Guide to Installing MS Office 2016 on Linux via PlayOnLinux and Wine

Installing Microsoft Office 2016 on a Linux system using the PlayOnLinux and Wine application can be a rewarding process for those who wish to run Windows applications on their Linux environment. Below, we provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to assist you with the installation process.

Introduction to MS Office 2016 on Linux

MS Office 2016 is a powerful suite of productivity tools commonly used by businesses and individuals. While there are open-source alternatives like LibreOffice, sometimes the native MS Office applications are preferred for compatibility and advanced features. This guide will walk you through the process of installing MS Office 2016 on Linux, using the PlayOnLinux interface and Wine engine.

Prerequisites

Installing PlayOnLinux

To begin, ensure that PlayOnLinux is installed on your Linux distribution. You can usually find it in your software center, or install it via the terminal with the following command:

sudo apt install playonlinux

Installing Wine

PlayOnLinux uses Wine to run Windows applications. Ensure you have Wine installed by using the following command:

sudo apt install wine

MS Office 2016 Installation Files

Download the MS Office 2016 installation files, typically in the form of an ISO or a setuputable. You will need these files to proceed with the installation.

Step-by-Step Installation

Opening PlayOnLinux

Launch PlayOnLinux from your applications menu.

Installing a Program

Click on the “Install a program” button in the main window. Scroll down and select “Install a non-listed program” at the bottom. Click “Next” in the wizard that appears.

Choosing Installation Type

Select “Install a program in a new virtual drive” and click “Next.” Name your virtual drive, e.g., “Office2016” and click “Next.” Choose the version of Wine you want to use; the default is usually fine and click “Next.”

Configuring Wine

In the next window, you can configure Wine. It is often recommended to use a 64-bit version for MS Office 2016. Check the box for “64 bits” if needed. Click “Next.”

Installing Additional Components

The installer may ask to install some additional components. It's a good idea to install the following: Visual C Redistributable 2015 (vcrun2015) .NET Framework 4.8 (dotnet48) or the latest .NET version Select these components and click “Next” to install them.

Installing MS Office 2016

After the components are installed, you will be prompted to run the setup file. Depending on your installation source, browse to the location of your MS Office 2016 installation. The setuputable is usually named setup.exe. Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Finalizing Installation

Once the installation is complete, you can create a shortcut for MS Office applications like Word or Excel within PlayOnLinux. Select the installed program and click on “Create a shortcut.”

Running MS Office 2016

You can now run MS Office applications from PlayOnLinux. If you encounter any issues, check the Wine App Database for specific configurations or tweaks that might be necessary.

Troubleshooting

If you run into problems, consider checking the WineHQ App Database for MS Office 2016 for tips and troubleshooting advice. Make sure your Wine version is up to date as newer versions often include important bug fixes and improvements.

With these steps, you should be able to successfully install and run MS Office 2016 on your Linux system using PlayOnLinux and Wine. If you have any specific issues during the installation, feel free to ask!