If you're a Arch Linux user who rely on Wine to run your favourite Windows applications, this news is for you! Arch Linux developer Peter Jung announced a significant transition for the Arch Linux wine and wine-staging packages to a "pure wow64 build".
This change removes the dependency on the multilib repository for these packages. The primary reason for this transition is to align with upstream Wine development, which simplifies packaging and the dependency chain.
What's Happening with Arch Linux Wine?
Essentially, your Arch Linux wine and wine-staging packages will no longer depend on the multilib repository. This means they will now include all the necessary components for running 32-bit Windows applications directly within the Wine package itself.
Why the Change?
Arch Linux Wine WoW64 transition is all about making things better behind the scenes. The main reason is to align with how Wine's original developers (upstream) are working.
This approach simplifies how the packages are built and managed on Arch Linux. It also tidies up the "dependency chain," which is the list of other software packages Wine needs to work.
It's a move towards a more integrated and simplified way of handling 32-bit Windows applications on 64-bit Linux systems.
A Quick Look at WoW64
WoW64 stands for "Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit". It's a subsystem of Microsoft Windows that allows older 32-bit programs to run smoothly on newer 64-bit versions of the operating system. It works by creating a 32-bit environment for these applications.
Wine, the compatibility layer that lets you run Windows apps on Linux, has its own version of this technology. It includes special files (like wow64.dll, wow64win.dll, and wow64cpu.dll) to mimic Windows's WoW64 features. This helps 32-bit Windows applications run correctly on your 64-bit Linux system.
How Does This Affect You, the Arch Linux User?
While this transition brings long-term benefits, there are a couple of things you might notice:
- OpenGL Performance for 32-bit Apps: If you use 32-bit Windows applications that directly use OpenGL (a graphics standard), you might see slightly reduced performance in this new WoW64 mode.
- Breaking Changes to Existing Setups: This is important! Your current 32-bit Wine prefixes will need to be recreated. A Wine prefix is like a virtual Windows environment where your applications are installed.
Recreate Your Wine Prefixes!
If you experience any issues with your 32-bit Wine applications after the update, the advised solution is simple: recreate your Wine prefixes and then reinstall the affected applications within them.
This will ensure your applications are running in the new, streamlined WoW64 environment.
Conclusion
Arch Linux is known for being a "rolling release" distribution, meaning it always provides the "latest stable versions" of software through continuous upgrades.
This Wine WoW64 transition is another example of Arch Linux staying modern and simplifying its core infrastructure for a better user experience, even if it requires a small adjustment on your part.
By adopting this "pure WoW64 build," Arch Linux simplifies its Wine packaging and aligns closely with upstream development. So, update your system, recreate those prefixes if needed, and enjoy a more integrated Wine experience!
Related Read: Fedora’s 32-bit (i686) Support Withdrawal Postponed
