How to set up Proton so that you can run Windows games on Linux and play Steam games on Linux
Windows is the main operating system of choice for the majority of PC gamers because of its extensive software and game support. But thanks to programs like Valve's Proton, which enables Windows games to be played on Linux through Steam, Linux has started to draw the interest of gamers in recent years.
This post will explain what Proton is, its significance, and a step-by-step guide to installing and activating it on Linux. We will also demonstrate how to use Proton to run Windows games on Linux.
Instructions for configuring and installing Proton on Linux so that Steam Play can run Windows and Steam games effectively
Proton is the ideal choice if you are a Linux user who wants to play Steam games made for Windows! You can play Windows games on Linux with ease thanks to Proton, a Wine-based compatibility layer that Valve supports. We will go over how to install Proton for Steam Play on Linux step-by-step in this post.
Proton: What is it?
Valve created the open source Proton project, which is based on Wine and DXVK, to enable Windows games to run on Linux without requiring intricate changes.
Through Proton's direct integration with the Steam app, "Steam Play," users can run their Windows game library on a Linux distribution with ease.
Valve and the creators of Wine collaborated to create Proton, a tool that allows Linux users to play Steam games made for Windows without installing an additional operating system. Proton greatly enhances performance by converting DirectX to Vulkan using cutting-edge technologies like DXVK.
Installation and operation requirements for Proton on Linux
- The Linux distribution you are using is supported (e.g., Arch Linux, Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Manjaro...).
- Set up Steam on your computer.
- The graphics card on your device supports Vulkan.
- Your Steam account is installed and active.
- Proton settings and game downloads require an internet connection.
- graphics processor with Vulkan support (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
How to install and enable Proton on Linux in Steam ๐ง
Install Steam.
The Steam app must be installed on your device first. Depending on the distribution, the approach changes:
Installation on Ubuntu/Debian:
Type in Terminal:
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sudo apt update
sudo apt install steam
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Installation on Arch/Manjaro:
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sudo pacman -S steam
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Installing on Fedora:
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sudo dnf install steam
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After installation, launch Steam and sign in.
✅ Activate Steam Play (Proton)
After signing in to Steam, follow these steps:
1. From the top menu, choose Steam > Settings.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
Click OK and restart Steam.
Activate both options:
"Enable Steam Play for supported titles."
"Enable Steam Play for all other titles."
From the drop-down menu, choose the latest version of Proton (preferably "Proton Experimental" or "Proton GE" if available).
What is Proton GE and what is it used for?
Proton GE (GloriousEggroll) is an unofficial version of Proton, featuring additional improvements and expanded support for some games that don't work well with the official versions. It is regularly updated by the community.
How to install Proton GE manually
Go to the Proton GE GitHub page.
Download the latest version in .tar.gz format.
Create the following folder (if it doesn't exist):
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mkdir -p ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d
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- Unzip the file inside this folder.
- Restart Steam.
- You will find Proton GE available in Compatibility Settings.
How to use Proton to play games on Linux?
One of the main benefits of using Proton is that it allows you to easily play Windows games on Linux. Here's how to play games that aren't supported by Steam or that don't play well on your platform.
- After activating Steam Play, go to your Steam library.
- Select the Windows game and click Install.
- It will be automatically activated using Proton.
- Play the game
If you encounter problems, try the following steps:
- Select a different Proton version from the game properties (Properties > Compatibility).
- Make sure you have up-to-date graphics drivers installed.
- Check out ProtonDB to see other people's experiences with the game.
Play non-Steam games using Wine or Proton
If you want to play Windows games that aren't supported via Steam, you can use Wine or Proton to run them manually on Linux:
- Install Wine via your distribution's package manager.
- Install the game using Wine or Proton depending on your preference.
- You can use tools like Lutris or PlayOnLinux to make this process easier.
Improve Proton performance on Linux
Use DXVK and VKD3D-Proton to improve graphics performance.
Enable shader pre-caching in Steam settings.
Use Proton-GE versions for better support for modern games.
Make sure your system and software are kept up to date.
Additional notes ๐งช
Not all games run smoothly, but there is a huge database showing the status of each game on ProtonDB.com.
Use Proton GE if you have problems with the official version.
Updating your graphics card drivers is essential for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Now that you've followed this guide, you can install Proton on Linux and enjoy Steam games seamlessly. If you encounter any issues, leave a comment, and we'll try to help.
๐ฏ The bottom line
Thanks to Proton, using Linux is no longer a barrier for gamers. Now you can easily run a large number of Windows games on your favorite distribution. The experience may vary from game to game, but support is constantly evolving, and Valve is constantly working to improve Proton.
Have you tried Proton before? Share your experience with us in the comments. ๐ฎ๐ฅ️
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Proton free?
Yes, Proton is free and integrated with Steam Play.
2. What games are supported?
Most Steam games work with Proton, and you can check compatibility on the ProtonDB website.
3. How do I update Proton?
Proton updates automatically via Steam, but you can download modified versions manually.