This thing runs OFFICE and ADOBE APPS like they were NATIVE?

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of running Windows applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud on a Linux system using Winapps and a KVM virtual machine. This setup allows you to access these applications seamlessly as if they were native to your Linux environment, enhancing productivity without the need for dual booting or complex configurations.

Step 1: Set Up the KVM Virtual Machine

1. Install Required Software

   • Ensure you have installed KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) on your Linux system.
   • Use Virt Manager for a graphical interface to manage your virtual machines.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine

   • Open Virt Manager and click on "Create a new virtual machine".
   • Choose "Local install media" and select the Windows 10 PRO ISO file.
   • Allocate resources:
     • CPU: Allocate 2 CPU threads.
     • RAM: Start with 1GB (can be increased later).
   • Create a second disk for drivers, selecting the appropriate size.

3. Install Windows 10 PRO

   • Start the VM and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 PRO.
   • Create a user account during the setup process.

4. Install Necessary Drivers

   • After Windows installation, install any required drivers for optimal performance.

5. Configure Windows Settings

   • Rename your computer and enable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
   • Add necessary registry entries using a provided file.

Step 2: Configure Winapps

1. Install Winapps

   • Follow the installation guide available on the Winapps GitHub page.

2. Start Libvirt Service

   • Open a terminal and run the following command:

     sudo systemctl start libvirtd
     

3. Start the Default Network

   • If the default network is not working, run:

     sudo virsh net-start default
     

4. Set Environment Variable

   • Add the following line to the ~/.local/bin/winapps script:

     export LIBVIRT_DEFAULT_URI=qemu:///system
     

Step 3: Launch and Test Applications

1. Reboot the Virtual Machine

   • Restart the VM and ensure that Winapps connects through RDP.

2. Run the Winapps Installer

   • Execute the Winapps installer to detect and integrate your desired applications into the Linux menu.

3. Test Application Functionality

   • Open applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to verify they work as expected.
   • Ensure you can copy and paste between Linux and Windows applications.

4. Explore Adobe Creative Cloud

   • Install Adobe Creative Cloud and test applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
   • Note that application performance may vary; for example, Photoshop may take longer to load.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively run Windows applications on your Linux system using a KVM virtual machine and Winapps. This setup provides a user-friendly way to access essential software without leaving your Linux environment. For further improvement, consider optimizing your VM resources or exploring additional applications to install. Enjoy the benefits of having your favorite Windows applications right on your Linux desktop!