Proton FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Proton.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is proton?
Proton is an open-source software that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux operating systems.
Why am I getting a "Proton initialization failed" error?
This error usually occurs due to missing or outdated graphics drivers. Updating your drivers may fix the issue. If not, you can try using a different version of Proton or revert to a previous version of your graphics drivers.
How do I install Proton on my Linux system?
Proton can be installed through the Steam client on Linux. Simply go to the "Steam" menu, select "Settings," then go to "Steam Play" and check the box for "Enable Steam Play for supported titles." You can then select Proton from the dropdown menu and save the settings.
Can I run any Windows application using Proton?
No, Proton is designed to work with specific applications and may not work with all Windows applications. You can check the list of supported titles on the ProtonDB website.
I'm experiencing stuttering or low FPS while using Proton. What can I do?
This issue may occur due to a variety of reasons, such as outdated drivers or hardware limitations. You can try updating your drivers, disabling any unnecessary background processes, or lowering the graphics settings in the game.
Why am I getting a "No suitable graphics card found" error when trying to run a game with Proton?
This error typically happens if your graphics card does not support the required OpenGL version. You can check the system requirements of the game and make sure your graphics card meets the minimum requirements.
How can I report a bug or issue with Proton?
You can report any bugs or issues you encounter with Proton on the Proton issue tracker on GitHub.
Does Proton have any known compatibility issues with certain Linux distributions?
Yes, Proton may have compatibility issues with certain distributions due to different package versions and configurations. You can check the Proton GitHub page for known compatibility issues and workarounds.
Is Proton free to use?
Yes, Proton is free and open-source software.
Can I use Proton on macOS?
No, Proton is only available for Linux operating systems.
Why is Proton not working even though my system meets the minimum requirements?
This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as outdated drivers, compatibility issues, or other system configurations. You can try updating your drivers, checking for known compatibility issues, or reaching out to the Proton community for assistance.
How often does Proton release updates?
Proton releases updates periodically as new features and improvements are implemented.
Can I use Proton with a 32-bit version of Linux?
No, Proton only supports 64-bit versions of Linux.
Why am I getting a "Failed to start game (invalid app configuration)" error when launching a game with Proton?
This error usually occurs when the game files are corrupt or missing. Verify the game files through the Steam client to fix the issue.
Does Proton support multiplayer functionality?
Yes, Proton supports multiplayer for many games, but it ultimately depends on the compatibility of the specific game with Proton.
Why am I getting a "This game requires a Steam client update" error when trying to launch a game with Proton?
This error may mean that the game is not compatible with the current version of Proton. You can try using a different version of Proton or updating the game if available.
How can I access the Steam client on Linux when using Proton?
You can access the Steam client by right-clicking the game in your library and selecting "Properties," then go to the "Local Files" tab and click "Browse Local Files."
Is Proton a replacement for Wine or other Windows compatibility layers?
No, Proton is built on top of Wine and additional tools to provide a seamless gaming experience on Linux.
Does Proton support virtual reality (VR) games?
Yes, Proton supports VR games, but it depends on the compatibility of the specific game with Proton.
Why am I getting a "Missing executable" error when trying to launch a game with Proton?
This error means that the game files are missing or cannot be found. Verify the game files through the Steam client to fix the issue.
Can I use Proton with non-Steam applications?
No, Proton is designed to work specifically with Windows games on Steam.
Why is Proton not showing up in my Steam client?
This could be due to different reasons, such as using a 32-bit version of Linux or not having the correct drivers installed. Make sure you are using a compatible version of Linux and have the necessary drivers installed.
Does Proton have any known issues with anti-cheat software?
Yes, Proton may have compatibility issues with some anti-cheat software, which may result in certain games not running.
Why am I getting a "Failed to read text from line buffer" error when trying to install a game with Proton?
This error usually occurs when the game server is down or experiencing issues. You can try again later or check the game's forums for updates.
Can I use Proton with my non-Steam games?
No, Proton is only compatible with Windows games purchased on the Steam store.
Why am I getting a "Proton staging is not responding" error?
This error can occur if you are using an outdated version of Proton. Try updating to the latest version to resolve the issue.
Does Proton support macOS games?
No, Proton is only compatible with Windows games on Linux operating systems.
Are there any alternative software options to Proton?
Yes, there are other compatibility layers and virtual machine solutions available, such as Wine, PlayOnLinux, and VirtualBox. However, Proton has been specifically designed for gaming on Linux and is constantly updated and optimized for the best gaming experience.
Free Submission
Free Webpage Submission

Submit your webpage using our free tool.

Submit Now