Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) on Windows 10 (Step-by-Step)


Tips and Tricks

What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer available for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019 that enables users to run GNU/Linux environments natively on their system. That includes some of the most popular Linux command-line tools, utilities, and applications. With WSL, you can:

  • Select a Linux distribution to install on Microsoft Store (E.g., Kali Linux, Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)
  • Use command-line tools like grep, sed, awk, and other ELF-64 binaries.
  • Create and run bash shell scripts with languages like:
    • NodeJS, Javascript, Python, Ruby, C/C++, C# & F#, Rust, Go, etc
  • Utilize various GNU/Linux command-line applications such as:
    • Tools: vim, emacs, tmux
    • Services: SSHD, MySQL, Apache, lighttpd, MongoDB, PostgreSQL.
  • Invoke Windows applications from the Unix-command-line shell
  • Install additional packages from your distributions' package manager
  • Invoke GNU/Linux packages and applications on Windows

The first version of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL1) was first released on August 2, 2016. On June 12, 2019, the second version, now called Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, was released. This second release introduced major changes, such as emulating a real Linux channel through the Hyper-V feature and increase file system performance.

In this post, we will give you a detailed guide on installing WSL2 on Windows.

 

Step-1: Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux Feature

If you are not already running WSL1, then you need to enable Windows Subsystem for Linux on your System. Follow the steps below.

Open the Windows Search bar (Win key + S) and enter "Turn Windows features On or Off."

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) on Windows 10 (Step-by-Step)
Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux Feature

 

That will open the Windows Features window. Scroll down and search for the option, Windows Subsystem for Linux. Click on the checkbox to enable the feature. The system will search and install the required packages before prompting you to Reboot your system.

Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux Feature
Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux Feature

 

Ste-2: Enable Virtual Machine Platform

This step wasn't necessary for WSL 1; however, with WSL 2, we will need to use the Hyper-V feature.

NOTE:
Not all computers support virtualization. Therefore, before executing the commands below, you might first need to confirm your PC supports virtualization and the feature is enabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
  1. On the Windows Search bar (Win key + S), type PowerShell. Right-click on it and select the option "Run as administrator"
  2. Enter the command below and hit enter.
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform

Install Linux using Windows Subsystem for Linux

If the command executes successfully without any errors, as shown in the image above, Reboot your PC to apply the changes.

 

Step-3: Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2)

Up to this point, we have everything set up for WSL2. We can now proceed and enable Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 on our Windows system. Follow the steps below.

Download the WSL2 Kernel update. Once the download completes, navigate to the Downloads folder and install the .msi file.

Open the Windows Search bar (Win key + S) and search Powershell. Right-click on it and select the "Run as administrator" option. Execute the command below to set WSL2 as the default architecture for all your Linux distributions.

wsl --set-default-version 2

Install Linux using Windows Subsystem for Linux

If you have distributions that you installed with WSL1, you will need to convert them to WSL2. For example, if you installed Ubuntu, use the command below to convert it to WSL2.

wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2
NOTE:
It would be best if you used the exact name of the distribution. If you are not sure, use the command below to list your installed distros.
wsl -l -v

After completing all the steps above, all your new distributions will use the WSL2 architecture.

 

Step-4: Install a Linux Distribution

Up to this point, we have successfully installed and enabled WSL2 on Windows. To install and start using Linux, follow the steps below.

Open the Microsoft Store application and Sign In with your Microsoft account.

On the search bar, enter "Linux." That will list all the distributions available for you to install. For this tutorial, we will install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

Install Linux using Windows Subsystem for Linux
Install Linux using Windows Subsystem for Linux

 

Select your distribution of choice and click Get or Install. The installation might take some time as it will need to download the package.

Once done, click Launch to start your Linux OS.

Install Linux using Windows Subsystem for Linux
Install Ubuntu using Windows Subsystem for Linux

 

That will open the Linux command-line window. The distribution will install some packages before prompting you to enter a new username and password.

NOTE:
For security reasons, most Linux systems will not display anything as you type the password. Therefore, don't panic if you don't see anything in the password field. Just type the password and hit Enter.
Install Linux using Windows Subsystem for Linux
Linux installed using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

That's it! You have successfully enabled Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 and even installed your first distribution.

 

Conclusion

I believe this post has given you a clear guide on installing WSL2 on your Windows system. Please feel free to leave a comment and share your experience using WSL2 with our readers.

 

Further Readings

Windows Subsystem for Linux Installation Guide for Windows 10

 

Related Searches: Enable windows subsystem for Linux, install WSL, how to get Linux on windows 10, install Linux on windows 10, enable WSL

Deepak Prasad

Deepak Prasad

Deepak Prasad is the founder of GoLinuxCloud, bringing over a decade of expertise in Linux, Python, Go, Laravel, DevOps, Kubernetes, Git, Shell scripting, OpenShift, Networking, and Security. His extensive experience spans development, DevOps, networking, and security, ensuring robust and efficient solutions for diverse projects.

Certifications and Credentials:

  • Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
  • Go Developer Certification
  • Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Python Institute PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming)
You can connect with him on his LinkedIn profile and join his Facebook and LinkedIn page.

Can't find what you're searching for? Let us assist you.

Enter your query below, and we'll provide instant results tailored to your needs.

If my articles on GoLinuxCloud has helped you, kindly consider buying me a coffee as a token of appreciation.

Buy GoLinuxCloud a Coffee

For any other feedbacks or questions you can send mail to admin@golinuxcloud.com

Thank You for your support!!

Leave a Comment