BottlesLinux
vs
Xbox AppWindows
Bottles as a Linux alternative to Xbox App
Updated
Our verdict
Bottles is not a direct replacement for the Xbox App because it does not handle Xbox Live accounts, cloud gaming, or achievement syncing. It is a compatibility layer manager that runs Windows executables. It works well for users who own standalone PC games (e.g., from Steam or GOG) and want to run them on Linux. If your library is strictly tied to the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass, Bottles cannot access that ecosystem. It is a solid tool for running specific Windows game files, but it lacks the account and storefront integration of the native Xbox client.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 67.5 (October 27, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow launching Windows-based game executables
- Both manage game installations on the local system
- Both provide a graphical interface for organizing software
- Both support running games that rely on DirectX or other Windows APIs
What is different
- Bottles cannot sign in to Xbox Live or manage Microsoft accounts
- Bottles has no access to the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass
- Bottles does not sync achievements or profiles to Xbox servers
- Bottles requires manual installation of game files rather than automatic downloads
- Bottles relies on Wine/Proton emulation, which may have performance overhead
Opening your Xbox App files
Bottles does not open or export Xbox App-specific files such as license keys or store metadata. It works with standard Windows executable files (.exe) and installer packages (.msi, .exe). If you have purchased games through the Microsoft Store, you cannot simply copy the files to Linux and run them in Bottles because they are encrypted and tied to your Microsoft account. You must own standalone copies of the games to run them in Bottles.
Switching from Xbox App to Bottles, step by step
- Install Bottles from Flathub or your distribution's repository
- Create a new bottle using a pre-configured gaming environment
- Download standalone installers for your games from Steam, GOG, or other stores
- Run the installers inside the bottle to install the games
- Launch the games from the Bottles interface to verify functionality
- Use the repair tool if any game fails to launch
Key features of Bottles
- Pre‑configured environments for quick setup
- Switchable runners (Wine, Proton, etc.)
- Integrated dependency installer
- Task manager to monitor processes
- Backup and restore of bottles
- Optimizations for gaming
- Repair tool for broken bottles
How to install Bottles on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.usebottles.bottlessudo dnf install bottlesFrequently asked questions
Can I use Xbox Game Pass with Bottles?
No. Xbox Game Pass requires the Xbox App and a Microsoft account. Bottles cannot access the Xbox ecosystem or stream games.
Will my achievements sync if I play in Bottles?
No. Bottles runs the game locally without connecting to Xbox Live services. Achievements will not be recorded or synced to your Xbox profile.
Does Bottles support anti-cheat software?
Support varies by game and anti-cheat provider. Many kernel-level anti-cheat systems do not work with Wine or Proton. Check the ProtonDB database for specific game compatibility.
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