A Windows virtual machine
VirtualBox, GNOME Boxes or KVM can run Windows on a capable x64 Linux PC. TallyPrime then runs normally, but you buy a Windows licence, maintain two operating systems and reach your books from that one PC only.
Ubuntu · Linux Mint · Fedora · ChromeOS
Run Tally on Linux, Ubuntu or a Chromebook
TallyPrime is a Windows program, and Tally doesn't publish a Linux or ChromeOS version. So we run your licensed TallyPrime on a private Windows server in India, and you open it in a window on your Ubuntu laptop with the free Remmina client, or on a Chromebook with Microsoft's free Windows App. Same books, same shortcuts, and nothing from Tally to install on your machine.
- Remmina and Windows App are free
- Fine on low-cost laptops
- Use your existing TallyPrime licence
- Starting from ₹799/month
Quick answer
Does Tally work on Linux? Not natively. Tally says TallyPrime can only be installed on Microsoft Windows, and there is no Linux or ChromeOS download. To use Tally on Linux, run TallyPrime on a Windows cloud server and open it from Ubuntu, Mint or Fedora with the free Remmina client, or from a Chromebook with Microsoft's Windows App.
Want the exact commands? Jump to the setup picker. Using a Mac or a phone instead? See Tally on Mac or Tally on mobile.
The short version
Does Tally work on Linux or a Chromebook? Not on its own.
Tally's system requirements list 64-bit Windows, from Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 up to Windows 11, and state that TallyPrime can only be installed on Microsoft Windows. That rules out a native install on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora or Debian, and on ChromeOS, which runs Android and Linux apps but not Windows programs.
That's why searches for "install Tally on Ubuntu" mostly turn up Wine tutorials that run the Windows installer. There is no Linux build from Tally to download.
The practical answer is to stop trying to install TallyPrime locally. With Tally on Cloud, TallyPrime and your company data live on a Windows server in a secure data centre in India. Your laptop or Chromebook only shows the screen and sends keystrokes over Remote Desktop, so its age, processor and distribution barely matter.
| Your device | Installs natively? | How to use TallyPrime |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 / 11 PC | Yes | Locally, or the same cloud server via Remote Desktop Connection |
| Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Debian | No | Remmina or FreeRDP to a Windows server (setup) |
| Chromebook (ChromeOS) | No | Windows App from Google Play (details) |
| MacBook, iMac | No | Windows App from the Mac App Store (Mac guide) |
| iPhone, iPad, Android | No | Windows App from the app stores (mobile guide) |
Current release: TallyPrime 7.1. Platform support per Tally's system requirements page, checked 2026-10-06.
Wine, Bottles and PlayOnLinux
Wine on desktop Linux: it can run, but Tally doesn't support it
Wine is a compatibility layer that runs Windows programs on Linux, and plenty of videos show TallyPrime installing under Wine, PlayOnLinux or Bottles. It isn't a far-fetched idea. Tally's own TallyPrime Cloud Access runs on Linux virtual computers, and its FAQ says TallyPrime "can run only on a highly secured WINE layer" there. The difference is who maintains it: that stack sits on servers Tally builds and supports. A Wine setup on your own laptop is not a configuration Tally lists as supported.
Before you trust Wine with your books, check
- Licence activation. Does your licence activate and stay active after a TallyPrime or Wine update?
- Printing. Do invoices print correctly on your printer, including pre-printed stationery?
- DSC tokens. USB signing tokens ship Windows drivers. Can you still sign e-filings?
- Add-ons and Office. Tally lists 64-bit Microsoft Office for its Excel and Word features, and many add-ons are Windows .exe or .dll files.
- Support. When something stops working, who do you call? Neither Tally nor your distribution supports the combination.
Experimenting anyway? Work on a copy of your company data, keep a backup that opens on Windows, and never let a Wine install hold your only set of books.
A Windows server you reach remotely
TallyPrime stays on Windows, where Tally supports it, and every Linux PC, Chromebook, Mac and phone in your team opens the same live company. That is what TallyoCloud runs for you on a private server, at ₹799 per user per month.
Every way to use TallyPrime from Linux or a Chromebook
| Option | Linux PC | Chromebook | TallyPrime runs on | Cost | Who maintains it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TallyoCloud: Windows cloud server | Remmina, FreeRDP | Windows App (Play Store) | Windows Server, a listed OS | ₹799/user/month + GST; licence separate | We patch, back up and monitor |
| TallyPrime Cloud Access (Tally)¹ | Tally's client or browser | Not listed by Tally | Linux + WINE, run by Tally | From ₹600/user/month + GST; licence separate | Tally |
| Windows in a local virtual machine | On a capable x64 PC | Not practical | Windows | Windows licence + your time | You |
| Wine / Bottles on your laptop | Unofficial | Not practical | Wine, not listed as supported | Free | You |
| Remote access to an office PC | RDP client | Windows App | Your Windows PC | PC left on, plus a VPN or gateway | You or your IT person |
¹ Tally's product page says it can be accessed on Windows and Linux, with macOS through a browser; its FAQ (updated 29 Sep 2026) says mobile and tablet devices are not supported. Chromebooks aren't mentioned. Prices exclude GST. It is a good fit if you want Tally's own service at a low per-user price and work only from Windows or Linux desktops; see TallyPrime Cloud Access vs Tally on Cloud. For the office-PC route, read Tally remote access options.
Pick your system
Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora or Chromebook: the exact commands
Choose your system to get the install command and the steps to connect. Our welcome message gives you your own server name, gateway and username; the values shown here are samples.
Ubuntu desktop · Remmina
Ubuntu: Remmina may already be installed
Ubuntu has bundled the Remmina remote desktop client with its desktop for years, so search your apps for "Remmina" first. If it isn't there, or RDP is missing from its protocol list, run the commands shown.
- Open Remmina, click + and choose RDP - Remote Desktop Protocol.
- Enter the server and username from our welcome message, and pick a folder under Share folder for Tally exports.
- On the Advanced tab, set security to NLA and enter the Remote Desktop Gateway server we gave you.
- Save and connect, complete two-step login if it's on, and TallyPrime opens in a window.
- Shared folder
- Clipboard
- Printers: test yours
$sudo apt update$sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp remmina-plugin-secret
remmina-plugin-secret stores saved passwords in your desktop keyring; leave it out if you never save them. For the newest release, Remmina also publishes Flatpak and Snap builds.
Linux Mint · Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce
Linux Mint: the same packages as Ubuntu
Mint is built on Ubuntu, so Remmina comes from the same repositories. Install it from Software Manager by searching for Remmina, or paste the commands into a terminal. Software Manager may also offer the Flathub build, which is usually newer.
- Install Remmina with the commands shown, then open it from the menu.
- Click +, choose RDP and enter your server, username and a shared folder.
- Under Advanced, choose NLA security and add our gateway server.
- Connect. Use the left Ctrl key for Tally shortcuts (see keyboard tips).
- Shared folder
- Clipboard
- Printers: test yours
$sudo apt update$sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp remmina-plugin-secret
An old laptop running Mint makes a perfectly good Tally terminal, because TallyPrime itself runs on the server.
Fedora Workstation · KDE and other spins
Fedora: install the RDP plugin too
Fedora packages Remmina's protocols as separate plugins. Install remmina-plugins-rdp (note the "s") with the app, or you'll have Remmina without RDP.
- Run the command shown, or install both packages from GNOME Software.
- Open Remmina, click + and create an RDP profile with your server and username.
- Under Advanced, choose NLA and add our gateway server.
- Share a folder for exports, save and connect.
- Shared folder
- Clipboard
- Printers: test yours
$ sudo dnf install remmina remmina-plugins-rdpPrefer Flatpak? flatpak install flathub org.remmina.Remmina installs Remmina's own build with RDP included. Package names from Fedora Packages.
Chromebooks with Google Play
Chromebook: Windows App from Google Play
No terminal needed. Microsoft's Windows App listing on Google Play supports Chromebooks that can run Play Store apps, the same app Android phones use.
- Check that Settings › Apps › Google Play Store is turned on.
- Install Windows App by Microsoft Corporation. It's free.
- Tap +, add a PC and enter the server, gateway and username we send.
- In the app's General settings, turn on Use scancode input when available, then connect.
- Printers
- Local storage
- Clipboard (text)
PC name tally-yourco-01 User account priya.accounts Gateway gateway.example.in Friendly name TallyPrime (TallyoCloud) Printers not supported on ChromeOS
$sudo apt update$sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp
Plan B is for Chromebooks without Google Play but with the Linux development environment switched on. It is Debian-based, so the Ubuntu steps apply. Sample values; field names vary between app versions.
Command line · Ubuntu 24.04 and later
FreeRDP: one command, no profile
Prefer the terminal, or running a minimal desktop? FreeRDP is the open-source RDP engine Remmina is built on. On Ubuntu 24.04 and later the package is freerdp3-x11 and the command is xfreerdp3; other distributions may name it differently.
- Install the package and create a folder for Tally exports.
- Replace the sample server, username and gateway with ours, then run the command.
- Type your password when asked. Add /f to start full screen.
- Save the command as a shell alias or desktop launcher for next time.
- NLA + gateway
- Folder redirection
- Window resizing
$sudo apt install freerdp3-x11$mkdir -p ~/TallyExports$xfreerdp3 /v:tally-yourco-01 /u:priya.accounts /gateway:g:gateway.example.in /sec:nla +dynamic-resolution +clipboard /drive:TallyExports,$HOME/TallyExports
Sample values. If your gateway needs separate credentials, add ,u:username inside the /gateway option. Syntax per the xfreerdp3 manual; run xfreerdp3 /help to check your version.
Package names checked 2026-10-06 against Remmina's install page, Ubuntu and Fedora package listings, and Microsoft's Google Play listing.
Why NLA and the gateway matter on Linux
Remmina and FreeRDP support the same two protections Microsoft's own clients use, so a Linux connection is as well protected as one from Windows or a Mac.
- Remote Desktop Gateway. Every session travels inside an encrypted HTTPS connection on port 443. The usual Remote Desktop port, 3389, is closed to the internet on our servers.
- Network Level Authentication. Windows checks your username and password before it creates a session, so strangers never reach a login screen.
- Two-step login. Available for every user, and worth switching on for anyone who works away from the office.
More on how the connection works in our Tally RDP guide, and every server control in Is Tally on Cloud safe?
Protocol RDP - Remote Desktop Protocol Server tally-yourco-01 Username priya.accounts Share folder ~/TallyExports Security NLA RD Gateway server gateway.example.in Share printers on (test with yours) Clipboard on
Sample values. Menu labels vary between Remmina versions; we can walk you through the first connection on a WhatsApp call.
Tally on Chromebook
Tally on a Chromebook: Google Play first
A Chromebook makes a sensible, low-cost Tally machine, because the server does all the work. Which route you take depends on one thing: whether your Chromebook can install Android apps from Google Play.
Google Play available
Install Windows App and connect, as in the picker above. It is the same app as on Android phones and tablets, so keyboards, mice, storage and text copy-paste all work. Our Tally on mobile guide covers the Android app's settings in more depth.
No Play Store, but Linux is on
ChromeOS can run a Debian Linux container, set up under Settings › About ChromeOS › Developers. Install Remmina inside it with the Plan B commands and follow the Ubuntu steps. Remmina then opens in its own ChromeOS window.
Managed by a school or employer
An administrator can switch off Google Play and the Linux environment on managed Chromebooks. Ask them to allow Microsoft's Windows App. If they won't, use another device for Tally rather than a workaround.
What about a browser tab? Microsoft's web version of Windows App can't open remote PC or Remote Desktop Services connections, according to its overview. Opening TallyPrime straight from Chrome would need a separate HTML5 gateway, such as Microsoft's Remote Desktop web client, which is not part of our standard setup. If your Chromebook can't run Play Store or Linux apps, talk to us before you subscribe.
Day-to-day use
Keyboard, display, printing and files
TallyPrime is a keyboard-first program, so the details that matter are function keys, Ctrl shortcuts and getting invoices onto paper. Here's how each works from Linux and from a Chromebook.
| Task | Linux (Remmina) | Chromebook (Windows App) |
|---|---|---|
| Function keys (F2 date, F8 sales…) | Work as normal; on some laptops hold Fn | Search + top-row key, or turn on "Treat top-row keys as function keys"² |
| Ctrl and Alt shortcuts | Use the left Ctrl; Remmina reserves the right Ctrl as its host key³ | Turn on scancode input in Windows App |
| Screen size | Dynamic resolution; right Ctrl + F toggles full screen | Full screen; external monitor where supported |
| Printing | Remmina can share your printers; test yours, keep PDF as fallback | No printer redirection¹; e-mail a PDF and print it from ChromeOS |
| Saving PDF and Excel exports | Shared folder appears as a drive | Local storage redirection¹ |
| Copy and paste | Yes | Text only¹ |
| USB DSC token for e-filing | Smart-card sharing exists; test your token first | Not supported¹ |
¹ Microsoft's Windows App feature comparison for Android and ChromeOS (Sep 2026). ² Google's Chromebook keyboard help; F11 and F12 need "Customize keyboard keys" in keyboard settings. ³ Remmina's default host key, from its manual; you can change it in Preferences.
Key not reaching Tally? Click the matching button on TallyPrime's right-hand bar instead (F2 Date, F11 Features, F12 Configure). Our Tally cloud shortcut keys guide lists every combination.
Printing from a Chromebook. Press Ctrl+M in TallyPrime to e-mail the invoice as a PDF, open it in Gmail and print. More options in how to print from Tally on Cloud.
Signing GST or ITR filings? USB tokens are easiest from a Windows PC or Mac. See DSC tokens on Tally Cloud before you rely on Linux for e-filing.
Why Windows Server
The operating system TallyPrime is built for
Windows Server is on Tally's list of supported systems, so nothing on your server is a workaround. Your Linux PC or Chromebook simply becomes a window onto it.
Everything that needs Windows works
TDL customisations, vetted third-party add-ons, connected GST and e-invoicing (with an active TSS), and exports to PDF and Excel all run as they would on an office PC. We move your existing companies across during setup, as described in Tally data migration.
One server for a mixed office
Your accountant on Ubuntu, you on a MacBook and the sales team on Android phones all open the same live company, with no file copies to merge. Read how teams share it in Tally on Cloud for multiple users.
Backups and patching handled
Daily automated backups with 30-day retention, kept off the server, and Windows updates applied for you. Your data stays in India, on servers in Mumbai. Support 7 days a week, on WhatsApp or phone.
Your licence, counted fairly
Each Remote Desktop user counts as a Tally Virtual User, whether they connect from Linux or Windows. Silver includes one and Gold includes ten concurrent users, per Tally's TVU FAQ. More in Tally Virtual User explained.
Facts checked 2026-10-06
Platform facts change, so we date them
Microsoft, Google, Tally and the Remmina project all update their software and help pages often. Here is what this page relies on and when we last checked. If something has changed, tell us on WhatsApp and we'll correct it, as set out in our editorial policy.
Pricing is the same whichever device you use: a flat ₹799 per user per month plus GST, for one user or a whole team. See Tally on Cloud pricing, or read how setup works.
$ sources --page tally-on-linux-chromebook --checked 2026-10-06 ✓ TallyPrime 7.1: installs on Windows only (Tally requirements) ✓ Cloud Access: Linux + WINE on Tally's servers (FAQ, 29 Sep 2026) ✓ Windows App: Play-Store Chromebooks supported (Google Play) ✓ No printer redirection on ChromeOS (Microsoft Learn, Sep 2026) ✓ Windows App in a browser: no RDS connections (Microsoft Learn) ✓ Remmina packages: apt and dnf names (remmina.org, Fedora) → Next review: when any of these sources change
FAQ
Tally on Linux and Chromebook: your questions
Does TallyPrime work on Linux or Ubuntu?
Not natively. Tally's system requirements say TallyPrime can only be installed on Microsoft Windows, and Wine on desktop Linux is not a configuration Tally lists as supported. The dependable route is to keep TallyPrime on a Windows server and open it from Ubuntu, Linux Mint or Fedora with a free, open-source RDP client such as Remmina or FreeRDP. You get the full Windows program, with every report, voucher and shortcut.
Can I use Tally on a Chromebook?
Yes, through a cloud server, if your Chromebook supports Play Store apps. Install Microsoft's free Windows App from Google Play, add the server details we send and connect. Windows App can't redirect local printers on ChromeOS, so e-mail yourself a PDF from TallyPrime with Ctrl+M and print it from the Chromebook. Without Google Play, ChromeOS's Linux environment can run Remmina instead.
Is Remmina secure enough for accounting data?
Yes, when the server is set up properly. Remmina and FreeRDP support Network Level Authentication and Remote Desktop Gateway, so the session is encrypted just as it is with Microsoft's own apps. On our side, port 3389 is closed to the internet, every connection comes through a gateway on port 443, and two-step login is available for every user. Keep your Linux system and Remmina updated too.
Can I install TallyPrime on Ubuntu with Wine?
People do, and Tally's own Cloud Access shows TallyPrime can run on Linux through WINE, but on servers Tally builds and maintains. On your own laptop, Wine sits outside Tally's listed requirements, so licence activation, printing, DSC tokens and add-ons are yours to test and fix after every update. If you experiment, work on a copy of your data, never your only set of books.
Which packages do I need on Ubuntu, Linux Mint or Fedora?
On Ubuntu and Linux Mint run: sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp remmina-plugin-secret. On Fedora run: sudo dnf install remmina remmina-plugins-rdp, with an 's' in plugins. Many Ubuntu desktops already include Remmina, so check your apps first. Remmina also publishes Flatpak and Snap builds if you want the newest release. The command-line alternative is FreeRDP, packaged as freerdp3-x11 on Ubuntu 24.04 and later.
Do I need a separate Tally licence to use TallyPrime from Linux?
No. You use your existing TallyPrime licence, which we activate on your private server. Each person working over Remote Desktop counts as a Tally Virtual User, whatever device they connect from: Silver includes one and Gold includes ten concurrent virtual users. Gold owners can add more from Tally at about ₹125 per user per month. One licence must serve one business only.
Can I open Tally in a Chrome browser tab instead of an app?
Not with our standard setup. Microsoft's browser version of Windows App doesn't connect to remote PCs or Remote Desktop Services servers, so browser access would need a separate HTML5 gateway, such as Microsoft's Remote Desktop web client. Most users install Windows App from Google Play instead. If your Chromebook can't run Play Store or Linux apps, talk to us before you subscribe.
Will an old or low-cost Linux laptop be fast enough for TallyPrime?
Usually, yes. TallyPrime runs on the server's processor, memory and storage, while your laptop only draws the screen and sends keystrokes, so an older laptop running Linux Mint or an entry-level Chromebook can cope. A steady internet connection matters more than the hardware. Try your exact machine during the free 7-day trial before you subscribe, and keep using it if it feels right.
Stuck on a connection? Our support team helps with Remmina and Chromebook setups too.
Related guides
Tally RDP
Which Remote Desktop app suits each device, the settings we use and how Tally licenses RDP users.
Read the RDP guideTally on Mac
Run TallyPrime on a MacBook, iMac or Mac mini with Windows App, including local printing.
Read the Mac guideTally on mobile
The full TallyPrime on Android, iPhone and iPad, with what works and what doesn't on each.
Read the mobile guidePrinting from Tally on Cloud
Local printers, PDF workflows for Chromebooks and tablets, and pre-printed stationery.
Printing guideCloud Access vs Tally on Cloud
A cited, side-by-side look at Tally's own Linux-based service and a Windows server.
See the comparisonTry it on your own laptop
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