Lutris: Can't install Steam Windows

Hello, new to Bazzite here after breaking my Nix config one too many times and jumping ship. I'm trying to install the Windows Stream runner in Lutris 0.5.19 (native, not flatpak) and I can't get past the error below.

Any help would be appreciated. I have the wine runner in Lutris set to GE-Proton (Latest).

lutris.runners.RunnerInstallationError: The 'system' version of the 'wine' runner can't be downloaded.

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:14 PM

Why are you trying to install Windows Steam?

techbearOP•5/30/25, 9:17 PM

I try to avoid booting up the Windows VM unless it's a game that won't work under proton / wine due to anti-cheat or other incompatibilities. There's a lot of games that aren't "Linux supported" on Steam but will run this way

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:26 PM

what game doesn't work under Proton in Steam for Linux that does work under Proton under Steam for Windows in Lutris?

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:26 PM

Lutris's Steam integration is a relic from before Proton existed, but it would still be running a game under Proton in the end.

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:27 PM

Zero VMs are needed to run a Windows-based game in Steam for Linux

techbearOP•5/30/25, 9:31 PM

To give an example, Resident Evil 5 used to be flagged as supported on Linux Steam. As of about a month ago, that support was pulled. The game runs fine through the Windows Steam under wine, but if you try to use the Linux Steam, I haven't found a way of bypassing the compatibility checks

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:32 PM

you just run it

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:34 PM

can you show me what you're talking about Steam rejecting the game?

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:34 PM

perhaps there's a misunderstanding going on

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:35 PM

the Deck/SteamOS compatibility ratings do not prevent you from attempting to run a game

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:39 PM

techbearOP•5/30/25, 9:43 PM

I think I see the discrepancy now. I've got Proton-9.x designated under force compatibility. Is that the officially supported replacement to running the Windows Stream client?

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:44 PM

Proton 9 is the most current stable build, so yes

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:44 PM

I'm currently using Experimental in the run above

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:44 PM

which is Proton 10-based

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:44 PM

but that's still the same in the end, you're running the game through Proton in the Linux build of Steam

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:45 PM

you should just set a default in Steam Settings, Compatibility and not manually force Proton versions unless needed

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:45 PM

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:45 PM

you can set this to either Proton 9, 10 or Experimental

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:45 PM

9 would be the most stable

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:46 PM

you might get a warning about the SteamOS compatibility rating, but it will not prevent you from proceeding with running the game

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:47 PM

several games are marked as incompatible, but they either run fine with stock Proton or need a little more with GE-Proton

techbearOP•5/30/25, 9:47 PM

Makes sense. Thanks so much, I think that relegates the Windows VM to games that require kernel level anti-cheats beyond wine's ability to emulate

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:48 PM

a Windows VM won't really support kernel anticheat games either. those games have VM detection

techbearOP•5/30/25, 9:48 PM

There's convoluted hacks to get around it

. You basically make the vm "think" it's your real hardware

termdisc•5/30/25, 9:49 PM

sure, but no support will be provided for that here

Kyle Gospo•5/30/25, 11:24 PM

Yeah that's risky because once they implement a new check your current hacks don't cover you get banned

Kyle Gospo•5/30/25, 11:24 PM

Our recommendation is to never use a Windows VM for gaming

Kyle Gospo•5/30/25, 11:24 PM

Either stick with what works in proton or dual boot

Kyle Gospo•5/30/25, 11:25 PM

I would also not run Steam under lutris, there's no benefit and tons of downsides

Lutris: Can't install Steam Windows

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