The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows developers and IT professionals to run a full Linux environment directly within Windows, eliminating the complexity of dual-boot setups or traditional virtual machines. With WSL, you can seamlessly run Linux applications, use Linux command-line tools, and access Linux files alongside your Windows files. This guide explains how to set up and use WSL on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

System Requirements for Using WSL

Before installing WSL, ensure your Windows system meets the necessary requirements. You must be running Windows 10 version 2004 (Build 19041) or later, or any version of Windows 11. Additionally, hardware virtualization must be enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).

Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Step 1: Open PowerShell or Command Prompt with administrator privileges. To do this, right-click the Start menu and select "Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)".

Step 2: Enter the following command to install WSL and the default Ubuntu Linux distribution:

wsl --install

This command automatically enables the necessary Windows features, downloads the Linux kernel, and installs Ubuntu. After the installation completes, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 3: After rebooting, launch the Ubuntu app from the Start menu. The first time you launch it, Ubuntu will decompress files and prompt you to set up a Linux username and password. These credentials are separate from your Windows account and will be used for administrative tasks within Linux.

Installing Alternative Linux Distributions

If you prefer a different Linux distribution, WSL supports multiple options such as Debian, Kali Linux, OpenSUSE, Fedora, and more.

Step 1: To view available Linux distributions, run:

wsl --list --online

Step 2: Install your chosen distribution by specifying its name:

wsl --install -d Debian

Replace Debian with your preferred distribution name. Restart your system once installation completes.

Switching Between WSL Versions

WSL has two versions: WSL 1 and WSL 2. WSL 2 offers improved performance through a lightweight virtual machine and full Linux kernel compatibility. You can easily switch between versions.

Step 1: To check which version your Linux distribution is currently using, enter:

wsl -l -v

Step 2: To upgrade or downgrade between WSL versions, use the command:

wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2

Replace Ubuntu with your distribution's name and 2 with 1 if you wish to downgrade. This process might take a few minutes.

Accessing Files Between Windows and Linux

WSL makes it easy to access files across both operating systems.

  • To access Windows files from Linux, navigate to /mnt/c/ in your Linux terminal. This directory corresponds to your Windows C: drive.
  • To view Linux files from Windows, open File Explorer and enter \\wsl$\ in the address bar. You will see folders representing each installed Linux distribution.

Running Linux GUI Applications on Windows

With WSL 2, you can run graphical Linux applications directly on Windows without additional software.

Step 1: Update your Linux distribution by running the following commands in the Linux terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install a graphical Linux application. For example, to install the Gedit text editor:

sudo apt install gedit -y

Step 3: Launch the graphical application directly from the Linux terminal by entering its name:

gedit

The application opens in a new window on your Windows desktop, fully integrated with your system.

Integrating WSL with Development Tools

WSL integrates seamlessly with popular development tools such as Visual Studio Code and Docker. For instance, Docker Desktop supports WSL 2 natively, allowing faster container startup and better resource management. Similarly, Visual Studio Code offers a Remote – WSL extension enabling direct editing, debugging, and terminal access within your Linux environment.

To set up Docker with WSL 2, install Docker Desktop for Windows and enable the WSL 2 backend from Docker settings.

For Visual Studio Code integration, install the Remote – WSL extension from the VS Code marketplace.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common issues during WSL installation include virtualization-related errors. If you encounter error messages such as "Error 0x80370102," ensure hardware virtualization is enabled in your BIOS settings. Additionally, verify that the Virtual Machine Platform feature is enabled in Windows Features.

For comprehensive troubleshooting, refer to the official WSL troubleshooting guide.

With WSL installed and configured, you now have a powerful Linux environment integrated directly into your Windows workflow. Enjoy exploring the capabilities of Linux without leaving the comfort of your Windows desktop!