think I tried using ext4 reader). Would dip your feet in doing everyday things in Linux. Distrosea also has a live Linux test etc. But some things are similar though user control is a bit different as a concept, you actually have control over your computer and can customize your desktop a lot. I purged both 10 and 11 copies (debloated albeit) when Recall was announced. Am happy on Nobara gaming both Nvidia and AMD machines are stable. I had to start dipping my toes again in Linux around Windows 10 a friend gifted me a NAS that wouldn't work in 10 no matter what we tried, but 11 surely converted me to a full time Linux user.

[@masterbond9]

@@dianaalyssa8726 oh, this is very good to know. I'm usually either browsing the internet or playing games, but I spend a lot of time in VR, and I'm slowly starting my own KZbin channel. It seems like bottles might work for me too. My only problem is that while I don't mind a bit more of a complicated initial setup, I want things to be relatively easy right now, but I am definitely interested in Linux

[@CausticCatastrophe]

Thanks for this. Esp the part with the flatseal, since i had no idea that existed. :)

[@robfahey7363]

Bottles is a great tool, glad to see you made a video about it with flatseal. A great video!

[@PhazerTech]

Thanks! Yea flatseal is a must for Bottles 👍

[@KohaiJr]

I'm so grateful for Bottles. I've had to use Office here and there for a few things and I'm able to run 2021 without much of an issue, 365 doesn't work to my knowledge but I'm sure they'll figure that out at some point. I was also very happy I could get MP3Tag running on it as well. I couldn't really find any program that scratched that itch for me; Puddletag and Kid3 didn't have some of the features I needed that MP3Tag has. Great video as always man. Love your channel, keep up the great work!

[@PhazerTech]

Yea finding a native Linux alternative is preferable, but Bottles certainly comes in handy if there's a few Windows apps you still need to run. Thanks for your input and experience. I appreciate it!

[@tappistrt]

@@PhazerTech The only Linux alternative that I know of would be Beets. The biggest difference is that it’s command line only. It’s great for doing batch processing of tagging and renaming audio files, but it definitely has a bit of a learning curve for getting it to do what you want it to do. Sometimes a GUI is just a little more intuitive.

[@PhazerTech]

​@@tappistrt Nice that one looks like a powerful tool. But yea, programmers are just about the only people who would prefer non-GUI methods :)

[@mr_hardy5329]

Very good tutorial. Thank you.

[@PhazerTech]

Thanks, happy to help!

[@Follina.]

This has just pulled me over the line, running Etcher at this very moment, wish me luck.

[@PhazerTech]

Haha nice, good luck! Check out my Linux playlist if you haven't already for additional guides

[@EricLefebvrePhotography]

I installed Mint as dual boot last night to test if I can drop Windows ... I also have 2 much older machines in the house (one of them is like 15 years old LOL) that I need to drop Windows 10 from before EoL in October 2025. Been impressed up to now.

[@dianaalyssa8726]

@@EricLefebvrePhotography GL I've tested two machines Bottles is amazing (Steam Compatibility was working okay before it updated, Lutris have had mixed experiences with). I've not tried running Windows in Bottles but gaming mostly playing WoW on Nobara (the launcher is the most annoying thing to setup and keep patching) and watching movies etc usual HTPC workload. Loved using Mint though. My aunt is still on 10 but Recall freaked her out also and the EOL coming. So much open software though if you don't need a specific thing it's doable to move.

[@JayRCela]

that was great video / thanks a lot _)

[@Extrey]

wooooah bro u have amazing channel!!!

[@PhazerTech]

Thanks stay tuned for more 👍💯

[@NetNeelsie]

Thank you.

[@PhazerTech]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@ronm6585]

Thanks.

[@EricLefebvrePhotography]

After getting a full screen warning from microsoft that Windows 10 was hitting EoL and that my Ryzen 7, RTX 3070 couldn't run windows 11 ... I got fed up (that and stupidity like Recall) and started testing Mint as dual boot for now (once I finish my client work, I might do a system wipe and re-install again as dual boot but with Windows bein a minority OS for the odd bits I NEED Windows for). The thing that I'm worried about are my graphics design programs (the whole Affinity suite) and the VST plugins for Reaper for my Foley work for short films. I'll be testing them on wine / bottles. I also need to test Proton for my steam library. Just flicking the Linux only switch in my steam library drops my catalogue from 401 to 138 to I'm hoping between proton, bottles / wine ... I'll be able to get that a bit higher up. The other program I hope to get running is Notepad++, been coding in that for 20+ years ...would like to stay with it even if VSCode is native to Linux. I also dabble in game design but I use GODOT so no worries there. Anyways, thanks for the overview.

[@PhazerTech]

Chances are you can find suitable replacements for the Affinity suite. But if you're set on using Affinity it looks like someone made a guide to get it working on Linux: www.reddit.com/r/Affinity/comments/120k2l4/affinity_2_suite_running_working_on_linux/ As far as VST plugins go, you should definitely check out Yabridge: github.com/robbert-vdh/yabridge Reaper is native to Linux. I use it with Yabridge and compatibility with VSTs is nearly perfect. It's amazing how good it is. Likewise Proton is extremely good as well. You shouldn't have any issues in 95%+ of your games. And finally, Notepadqq looks like a clone of Notepad++ so that might work for you. But there are a ton of great editors on Linux. I switched over to Kate which is the default in KDE desktops.

[@johnmichalek9802]

Switched to LMDE myself. My first operating OS was DOS so I’m not afraid of the command line, but it has been a minute or two. Crazy fast compared to windows.

[@Robert-sj8ld]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@terratrodder]

Nice Video! Time to attempt Thwargle and Asheron's Call, and Decal.

[@BeethoD]

Let's say i install skyrim and i want to use mods from nexus, does this let skyrim access the mods installed by another software in another bottle?

[@PhazerTech]

Not if they're in different bottles. You'd want everything in a single bottle. Also keep in mind you don't need Bottles to run mods. Mod Organizer has a native Linux version for Bethesda games so you can install the games directly to your system with Steam or Lutris and run mods: github.com/rockerbacon/modorganizer2-linux-installer

[@yogeshsahu-tw1rw]

can you please tell how to install ixbrowser in kali linux

[@theloststarbounder]

Can Bottles run Visual Studio 2005 and MS Office 2003?

[@Carolus_64]

Is mandatory to install bottles from Flatpack? Can Bottles operate in a linux distribution without Flatpack?

[@PhazerTech]

Yes it requires flatpak for the most part. I know there's a system package available on the AUR for Arch users, but I haven't tried it so I don't know how stable it is. For other distros it appears you don't have a choice as far as I know.

[@theaveragecactus]

​@PhazerTech theres one for opensuse tumbleweed! it works great for me!

[@NorthernChimp]

16:48 are you sure you meant it that way round?🙃

[@st_nikolay_pavlov]

i would like to ask something? i wonder how to install aslains mod pack for world of warships. . ive tryed to install it on mint cinammon but i couldnt find world of waships install derectory . so im back to windows atm . thx in advance

[@PhazerTech]

At 13:18 I showed where the Bottles directory is. You can see drive_c which is exactly like a Windows file system. That's where you can find your installed games.

[@st_nikolay_pavlov]

@@PhazerTech thx

[@Makku293]

I'm trying to instal Evernote, it doesn't run. I guess not all programs are supported.

[@PhazerTech]

Try a different runner. I'd first try different versions of Caffe, and if that doesn't work try Vaniglia or other runners. Also if you're using an App environment, you might have better results in a gaming environment.

[@igavinwood]

Watching this as a new person to Linux just highlights all sorts of issues for the first time user. File management, installation process, runners, version control, doubting that Linux can see folders and drives, the list goes on. I'm guessing that a lot of the installation process is built in with Linux Mint as Flatpack comes installed and set up. I hope so as I got lost when you started talking about "discover" and replayed the vid 4 times to try and understand if I had missed a programme called 'Discover' or some sort of settings option. Then Flatpack only installing apps inside Flatpack really got me worried as I had a 'Games' folder and Wine allowed me to install an old CDRom game inside it. Also I have a secondary drive which under windows I would have set up as the main games drive. This is just makes Linux confusing as there doesn't appear to be one system of operation across the Linux OS.

[@PhazerTech]

Well any new operating system will seem confusing to a new user. You can't expect someone who has never used Windows before to understand how to use it right away and Linux is no different. It takes time to become acclimated with all the ins and outs. I suggest you continue using Linux and watching guides including my Linux playlist, then the understanding will come with experience. As far as Discover goes, I pointed out that I was using Kubuntu which has the KDE desktop. Linux Mint doesn't use the KDE desktop so it doesn't have Discover, it has its own GUI package manager, but the process is more or less the same either way. Also most of these problems you described are exclusive to Flatpak and Bottles, not Linux in general. If you're using a native Linux application then there aren't any issues accessing other folders or drives, and you don't need to worry about runners or compatibility. Generally speaking you should be looking for native Linux applications to replace the ones you used on Windows. For example, instead of using MS Paint or Photoshop, use GIMP instead. You can find suitable replacements for every type of application. Bottles should only be a last resort for a Windows application which you absolutely need to use and can't find a suitable replacement for.

[@Vicorcivius]

Why is it that PC operating systems UI's where you use a mouse seemingly keep being coded by Tablet UI devs!?!?

[@PhazerTech]

Haha yea I guess many developers assume "modern" = looking like a touch screen

[@BrotherShield]

Can Bottles in Linux Run Gamepass the Full Windows Version not the cloud Version

[@PhazerTech]

I believe greenlight should work as an alternative: github.com/unknownskl/greenlight

[@BrotherShield]

@@PhazerTech Its Still Streaming, can you download the games to the HDD (and No Windows Installition)

[@PhazerTech]

@@BrotherShield I'm not sure, I don't think the native Windows app works. There might be an alternative but I don't use Gamepass myself so I don't know, hopefully someone else will chime in who has experience with Gamepass.

[@Totto70770]

You need the Xbox app for playing games locally. The app does not work on Linux though. Tried to install it multiple times and it keeps throwing all kinds of errors, so I gave up. The cloud thing works because it's just streaming through a browser. You could try linking your gamepass with EA play and use the EA App to install and launch games. Their FAQ states you can install gamepass games through the EA App, but I have not tried it (don't have an EA account). EA App has an install script in Lutris and most likely Bottles as well. I have not seen it done, so it most likely will not work, but anyway worth a try.

[@BrotherShield]

@@Totto70770 I think if it worked people would have made a video, truth be told I want to try to get Gear of War 4 Running Natively on Steam OS (not Windows or Streaming)

[@mightyjb5261]

I couldn't get Line 6 HX Edit to run properly or MS Paint (W7 to W10). So not migrating to Linux just yet.

[@PhazerTech]

That's unfortunate, it seems like Line 6 apps have always had poor support in Wine. Hopefully a future Wine version improves on that. Also is there a particular reason why GIMP won't work for you instead of MS Paint?

[@mightyjb5261]

@@PhazerTech It's very capable but lacks the elegant simplicity and ease of use.

[@PhazerTech]

​@@mightyjb5261 Understandable. Here are 9 alternatives to paint, some of which have similar design: itsfoss.com/open-source-paint-apps/

[@dobias28]

Nothing happens when i press run

[@PhazerTech]

Try a different runner. Also check the application you're trying to run on winehq to see if it's compatible.

[@ugogatto]

itunes is a nightmare

[@PhazerTech]

Yea unfortunately itunes has terrible support with wine. But there are alternatives on Linux if you want to sync with an Apple device.

[@Inuit1982]

Use Cider instead, thats the iTunes alternative on Linux, from what I´ve seen it works exactly like iTunes

[@uknowme1811]

​@@PhazerTechTrue "Strawberry" is not terrible. I find you can do everything but create and synch playlists.

[@tappistrt]

@@PhazerTech iTunes has never been that great as a regular Windows app either. So the fact that you can get it running on wine is a small miracle.

[@johnmichalek9802]

iTunes in the beginning when it was Mac only, it was great! Didn’t have all the features of other apps but it was dead simple. That said, I hate the modern iTunes and use other apps.

[@alexeisaular3470]

Run autoCAD in it.

[@WolfiiDog13]

I never got it to work, Idk if there's a reliable wine config, but it would be pretty useful to know

[@hollywoodianiit516]

That needs a dedicated video...