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Introduction to Installing Software on Bazzite

Linux Package Formats

Package formats ranked from most recommended to least recommended for daily usage:

  1. Bazzite Portal (ujust Commands) (Convenience Commands) - Custom scripts maintained by Bazzite & Universal Blue contributors that can also install a small subset of applications. (This takes precedent over other formats but since it can only install only a small set of software, it is considered as an extension to system-level settings as opposed to an app store.)
  2. Bazaar App Store (Flatpak) (Graphical Applications) - Universal package format using a permissions-based model and should be used for most graphical applications, it is primary method of obtaining software on Bazzite.
  3. Homebrew (Command-Line Tools) - Install applications intended to run inside of the terminal (CLI/TUI).
  4. Containers - Run applications in an isolated environment to avoid dependency issues.
    4a. Distrobox Containers (Linux Packages & Development Workflows) - Access to most Linux package managers for software that do not support Flatpak and Homebrew and for use as development boxes.
    4b. Quadlet (Services) - Run containerized applications as a systemd service.
  5. AppImage (Portable Graphical Applications) - Portable universal package format that relies on specific host libraries at a system-level, usually obtained from a project's website.
  6. rpm-ostree (System-Level Packages) - Layer Fedora packages at a system-level (not recommended, use as a last resort)

Non-Linux Formats

Bazzite can also run Windows and Android applications too. Please note that not all software intended for Windows and Android will run on Bazzite.

Windows Executables

Use a WINE front-end:

  • Steam (pre-installed) has a Windows compatibility layer built-in.
  • Lutris (pre-installed) for non-Steam PC games and non-gaming software.
  • Faugus Launcher (Available in Bazaar) as an alternative to Lutris.
  • Heroic Games Launcher (Available in Bazaar) for proper Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Games integration.
  • Greenlight (Available in Bazaar) for streaming Windows store games and Gamepass. (Streaming only)
  • WineZGUI (Available in Bazaar) for less complicated Windows applications that don’t require special considerations.

Read the Bazzite Gaming Guide for more information on running Windows games on Linux.

Android Apps

Follow the Waydroid Setup Guide to install Android applications on Bazzite.

Package Format Recommendation Scenarios

Note

Please note that only a small selection of software are available to install in the Bazzite Portal so it is not listed.

Software Installation Decision Tree
Software Installation Decision Tree

Package Format Graphical Application (GUI) Command‑Line / System‑Level Package
Bazaar App Store (Flatpak) Primary method for obtaining graphical applications. Not recommended for command‑line applications or utilities.
Homebrew Only a few apps (e.g., VSCode via Universal Blue cask) are recommended to install graphically. Highly recommended for command‑line tools.
Containers (Distrobox / Quadlet) If not available in Bazaar, install the generic Linux package inside a Distrobox container and export it. For services, create a Quadlet. Recommended if a Homebrew package does not exist.
AppImage Find an AppImage online at your own risk from a trusted source. Use Gear Lever (available in Bazaar) for proper system integration. —
Package Layering If none of the above options work, layer the package at your own risk. Layer only if no other option works.
Other Some software ships as a .tar.gz with an executable. It may run on Bazzite after making it executable in the file properties. Alternatively, use a Wine frontend (e.g., Lutris) for Windows versions. Waydroid may work if an Android port exists. —
Custom Image — Intended for alternate desktop environments or software for unusual hardware; a custom Bazzite image may be required.
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