While users can run Linux right inside their Windows 10 installation via the WSL subsystem, sometimes we need things to work the other way around: run Windows programs without leaving the cozy Linux environment. Enter WinApps, a small and not well-known (yet) open source project.
The idea behind WinApps is simple: instead of emulating Windows, just run it natively as a KVMpowered virtual machine and have all the productivity programs installed there. The virtual machine runs without a visible GUI (almost headless), and WinApps connects to it via FreeRDP to launch selected programs. While the tech part isn’t that innovative, WinApps scores points thanks to the superb desktop integration. We tested it against various Microsoft Office components and found they ran smoothly.