.EXE files are applications that can be easily downloaded, but can only be run within the Windows operating system; this means that in other operating systems such as macOS, Chrome OS or Linux, the process of downloading and executing these files is difficult.
Despite this, there are possibilities of executing these files on operating systems other than Windows, such as Linux; here we will explain how you can open .EXE files on a Chromebook using Wine, and we will also tell you the best way to install this program on any computer.
Why is Wine your best option for these types of files?
The creation of this program took place in 1993, it was designed to be compatible with other operating systems, mainly focused on being installed on computers with Ubuntu or Linux.
However, its success has been so impressive that it is currently used with different operating systems such as Chrome OS; this makes it the first choice for users who want to run Windows programs on their computers without changing operating systems.
What is the correct way to Install and use Wine on your Chromebook?
You must first download Wine on your computer, after this keep in mind that it can be a long process, however, here we will give you all the information you need to know, step by step.
To start the process you must access the terminal, to do this you must go to the Start menu on your Chromebook, then click on Settings, in the Linux section you can confirm that the terminal is activated.
Inside the terminal put sudo dpkg – add-architecture i386, this code will make the system architecture 32 bits; now you must download the Wine key, to do so place the link in the terminal and add sudo apt-key add winehq.key, this way you will have the key.
Go saving the information using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O, after the above you have to request the Ubuntu key by typing in the terminal: sudo apt-key adv – keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com – recv-keys DFA175A75104960E; now update the system with sudo apt update, so you can install Wine.
Start the installation by typing in the terminal: sudo apt install – install-recommends winehq-stable then a dialog box will appear on the screen in which you will be given some information and you must confirm by clicking the Install button.
To finish the installation you must copy the file into the terminal like this: wine file.exe and then press the enter key, thus starting the installation wizard. After installation you can configure the program you want and run it perfectly.
What other alternatives do you have to open your .EXE files?
In addition to Wine, you also have other options to open .EXE files from a Chromebook, here we mention which are the best:
Access a Windows desktop remotely
To access Windows remotely, you must first configure the computer to which you want to connect, to do so go to start, select Settings, locate System, when you are in Remote Desktop select the enable option.
You can have remote access from another Windows Android or iOS device. Easily, for that download the remote desktop application that you can find free for all operating systems.
Already inside the application you must enter the name of the computer you want to access (the one you previously configured), select the added device and wait for the connection to be completed to have remote access to that desktop.
Install a virtual machine from developer mode
Do you know what a virtual machine is? It is a software that emulates a computer, this means in a nutshell that you can have two operating systems in one. With a single click you can access any Windows program, even if your device has a totally different operating system.
The most used due to its compatibility with different operating systems is VBox, the best of all is that the installation process is fast and uncomplicated; the only warning is that for a few minutes the internet connection will be lost, this happens while configuring the network for the virtual machine.
Use CrossOver from an Android
CrossOver, by CodeWeaver, is an application that will allow you to run Windows programs on your Chromebook, since its code is developed by Linux; It may sound difficult, but accessing it is very easy, you just have to search for it in the Google Play Store and download it.
To carry out the process of downloading an .EXE file, you only have to place its name in the CrossOver search bar; When you select the file, the program performs the installation automatically and you will be able to run it without problems.
Is it preferable to install Windows on your Chromebook to open .EXE files?
Not all Chromebooks are compatible with the Windows operating system. Also, going through the installation process will cause you to lose all your stored files; If this point is irrelevant, what you should do is inside the equipment remove the protection that the motherboard has.
In this way you will be able to update the operating system of your ROM memory, however, it is recommended that you download Wine, if you want to run an .EXE program on your device.
