Steam's latest Beta update makes running Windows games and apps on Linux a lot easier

Published Oct 8, 2026, 2:57 PM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary Steam Beta now auto-runs Windows binaries with Proton on Linux, easing the use of Windows games and apps. Added Windows .EXE non-Steam titles auto-use Proton, letting non-game apps run on Linux. Patch notes includes fixes for Linux launch/stop bugs, controller issues, and Big Picture screensaver toggle. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that Valve's efforts are primarily why Linux gaming is even a thing these days (even if Valve only took the plunge because it really wanted to escape Windows 8). The Proton layer allows developers to continue making titles for Windows only, and for Linux gamers to play those titles with minimal to no problems. Now, a new update to the Steam Beta client makes running Windows games—and, by extension, apps—on Linux a lot easier. The Steam Beta client will now launch Windows binaries with Proton by default Removing another obstacle to getting Windows games (and apps) running on Linux Over on the Steam website, Valve breaks down what's new with the beta client for its launcher. There are a handful of tweaks in there, but one of the more interesting ones is that Steam will automatically run Windows binaries in Proton if you run an added on-Steam game on Linux. If you're not sure what that means, Proton is translation software Valve helped create that allows games built for Windows to run on Linux. The obvious benefit of this is to run your Steam purchases on Linux without worrying about your games not supporting the OS (although it may run a little poorly until Proton patches are released for your title). However, it also means that software you add to Steam as a non-Steam title can also benefit from Proton, even if you didn't buy it through Valve. And yes, that also includes apps that aren't games at all. With this new update, Steam will automatically assume that if you add a Windows binary (like an .EXE, for instance) to Steam and run it on Linux, you'll want to use Proton to run it and automatically set it up for you. Sounds useful to me. Here are all the patch notes: General Fixed a case where library playtime could temporarily show an incorrect value. Steam Input Fix a bug on the Linux "Reorder controller" screen on Linux where sometimes swapping controllers would not work Steam Controller Firmware Fixed an issue where switching to BLE mode would stick, even if the host device could not be found Big Picture Added a setting to disable the screensaver when in game Linux Windows binaries registered as non-steam games will now run in Proton by default. Fixed a case where non-steam games would fail to launch after changing the Target binary via the Browse button. Fixed a case where the 'Stop' button would fail to close the game if it was launched by an external tool.