PlayOnLinux is a free and open source graphical front-end for Wine which allows Linux users to install a large number of Windows-based computer games and applications such as Microsoft Office (2000 to 2010), Steam, Photoshop, and many other applications.
In one of our previous guides, we have covered the installation of Wine that allows running Windows applications on Linux OS. Using Wine, you can run MS Office, Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, Photoshop, and several other programs on your Linux system.
PlayOnLinux hides the complexity of Wine and automates the tedious process of finding and installing compatible games and other applications.
Here at LinuxAPT, as part of our Server Management Services, we regularly help our Customers to perform Linux related configurations.
In this context, we shall look into how to install PlayOnLinux on Ubuntu OS using different methods.
PlayOnLinux is available in the Ubuntu default repositories. You can install it simply using this command in Terminal:
$ sudo apt install playonlinuxEnter sudo password and then it will start installing PlayOnLinux on your system.
Once PlayOnLinux is installed, you are ready to install and run Windows applications through it.
PlayOnLinux can also be installed via Gnome Software utility. If Gnome Software utility is not installed on your system, you can install it using this command in Terminal:
$ sudo apt install gnome-softwareEnter sudo password and then it will install Gnome Software on your system.
Then follow these steps to install PlayOnLinux on your Ubuntu system:
i. Launch Gnome Software in your system. You can launch it by searching it from the Dash menu.
ii. In the Gnome Software window, click the search icon and type playonlinux in it.
From the search results, click the PlayOnLinux icon.
iii. After clicking the PlayOnLinux icon, you will see an Install button under it. Click it to install PlayOnLinux.
iv. Then it will prompt you for the authentication password. Provide the password.
v. Now the installation of PlayOnLinux will begin on your system. It can take a bit of time depending upon your connection speed.
vi. Once installed, you will see a view indicating the PlayOnLinux application has been installed.
To verify the installation of PlayOnLinux on the system, use this command:
$ playonlinux --versionThe output on the terminal verifies that PlayOnLinux has been installed on the system along with its version.
Now you are ready to install and run Windows applications through it.
ou can launch PlayOnLinux from the command line by executing this command:
$ playonlinuxAlternatively, you can also launch PlayOnLinux by searching it from the Dash menu.
When you launch PlayOnLinux, it shows a simple GUI interface.
To install any Windows application, click Install a program on the left sidebar of the PlayOnLinux window.
It will open the following view.
Here, you will find different categories from where you can choose any application to install.
You can also use the search bar to find an application.
For instance, to search for the "Adobe Acrobat Reader application", you can type adobe acrobat in the search bar.
When your desired application appears, click on it to select it. Then, at the lower right corner of the PlayOnLinux window, click the Install button.
Now the installation process will be started and once it is completed, you can run the application on your system.
In case, you no longer need PlayOnLinux on your system, you can remove it as follows:
$ sudo apt remove playonlinuxProvide sudo password, after which the PlayOnLinux application will be removed from your system.
This article covers how you can install PlayOnLinux on Ubuntu OS using two different ways.
You can opt for any installation method (command line or GUI-based method) that is most convenient for you.
PlayOnLinux will allow you to install your Windows-based software on different virtual drives, which means that there is no interaction between the different applications you install.
So if something doesn't work right, you know it won't affect the rest of your stuff and they can easily uninstall it by removing the virtual drive.
To install PlayOnLinux on Ubuntu:
PlayOnLinux can be found in the Ubuntu software repositories, so you can get it from Ubuntu Software Center or install it with the following command:
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install playonlinuxIt is also recommended to install some dependencies that may be necessary:
# sudo apt-get install winbind
# sudo apt-get install unrar-free p7zip-full
