TL;DR
Loss32 is a proposal for a Linux distribution whose desktop environment is composed largely of Win32 applications running under WINE, with selected ReactOS userland components. The project aims to package this setup as an installable proof-of-concept and is soliciting contributors for WINE, Wayland compositors, ReactOS integration and other desktop stack work.
What happened
An individual using the handle hikari_no_yume published a proposal called loss32 that imagines a Linux distribution whose desktop is primarily Win32 software executed through WINE, augmented by parts of the ReactOS userland. Rather than reimplementing the Windows NT kernel as ReactOS attempts, loss32 would rely on the Linux kernel and existing components such as WINE and glue code to deliver a Windows-like desktop experience while remaining a Linux distribution capable of running native Linux software when needed. The author posted a screenshot showing stable WINE on Debian 13 to illustrate feasibility but acknowledged many rough edges remain. The site lists specific areas where help is wanted — Wayland compositors, WINE internals (explorer.exe, shell32.dll, HiDPI and packaging), ReactOS userland interactions, and deeper GNU/Linux desktop details — and points to #loss32 on irc.libera.chat for coordination. A first proof-of-concept package is targeted for January 2026.
Why it matters
- Access to decades of Win32 applications could expand desktop software choices on Linux, particularly for creative and legacy tools.
- Packaging a desktop that runs primarily under WINE could surface and drive fixes that benefit all WINE users.
- By building on the Linux kernel, the approach preserves ability to run native Linux applications alongside Win32 software.
- If successful, the project could alter assumptions about how Linux desktop environments are composed and maintained.
Key facts
- loss32 proposes a Linux distribution where much of the desktop environment runs Win32 apps under WINE.
- The project would use the Linux kernel, WINE, supporting glue, and select ReactOS userland components.
- ReactOS attempts to reimplement the Windows NT kernel; loss32 intentionally relies on the Linux kernel instead.
- A screenshot on the project site shows stable WINE running on Debian 13; the author notes remaining rough edges.
- Author of the site: hikari_no_yume; original post dated 2025-12-29 and last updated 2025-12-30 while at 39C3.
- An initial proof-of-concept that can be added to /etc/apt/sources.list is planned for January 2026.
- The project is soliciting contributors for Wayland compositor integration, WINE internals, ReactOS interactions, and GNU/Linux desktop stack work.
- Community coordination is happening in the #loss32 channel on irc.libera.chat.
What to watch next
- January 2026: planned release of an initial proof-of-concept apt-installable package.
- Progress and fixes to WINE components mentioned (explorer.exe, shell32.dll, HiDPI, packaging) — will affect usability.
- Development work on gluing Wayland compositors to WINE and resolving ReactOS userland incompatibilities.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- WINE: Compatibility layer that allows many Win32 applications to run on Unix-like systems without native Windows.
- ReactOS: An open-source project aiming to reimplement the Windows NT architecture and provide a Windows-compatible operating system.
- ABI (Application Binary Interface): A set of runtime conventions (calling conventions, binary formats, etc.) that allow compiled programs and libraries to interoperate on a platform.
- Linux kernel: The core of a Linux-based operating system that manages hardware, processes, and system resources.
- Wayland compositor: A display server component that manages windows and input on systems using the Wayland protocol.
Reader FAQ
What is loss32?
A proposal for a Linux distribution where the desktop is largely composed of Win32 applications running under WINE, with selected ReactOS userland components.
How does this differ from ReactOS?
ReactOS tries to recreate the Windows NT kernel; loss32 plans to use the Linux kernel and existing components like WINE, rather than reimplementing NT.
When can I try it?
The author says an initial proof-of-concept apt-installable package is expected in January 2026.
How can I contribute?
The project requests help on Wayland compositor integration, WINE internals, ReactOS interactions, and GNU/Linux desktop details; contact via email or #loss32 on irc.libera.chat.
loss32: let's build a Win32/Linux The future of the Linux desktop can look like this: Let's build it! Win32/Linux? I'd just like to interject for a moment. What you're referring…
Sources
- Loss32: Let's Build a Win32/Linux
- loss32: let's build a Win32/Linux | Lobsters
- Build a Linux Virtual Machine for Windows Apps | Bin Wang
- Using app virtualization to run Win32 apps on Linux?
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