Step 1: Enable WSL
Go to “Turn Windows features on or off” and check the box next to “Windows Subsystem for Linux.” After checking the box, restart the computer to apply the changes. This step enables the WSL feature in Windows, allowing the user to run Linux distributions natively.
Step 2: Update to WSL 2
Download the Linux kernel update package from Microsoft and install it. WSL 2 offers better performance and compatibility than WSL 1, so it’s worth updating. Follow the instructions on the Microsoft website to install the update package.
Step 3: Set WSL 2 as Default
Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the command: wsl –set-default-version 2. This command sets WSL 2 as the default version for any new Linux distributions installed, ensuring the best performance and features.
Step 4: Install a Linux Distribution
Go to the Microsoft Store, search for the preferred Linux distribution (like Ubuntu), and click “Install.” Once installed, it can be launched from the Start menu. The first time it runs, a username and password for the Linux environment need to be set up.
Step 5: Launch and Set Up the Linux Environment
Open the installed Linux distribution from the Start menu and follow the prompts to set up the environment. Enter the username and password. After that, the user is all set to start running Linux commands directly from the Windows machine!
After completing these steps, the Windows 10 PC will have a fully functional Linux environment. Linux commands can be run, software can be installed, and it can be used just like on a native Linux machine.
Tips for Installing WSL on Windows 10
- Explore Different Distributions: Don’t just stick with one Linux distro. Try out a few to see which one is preferred.
- Keep WSL Updated: Regularly check for updates to ensure the latest features and security patches are available.
- Back Up Data: Make sure to back up any important files before making major changes to the system.
- Use WSL for Development: WSL is great for developers working in environments that require Linux tools.
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