ProtonUp-Qt and GE compatibility tools

Scope

ProtonUp-Qt installs third-party compatibility tools for specific launchers. GE-Proton is not Valve Proton. The old Wine-GE repository is archived and explicitly points to umu as its successor.

Runtime map

ContextCurrent supported directionAvoid
Steam game
Valve Proton first; GE-Proton per game
Replacing every game's runtime globally
Heroic/Lutris game
Launcher-integrated GE-Proton through umu
Running Proton without its runtime
Historical Wine-GE
Preserve only for a tested legacy prefix
Installing it as a current default runner

Trust boundary

ProtonUp-Qt downloads executable runtime builds and writes them to launcher-specific directories. It is independent of Valve, GE-Proton, and launcher maintainers. A visible version in its list does not prove a game needs it.

Supported installation

Install ProtonUp-Qt through Discover/Flathub or use the AppImage linked by its official site. Select the exact launcher in ProtonUp-Qt, install one named GE-Proton release, restart that launcher, and change one game's runtime.

Verification

Record the game, build, launcher, installed GE-Proton version, prefix, and clean Valve/default result. Confirm the selected runtime in game properties and collect one repeatable launch result before adding flags or prefix changes.

Update

Keep the working version while testing a new one. A “latest” build is not automatically better for every title. Report GE-only regressions to GE-Proton, not Valve's Proton tracker.

Uninstall

Select Valve/default or the prior runner for every dependent game before removing a custom version in ProtonUp-Qt. Do not delete prefixes merely because a runtime is removed.

Rollback

Restore the recorded per-game runtime, restart the launcher, and repeat the clean launch. Retain the prior GE-Proton build until the new version passes; remove only versions no game uses.

Recommended use

Use GE-Proton for a documented title-specific fix missing from Valve Proton, or when Heroic/Lutris selects it through its supported umu integration. Start every diagnosis with the launcher default.

Frequently asked questions

Does installing GE-Proton update Valve Proton?
Does installing GE-Proton update Valve Proton?
No. GE-Proton is a separate custom compatibility tool. Valve Proton remains installed and can be selected again per game.
Should I install Wine-GE for new Lutris games?
Should I install Wine-GE for new Lutris games?
No general recommendation remains. Its upstream repository is archived and names umu as the successor; use the current launcher-supported GE-Proton/umu path.

Sources

Version history

  • 2026-07-15: Phase 6 GE-Proton, launcher, umu, and retired Wine-GE boundary review.