The Wine Project, a compatibility layer that allows Linux and macOS users to run Windows applications, has released version 11.6, the sixth maintenance update in the stable 11.x series. According to the release notes, the main change is the initial steps toward reviving the Android driver, plus a small batch of additional VBScript compatibility fixes.
The bug-fix list includes several issues affecting games and Windows applications. The update resolves crashes and regressions affecting Minecraft Windows 10 Edition, Google Earth Installer, Mount & Blade: Warband, and HWiNFO 8.24.
For Linux gamers, Wine 11.6 also addresses a regression from version 11.5 that prevented access to Diablo IV’s in-game shop menu and resolves ICU DLL-related crashes in Cyberpunk 2077.
Additional improvements include better DLL handling for Gecko-based browsers and enhanced DLL load order heuristics to support modded game setups.
Beyond gaming improvements, Wine 11.6 offers broad application compatibility fixes. It resolves issues in StarOffice 5.1, PDF-XChange Editor, PDFSam Installer, DigiCertUtil, Buhl Tax 2026, VICE, and EIZO ColorNavigator 6.
Finally, the update addresses issues such as unsaved .NET application settings, incorrect window sizing, missing functions, and various crashes during startup or file handling.
For more information, visit the announcement. Wine 11.6’s source code can be downloaded from GitLab’s project page for those interested in trying out or upgrading their current installation. The binary packages for various distributions are expected to be available shortly.
