Introduction
If you play Windows exclusive games on Linux, you’ve probably heard of Proton GE a community maintained version of Valve’s Proton that often adds faster updates, extra patches, and broader support. What many don’t know is that Proton GE can also be used in different environments, including Windows setups that rely on compatibility layers like Wine or custom launchers. Installing it on Linux or Windows 10 only takes a few steps, and once set up, it unlocks a smoother gaming experience.
Installing Proton GE on Linux
Step 1: Install ProtonUp Qt
The easiest way to manage Proton GE is with ProtonUp Qt. Install it via your package manager or Flatpak:
flatpak install flathub net.davidotek.pupgui2
Step 2: Download Proton GE
Open ProtonUp Qt, click “Add version”, and select the latest Proton GE build. It will install into Steam’s compatibility tools directory automatically.
Step 3: Enable Proton GE in Steam
Open Steam → Settings → Compatibility.
Enable Steam Play for all titles.
For individual games, go to Properties → Compatibility, and select Proton GE.
Installing Proton GE on Windows 10
Unlike Linux, Proton GE isn’t directly integrated into Steam for Windows. However, it can still be used in specific workflows:
WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
Install WSL and a Linux distribution.
Follow the same Proton GE Linux installation steps inside WSL.
This allows you to run Linux compatible builds and test games with Proton GE.
Custom Launchers & Wine Builds
Some advanced users install Wine or Lutris within Windows subsystems to experiment with Proton GE. While not native, it can help test cross-platform game behavior.
Conclusion
Installing Proton GE on Linux is straightforward with ProtonUp Qt, giving you more frequent updates and fixes compared to stock Proton. On Windows 10, Proton GE isn’t officially supported in Steam, but with WSL or Wine setups, you can still experiment with it. Whether you’re running Linux or tinkering on Windows, Proton GE is a powerful way to push compatibility further for modern PC gaming.
