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winboat-org/winboat

Electron app that runs Windows apps on Linux inside a Docker or Podman container, showing them as native Linux desktop windows.

Open-source alternative to:Parallels Desktop

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What is it?

WinBoat lets you run Windows applications on Linux. It runs a Windows VM inside a Docker or Podman container and uses FreeRDP with the Windows RemoteApp protocol so individual Windows apps appear as normal OS-level windows on the Linux desktop, or you can open the full Windows desktop when needed.

The project is built as an Electron app. A guest server running inside Windows provides the data the app needs from the VM. Installation is handled through the app's interface, where you choose settings and specs. Your Linux home directory is mounted into Windows for file sharing.

The project is in beta and requires some troubleshooting comfort. It needs at least 4 GB RAM, 2 CPU threads, 32 GB free storage and KVM virtualization enabled. Docker Desktop is not supported, and USB passthrough is not supported under Podman.

Key features

  • 01Runs individual Windows apps as native Linux desktop windows via FreeRDP and RemoteApp
  • 02Full Windows desktop access when needed
  • 03Automated VM and container setup through the app interface
  • 04Linux home directory mounted into Windows for file sharing
  • 05Supports Docker and Podman as container runtimes

Use cases

  • Running Windows-only productivity or business software on a Linux desktop
  • Using Windows applications alongside a Linux workflow without dual booting
  • Accessing Windows programs that have no Linux equivalent

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download the Linux build (AppImage, .deb or .rpm) from the Releases page

  2. 2

    Clone the repository

    git clone https://github.com/TibixDev/WinBoat
  3. 3

    Install the dependencies

    bun i
  4. 4

    Run the app in development mode

    bun run dev

Things to know

  • Currently in beta, so expect bugs and some troubleshooting.
  • Requires KVM virtualization, at least 4 GB RAM and 32 GB free storage.
  • Docker Desktop is not supported and USB passthrough via Podman is unsupported.
  • Needs Docker or Podman plus FreeRDP 3.x with sound support installed.

Topics

#windows#linux#docker#podman#virtualization#rdp#electron#docker-compose

FAQ

What is winboat?
Electron app that runs Windows apps on Linux inside a Docker or Podman container, showing them as native Linux desktop windows. WinBoat lets you run Windows applications on Linux. It runs a Windows VM inside a Docker or Podman container and uses FreeRDP with the Windows RemoteApp protocol so individual Windows apps appear as normal OS-level windows on the Linux desktop, or you can open the full Windows desktop when needed.
Is winboat free to use? What license does it have?
winboat is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is winboat still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to winboat was on Oct 4, 2026.
What can I use winboat for?
Running Windows-only productivity or business software on a Linux desktop Using Windows applications alongside a Linux workflow without dual booting Accessing Windows programs that have no Linux equivalent
How do I install winboat?
Download the Linux build (AppImage, .deb or .rpm) from the Releases page Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/TibixDev/WinBoat Install the dependencies: bun i Run the app in development mode: bun run dev
Where can I get winboat?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/winboat-org/winboat

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