Technology

Linux users who need Windows‑only software now have a practical way to contain your Windows apps inside Linux without juggling a full‑screen VM. Two open‑source projects, WinApps and WinBoat, spin up a hidden Windows virtual machine and stream individual applications to the Linux desktop via Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), effectively giving each Windows program its own native‑looking window.

While WINE can run many Windows binaries, it still lacks support for the Microsoft Store and some newer commercial suites. Running a genuine copy of Windows in a virtual machine (VM) solves those gaps, but traditional VM workflows require manual file‑sharing and constant context switching. WinApps and WinBoat aim to make the VM invisible, delivering near‑native performance and tighter desktop integration.

WinApps: flexibility for the power user

WinApps originated around 2020 under the guidance of Ben Curtis. After a period of inactivity the project was revived as a “hard fork” that now supports three deployment modes: Docker containers, Podman containers (which avoid root privileges), or direct KVM‑based VMs managed through libvirt. The official documentation warns that the libvirt route is “much more complex to install” but as well “much more flexible” – for example, the hypervisor can run on a separate machine, letting you repurpose an old laptop as a dedicated Windows host.

Setting up WinApps on a typical workstation involves creating a Windows 10 IoT LTSC VM (the article’s test used a 64 GB virtual disk, 8 GB RAM, and two CPU cores). The Windows image lives under /var/lib by default, so a root partition of at least 32 GB is recommended, with 64 GB being “more prudent.” After configuring networking, activation and an offline Windows account, the VM remains hidden until an app is launched; FreeRDP then streams the app into its own Linux window.

Because WinApps integrates with the host desktop’s launcher, it can add shortcuts for each Windows program, though the article notes that extra icons (e.g., Microsoft Paint) may appear prematurely. The setup process took “more than a day” for the reviewer, and required occasional reboots to apply changes.

WinApps also offers advanced features such as KVM memory ballooning, allowing the hypervisor to reclaim unused RAM (the test machine with 24 GB total RAM allocated 4 GB to the VM, with a balloon limit of 8 GB). Remote management via virt‑manager means you can control the Windows VM from another Linux box, even passing through a GPU or a virtual TPM.

WinBoat: a streamlined, beginner‑friendly approach

WinBoat entered the scene about six months ago and is still pre‑1.0 (version 0.9.0 at the time of testing). Built mainly in TypeScript with some Go components, it automates most of the heavy lifting. The project’s FAQ states: “To be honest, when we first read this last year, our response was dismissive – but after getting WinApps working, suddenly this seems like a fine and desirable objective.”

WinBoat relies on Docker (with optional Podman support, though USB passthrough is lost) and FreeRDP. Installation simply follows Docker’s official guide and the distro’s FreeRDP package. The application is distributed as an AppImage, as well as native .deb, .rpm and Nix packages, but it does not maintain a repository – users must manually check for updates.

During the review the author used the AppImage on Ubuntu 24.04.4, fixing a kernel‑AppArmor restriction with sudo sysctl -w kernel.apparmor_restrict_unprivileged_userns=0. After installing Docker and FreeRDP3, WinBoat downloaded a Windows evaluation ISO (or used a local LTSC ISO) and set up the VM in about an hour.

The interface shows the VM’s status with large “Pause” and “Stop” buttons and a list of detected Windows applications. Clicking an entry launches the app in its own Linux window, with no additional desktop integration beyond a network share (\hostlan in WinBoat, compared to \tsclienthome in WinApps).

Head‑to‑head: WinApps vs. WinBoat

Both tools succeed at the core goal: they let you run Windows applications side‑by‑side with native Linux software. WinApps shines for users who want granular control, remote VM hosting, or advanced features like GPU passthrough. WinBoat excels for those who want a “set‑and‑forget” experience with minimal tinkering.

In practice, performance was mixed. On an aging ThinkPad W520 running Ubuntu “Questing,” Windows apps launched slowly and displayed occasional multi‑monitor glitches. On a newer Dell Latitude 5420 with Ubuntu Noble, the experience was smoother but still not instantly responsive. The article notes that “WINE is faster” for simple apps because it avoids the overhead of a full Windows OS.

“That button conceals a lot of black magic, but it hides the plumbing very well and it works.” – John Brunner

Looking ahead

Both projects remain open‑source and free, with active communities contributing improvements. As Linux desktop environments continue to mature (Wayland, improved RDP support), the integration layer between Windows VMs and Linux may become even tighter. Users interested in the latest releases can follow the WinBoat site (winboat.app) and the WinApps GitHub repository for updates.

Whether you prefer the configurability of WinApps or the simplicity of WinBoat, the ability to contain your Windows apps inside Linux is now a viable alternative to dual‑booting or relying on imperfect compatibility layers. Give it a try, share your experience in the comments, and spread the word to fellow Linux power users.

Media Expert’s “Przeceny na Walentynki” campaign is turning heads this February with a headline‑grabbing offer: the Samsung QE55S84FAU OLED 4K television is now listed for 3499 zł, a full 1000 zł discount off its regular price according to the promotional announcement. The price cut makes this model the cheapest it has ever been, positioning it as a “bestseller” bargain for anyone eyeing a premium home‑cinema upgrade.

Beyond the eye‑catching price tag, the QE55S84FAU packs a suite of high‑end features that traditionally command a premium. It sports a 55‑inch OLED panel with per‑pixel illumination, delivering true blacks and virtually infinite contrast—characteristics that set OLED technology apart from conventional LED displays. Coupled with a native 4K resolution and a 120 Hz variable‑refresh‑rate (VRR) panel, the TV promises smooth motion and vivid detail for both streaming and gaming sessions.

What the discount covers

The “Przeceny na Walentynki” promotion, running through 14 February 2026, applies a straight‑line reduction of 1000 zł to the listed price. The discounted price of 3499 zł is verified by the campaign’s official page on Media Expert’s website. No additional coupons or loyalty points are required; the offer is available both in‑store and online while supplies last.

Key specifications and smart‑TV capabilities

According to the product description released with the promotion, the television runs Samsung’s Tizen OS, which hosts a catalog of more than 500 apps—including all major VoD services. The platform supports a Polish‑language voice assistant and integrates with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem for broader smart‑home control. Samsung pledges seven years of software updates for the device, a support window that exceeds many competitors in the market.

The hardware backbone features the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, which upscales Full‑HD content toward near‑4K quality, and a suite of AI‑driven features such as “Game Mode AI” that automatically detects a connected console and optimises picture settings for the specific game genre. Dolby Atmos‑compatible speakers are built into the top‑channel array, delivering immersive audio that, according to the promotional material, can reduce the need for an external soundbar.

• Panel: 55‑inch OLED, per‑pixel lighting
• Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD)
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz VRR
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen2
• Operating system: Tizen OS (500+ apps)
• Audio: Dolby Atmos top‑channel speakers
• Smart‑home: SmartThings integration, Polish voice assistant
• Software support: 7 years of updates

Why the deal matters for consumers

For buyers, the combination of OLED picture quality, high refresh rates, and robust smart‑TV features at a sub‑3500 zł price point represents a rare value proposition in the Polish market. OLED panels have traditionally been priced higher due to their manufacturing complexity, and a 120 Hz VRR panel is often reserved for flagship gaming monitors. The inclusion of AI‑enhanced upscaling and a dedicated gaming mode further broadens the TV’s appeal to both cinephiles and console enthusiasts.

Industry observers have noted that such deep discounts are unusual for premium Samsung models, especially during a limited‑time promotion. The “Przeceny na Walentynki” event appears to be part of Media Expert’s broader strategy to boost foot traffic and online sales ahead of the spring shopping season, as highlighted in a recent coverage of the retailer’s Valentine’s Day deals by iHardware.

At a glance

Looking ahead, Samsung has not announced any immediate follow‑up promotions for this model, and Media Expert’s campaign is set to conclude on 14 February 2026. Consumers interested in the deal should act promptly, as the retailer notes that stock levels are limited and prices may revert to the standard rate once the promotion ends.

Have you snagged the Samsung OLED TV at the Valentine’s discount, or are you weighing other options? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow tech enthusiasts.