Let’s be honest — when you switch to Linux, some stuff just won’t work the way you’re used to. But before you write it off, don’t ask “what doesn’t work?” Instead, ask yourself: “What do I actually need to achieve?”
Think of it like moving between iPhone to Android. The phone still does all the same things, just in slightly different way and with some different apps.
On Linux, most of the time you’ll find software that covers more than what you need, and if there’s that one program you can’t live without, there are often workarounds.
So, let’s talk about what doesn’t work and what you can do about it.
Software That Simply Won’t Run
Some programs just don’t have Linux versions and won’t run, for example:
Audio Software
- Pro Tools
- Logic Pro
- Some Waves plugins (though many work through compatibility layers)
- Kontakt 8 and some Native Instruments libraries
Creative Software
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects)
- Final Cut Pro
- Vectorworks
Productivity Software
- Microsoft Office (desktop version – though web version works fine)
- Outlook (desktop version)
- Some Windows-only business utilities
Software Options
I worried about leaving behind all my familiar software, but some of it genuinely works on Linux, and for the others I found great alternatives. Here are just some that work:
DAWs
- Reaper – completely customisable DAW
- Bitwig Studio – excellent Ableton Live alternative
- Tracktion – studio and live performance tools
- Ardour – FOSS recording, edit and mixing
- Renoise – tracker-style sequencing
Plugins
- LSP Plugins – top-tier EQs, compressors, FX and analysers
- u-he plugins – awesome variety of synths (vintage analogue, modular, wavetable)
- Ugritone – acoustic drum VSTs, amp sims and FX
- Guitarix – amp sims and stomp effects
- VCV Rack – modular synthesis environment
Sample Libraries & Instrument Modelling
- Decent Sampler – Kontakt alternative with growing library
- SFZ Soundfont libraries – open standard, massive collection of free instruments
- Modartt – pianos, organ, guitars, tuned percussions
- LibreWave Rhapsody – Instrument player
- Pianobook – Extensive Instrument library
Video & Graphics
- DaVinci Resolve – Hollywood-standard editing
- Kdenlive – FOSS video editing
- Blender – Industry standard 3D animation and modelling
- Krita – image editing and digital painting
- GIMP – comprehensive image editing
- Inkscape – vector graphics
Office & Productivity
- LibreOffice – full office suite
- OnlyOffice – excellent Microsoft Office compatibility
When You Really Need Non-Supported Software
Sometimes you genuinely need specific non-supported programs. Here are your options:
Dual Boot Setup: This lets you have both Windows and Linux on the same computer – you choose which one to boot into when you start up. Keep Windows on a separate partition for those essential programs. This is what I do – Linux for daily work, Windows 10 for occasional proprietary tools.
Virtual Machines: Run Windows inside Linux for Windows programs. Works well for office software, less ideal for audio work due to latency.
Compatibility Layers: Tools like WINE can run some Windows software directly on Linux. This works well for certain programs, but it’s hit-and-miss – some things work perfectly, others don’t work at all, and setup can be fiddly. I’d recommend trying native Linux alternatives first, as they’ll always work more reliably.
Browser Based Solutions: Not always ideal, but many major suites (e.g. Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite) offer web apps — which is really handy for cross-platform collaboration.
The Reality
So, some stuff doesn’t work the same. Yes, you might need to learn some new software. Some workflows may change. But here’s what I’ve found: having a faster, more stable system that I actually control makes any adjustments totally worthwhile.
And here’s the thing – we’re at a tipping point where major software developers are starting to take notice of the growing Linux audio community. The more people who switch, the more likely we’ll see native support from the big players. Every person who makes the move helps build the case for even better software support down the line.
Most importantly – you can test everything with a bootable USB before changing anything on your computer. Try your workflow, test your hardware, see how it feels.
Ready to start? → What is Linux?
Want to see the complete software options? → Linux Audio Software Guide
