TL;DR
A developer has posted plans for 'loss32', a Linux distribution concept that makes Win32 programs the primary desktop apps by running them under WINE. The project aims to combine the Linux kernel, WINE, and select ReactOS userland pieces to create an easily installable desktop where .exe files run natively in the environment.
What happened
An author using the name hikari_no_yume published a proposal for a Linux distribution called loss32 that would make Win32 software the main desktop environment by running it under WINE. The idea is to base the distribution on components already known to work — the Linux kernel and WINE — while optionally incorporating parts of the ReactOS userland to approximate a Windows-like user experience. The proposal contrasts loss32 with ReactOS, which seeks to reimplement the Windows NT kernel; loss32 instead relies on the Linux kernel for hardware support and stability. The site includes a screenshot of stable WINE running on Debian 13 and lists a number of rough edges the author wants to address before packaging the environment into an easy-to-install distro. The post invites contributors and lists specific technical areas where help is sought, plus contact points including email and an IRC channel.
Why it matters
- It proposes a desktop where decades of Win32 applications can be used directly on a Linux base, potentially widening available software choices.
- By centering a distro on WINE, the project could accelerate improvements to WINE components (explorer.exe, shell32.dll, HiDPI handling, packaging).
- Using the Linux kernel as the foundation aims to avoid hardware and stability limits the author attributes to ReactOS's NT-kernel reimplementation.
- The effort highlights compatibility and preservation issues for creative and legacy software that lack native Linux ports.
Key facts
- loss32 is a concept for a Linux distribution that runs the desktop almost entirely with Win32 software under WINE.
- The author proposes combining the Linux kernel, WINE, and selected ReactOS userland elements rather than reimplementing the Windows NT kernel.
- A screenshot in the proposal shows stable WINE running on Debian 13; the author notes visible and hidden rough edges remain.
- The website post was written by hikari_no_yume on 2025-12-29 and published at the provided source.
- The author invites contributors and lists desired areas of help, including packaging a desktop environment for Debian and Wayland compositor choices.
- Specific technical topics requested for assistance include WINE's explorer/shell32 behavior, HiDPI scaling, Start Menu handling, and packaging.
- The project also asks for input on ReactOS userland differences, methods for making a Linux distro, static linking of WINE to musl/freetype, and Win32 programming.
- Community contact points include the IRC channel #loss32 on irc.libera.chat and direct email (address not reproduced in the source excerpt).
What to watch next
- Progress on packaging the Win32-centric desktop into an easily installable distribution image or Debian package set.
- Work on WINE improvements the author highlights (explorer.exe, shell32.dll, HiDPI scaling, Start Menu integration).
- Community activity in #loss32 on irc.libera.chat and updates from the author — not confirmed in the source: any formal release schedule or milestones.
Quick glossary
- WINE: A compatibility layer that enables many Windows applications to run on Unix-like operating systems by translating Windows API calls into native POSIX calls.
- Win32: A broad term referring to the 32-bit Windows application programming interfaces and the ecosystem of Windows desktop applications that target them.
- ReactOS: An open-source project aiming to reimplement the Windows NT architecture and provide binary compatibility with Windows applications and drivers.
- ABI: Application Binary Interface: the low-level interface between binary programs and the operating system or other software libraries, defining calling conventions, data types and binary formats.
- Wayland compositor: A component in modern Linux graphical stacks that composes windows and handles input for display servers implementing the Wayland protocol.
Reader FAQ
Is loss32 the same as ReactOS?
No. The proposal distinguishes loss32 from ReactOS by using the Linux kernel plus WINE and selected ReactOS userland pieces, whereas ReactOS aims to reimplement the Windows NT kernel.
Can I run .exe files in this environment now?
The proposal shows WINE running on Debian 13 and the intent is to run Win32 .exe files under WINE, though the author notes there are rough edges to be fixed before general use.
How can I contribute?
The author requests help across many areas and points contributors to email and the IRC channel #loss32 on irc.libera.chat.
Is there a release date or roadmap?
not confirmed in the source
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 refering…
Sources
- Win32 is the stable Linux ABI
- How to make a simple win32 software to work under wine
- Running Windows Applications on Linux with Wine
- How to easily run Windows apps on Linux with Wine
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