How to Get Linux on Windows 10: A beginner’s guide to WSL

Have you ever wished you could dabble in the world of Linux without completely ditching your familiar Windows setup? Well, good news, because getting Linux on Windows 10 is not just possible; it’s actually quite straightforward thanks to something called the Windows Subsystem for Linux, or WSL for short. This handy feature lets you run a full Linux environment directly within Windows, without needing a separate virtual machine or dual boot. You’ll activate a couple of Windows features, restart your computer, and then simply pick your favorite Linux version from the Microsoft Store. It’s like having two powerful operating systems living happily side-by-side, giving you the best of both worlds.

Tutorial – How to Get Linux on Windows 10

This section will walk you through the exact steps to set up a Linux environment directly on your Windows 10 computer. We’ll get everything ready so you can start exploring the powerful world of Linux command lines and tools without ever leaving Windows.

Step 1: Turn on the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature.

First things first, you need to enable a special feature in Windows that allows Linux to run. Think of it like flipping a switch that opens the door for Linux. You can do this by searching for “Turn Windows features on or off” in your Windows search bar, opening that control panel, and then checking the box next to “Windows Subsystem for Linux.”

This feature serves as a compatibility layer, enabling Windows to understand and execute Linux commands and applications. Without it, your Windows system wouldn’t know what to do with a Linux distribution. It’s a crucial first step, so make sure you find and enable it correctly.

Step 2: Enable the Virtual Machine Platform.

For the best experience, especially with the newer and faster WSL 2, you’ll also want to enable another feature called “Virtual Machine Platform.” This allows WSL to use a lightweight virtual machine, which makes Linux run much more efficiently and gives it better performance. Just like in the previous step, search for “Turn Windows features on or off” and check the box for “Virtual Machine Platform.”

Enabling the Virtual Machine Platform is particularly important if you plan on using WSL 2, which offers significant improvements over the original WSL. It ensures that your Linux environment has the necessary resources to perform well, especially when handling more demanding tasks. This step truly unlocks the full potential of running Linux within Windows.

Step 3: Restart your computer.

After you’ve checked both of those boxes in the Windows features menu, your computer will likely prompt you to restart. It’s really important that you do this, because the changes won’t fully take effect until your system has had a chance to reboot. Think of it as your computer taking a moment to properly install and activate those new capabilities.

Don’t skip this step, even if your computer doesn’t immediately force a restart. A fresh reboot ensures that all the necessary system files are loaded correctly, paving the way for a smooth Linux installation. It’s a quick break that sets you up for success.

Step 4: Pick and install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.

Now that the groundwork is laid, head over to the Microsoft Store. You can find it by searching for “Microsoft Store” in your Windows search bar. Once there, type “Linux” into the store’s search bar, and you’ll see a variety of Linux distributions pop up, like Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali Linux. Choose the one you like, click “Get,” and then “Install.”

This is where you get to personalize your Linux experience. Ubuntu is a great choice for beginners because it’s widely used and has lots of online help, but feel free to explore others. The Microsoft Store makes this part super easy, just like downloading any other app.

Step 5: Set up your Linux username and password.

Once the installation finishes, you can launch your newly installed Linux distribution. The first time you open it, you’ll be asked to create a username and password for your Linux environment. This is separate from your Windows login, so you can choose something new. Make sure to remember it.

This step is crucial for securing your Linux system and performing administrative tasks. The password you set here will be used whenever you need to install new software, update your system, or make changes that require special permissions within Linux. Treat it just like any other important password.

Step 6: Update your Linux distribution.

After setting up your user, it’s a good practice to update your Linux distribution to make sure you have the latest software and security fixes. You’ll do this by typing specific commands into the Linux terminal. For most distributions like Ubuntu, you’d type sudo apt update and then sudo apt upgrade.

Running these update commands is like checking for and installing the latest patches and improvements for your Linux system. It keeps everything running smoothly and securely, much like how Windows updates your system in the background. It’s a simple command, but it’s a vital part of maintaining a healthy Linux environment.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have a fully functional Linux command-line environment running directly within Windows 10. You can now open your chosen Linux distribution from the Start Menu, and it will launch a terminal window where you can run Linux commands, install software, and develop applications just as if you were on a native Linux machine. It’s a powerful tool that really bridges the gap between Windows and Linux.

Tips for Getting Linux on Windows 10

• Upgrade to WSL 2 for better performance: If you’re running an older version of WSL, consider upgrading to WSL 2. It uses a real Linux kernel and runs much faster, especially for file system operations and network-intensive tasks, making your Linux experience feel much more native.
• Access Windows files easily: You can access your Windows files from within your Linux distribution by navigating to the /mnt directory. For example, your C drive is usually at /mnt/c, making it simple to work with files across both operating systems.
• Install Windows Terminal: For a much better experience than the default Command Prompt, download It from the Microsoft Store. It allows you to run multiple tabs for PowerShell, Command Prompt, and all your WSL distributions in one sleek interface.
• Consider a GUI if needed: While WSL is primarily command-line, you can install a graphical user interface (GUI) desktop environment or specific GUI applications. This requires a bit more setup, often involving an X server on the Windows side, but it’s totally doable if you prefer a visual interface.
• Back up your WSL distributions: Just like any important data, it’s wise to back up your WSL installations. You can export a distribution to a .tar file using the wsl --export command, which is super useful for moving it to another machine or restoring it later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Linux on Windows 10

What exactly is the Windows Subsystem for Linux, or WSL?

WSL is a compatibility layer developed by Microsoft that allows you to run a Linux environment, including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications, directly on Windows without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or the need to dual-boot. It acts as a bridge, allowing Windows to understand Linux commands. It’s not a full Linux desktop experience out of the box, but it’s incredibly powerful for developers and system administrators.

Why would I want to run Linux on Windows 10?

There are many great reasons! Developers often need Linux-specific tools, compilers, or environments that aren’t available or don’t work as well on Windows. It’s also fantastic for learning Linux, practicing command-line skills, or working on open-source projects. For many, it offers the best of both worlds, giving you access to Windows productivity applications and Linux development tools all on one machine.

Can I run graphical Linux applications or a full desktop environment with WSL?

Yes, you absolutely can run graphical Linux applications and even a full desktop environment, but it requires some extra setup. WSL primarily focuses on the command line. To get a GUI, you would typically need to install an X server on Windows and configure your Linux distribution to forward its graphical output to that server. It’s a bit more advanced than the basic setup, but many users successfully do it.

Which Linux distributions can I install with WSL?

The Microsoft Store offers a good selection of popular Linux distributions that are optimized for WSL. The most common ones include Ubuntu, Debian, Kali Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and Fedora Remix for WSL. Each has its own strengths, but Ubuntu is often recommended for beginners due to its large community and extensive documentation. You can even install multiple distributions if you wish.

How much disk space does a Linux distribution take up on my Windows machine?

The amount of disk space varies depending on the distribution you choose and what software you install within it. A fresh installation of a distribution like Ubuntu might take up a few gigabytes initially. As you install more applications and download files, it will naturally grow. WSL 2 distributions use dynamic disk allocation, meaning they only take up as much space as they actually need, which is efficient.

Summary of How to Get Linux on Windows 10

1. Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux.
2. Enable Virtual Machine Platform.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Install a Linux distro from the Microsoft Store.
5. Set up Linux username and password.
6. Update your Linux distribution.

Conclusion

Getting Linux on Windows 10 is a game-changer for so many people, whether you’re a seasoned developer, a budding tech enthusiast, or just someone curious about what else is out there. It really breaks down the old barriers between operating systems, letting you enjoy the robustness and flexibility of Linux without ever leaving the comfort of your Windows environment. Think of it as having a powerful Swiss Army knife for your computer, giving you more tools and capabilities right at your fingertips.

The beauty of WSL, especially WSL 2, is how seamlessly it integrates into your daily workflow. You can run Linux commands directly from PowerShell or Command Prompt, access your Windows files with ease, and even develop cross-platform applications with greater efficiency. It’s like having two brains working in harmony, each excelling in its own domain. This integration means less context switching and more productivity for you.

If you’ve been on the fence about diving into Linux, this is your perfect opportunity. There’s no complex partitioning, no tricky bootloaders, and no risk of messing up your main Windows installation. It’s a low-commitment way to explore a whole new world of software and command-line power. You’ll find a massive community eager to help, countless online resources, and an endless array of open-source tools waiting for you.

So, go ahead and take the plunge. Follow these simple steps on how to get Linux on Windows 10, pick your favorite distribution, and start experimenting. You might just discover a passion for command-line scripting, containerization, or web development that you never knew you had. The journey into Linux is incredibly rewarding, offering deep insights into how computers work and empowering you with an impressive set of skills. What are you waiting for? Your Linux adventure on Windows 10 begins now.