When you work on Linux but still need some Windows applications, you naturally wonder how to integrate them without losing the convenience of the desktop. In this scenario, Cassowary comes into play. a project that allows you to launch Windows programs in a virtual machine and display them in your session as if they were native speakers. The integration is based on FreeRDP and RemoteApps technology., so windows behave like any other application in your distro.
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Cassowary, this option I'd say is new, but it is for those who aren't familiar with it. It's been in development for a few years.
What is Cassowary and how does it work?
Cassowary is a solution that connects a Windows guest to your Linux host, allowing you to open applications from the former and use them integrated into the latter. The technical key is in FreeRDP and RemoteApps mode, which project Windows software windows into your Linux session as if they were their own. This isn't emulation: there's real Windows underneath, which favors compatibility with complex suites such as Office or Adobe.
In his approach, Cassowary seeks to make the exchange of files natural. From Linux you can open documents directly in a Windows app and vice versa, in the Windows guest it is possible to open files with native Linux tools. In addition, Sharing between host and guest file systems is simplified so that working with shared projects and folders is not a hassle.
Another practical focus of Cassowary is the user experience. Includes a configuration utility which makes it easier to adjust the environment, allows you to create Windows application launchers in your desktop menu and, if you use virt-manager, Automatically suspends the virtual machine when no apps are in use and resumes it when you need them againThe idea is that resource consumption adapts to your workflow, without constant manual intervention.
Advantages and key features of Cassowary
- Visual integration: Windows windows appear natively in your Linux session. There is no “desk within a desk” unless you choose it.
- Bidirectional file flow: open host documents in Windows programs and vice versa with comfort.
- Everyday Tools: simple setup wizard, generation of pitchers and automation of VM suspend/return with virt-manager.
- Documentation and community: the project suggests a installation guide video, invites you to give a star to support its development and offers a Discord server to resolve doubts.
Project status and security considerations
The current maintenance status matters. Cassowary hasn't made any commits for nearly 2 years.Does this mean they're unusable? Not necessarily: if your dependencies are still compatible, they can work. But there are nuances: Without recent patches, the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities increases, especially when exposing RDP services or using third-party components that do evolve.
To minimize risks, it is advisable Isolate the Windows VM with prudent network rules, limit open ports, keep the guest and host systems up to date, and avoid sharing more resources than necessary. It also helps to ask questions on related forums and communities: In /r/Linux, which promotes news and information (not support), they recommend directing technical questions to spaces like /r/Linux4Noobs or /r/linuxquestions, and even alternatives like communities on Lemmy or Kbin. That social ecosystem gives you real feedback on what's still working in 2025 and what adjustments are needed.
How to get started: requirements and general steps
The typical flow with Cassowary consists of three sections: Prepare a Windows VM with Virt-Manager, Install Cassowary on the Windows guest and the Linux host, and finally fine-tune extras and resolve frequently asked questionsEach distribution changes nuances, but the approach is consistent.
If you decide to compile from source (rather than using the published binaries), there are important details. First install Python 3 and Git on Windows (if it's Windows 7, Python 3.7 is recommended) and follow the steps to generate the artifacts: In the app-linux folder, a dist directory is created with an installable .whl file. y, In the app-win part, a bin directory is built with the installers. This process downloads Python binaries during setup, so you will need an Internet connection.
What if you compile your Windows application from Linux? That's where Wine comes in as a build tool. You must have Wine installed to compile the Windows component from Linux.. Keep in mind that while packaging through Wine usually works, There are cases where executables generated this way do not behave correctly on certain Windows systems.If this happens to you, building from a real Windows usually fixes it.
Want to help the project? There are several common ways to do so: improve documentation, report bugs o propose improvementsAdditionally, you can support financially through technical patronage platforms. This support helps keep niche projects alive., even when there are no frequent commits.
