How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to explore the amazing world of Linux without leaving your familiar Windows 10 environment? Good news, it’s totally doable! You can install Ubuntu, a popular version of Linux, right on your Windows 10 computer using something called the Windows Subsystem for Linux, or WSL. This guide will walk you through enabling WSL, getting Ubuntu from the Microsoft Store, and setting it up for the first time. It’s like having two powerful operating systems living happily side by side, giving you the best of both worlds for development, learning, or just plain curiosity.

Tutorial – How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 10

Getting Ubuntu up and running on your Windows 10 machine is straightforward, letting you tap into a whole new set of tools and experiences. These steps will guide you through preparing your system and installing Ubuntu, so you can start using it in no time.

Step 1: Turn on Windows Subsystem for Linux

First, you need to enable a special feature on Windows 10 called the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This feature is like a special translator that allows Windows to understand and run Linux programs. Think of it as opening up a new pathway on your computer for Linux to travel through.

You can do this by searching for “Turn Windows features on or off” in your Windows search bar and then checking the box next to “Windows Subsystem for Linux.” After you click OK, your computer might ask you to restart, but hold off on that for just a moment.

Step 2: Enable Virtual Machine Platform

Next, if you want the best performance and features from your Ubuntu installation, you’ll want to enable something called the Virtual Machine Platform. This is especially important when using WSL 2, the newer, faster version of WSL. It helps Ubuntu run more like it’s on its own separate computer, but still integrated with Windows.

You’ll find this option in the same “Turn Windows features on or off” window where you enable WSL. Make sure to check the box for “Virtual Machine Platform” as well. This ensures your system is fully prepared to handle the more advanced capabilities of WSL 2, giving you a smoother and more powerful Linux experience.

Step 3: Give Your Computer a Restart

Now that you’ve enabled both Windows Subsystem for Linux and the Virtual Machine Platform, your computer needs to restart for these changes to take effect. It’s like when you install a new piece of software, and it tells you to reboot; it just helps everything settle into place correctly.

Go ahead and restart your computer when prompted, or restart manually if you weren’t prompted. Don’t skip this step, because without a restart, the features won’t be fully active and ready for you to use.

Step 4: Find Ubuntu in the Microsoft Store

Once your computer has restarted, it’s time to go shopping for Ubuntu! The easiest place to get it is directly from the Microsoft Store, just like you would any other app. It’s a convenient and secure way to grab the official version.

Open the Microsoft Store application on your Windows 10 computer and type “Ubuntu” into the search bar. You’ll likely see a few versions, like “Ubuntu” or “Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.” For most users, choosing the main “Ubuntu” option or the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version is a great choice, as these are stable and well supported.

Step 5: Install the Ubuntu Application

After finding Ubuntu in the store, click it, then click the “Install” button. The Microsoft Store will then download and install Ubuntu onto your system, just like any other app. This process might take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed.

Just be patient as it downloads all the necessary files. Once it’s finished, you’ll see a notification that Ubuntu has been installed and a “Launch” button will appear.

Step 6: Launch Ubuntu and Set Up Your User

With Ubuntu installed, it’s time to launch it for the first time. You can click the “Launch” button in the Microsoft Store, or find “Ubuntu” in your Windows Start menu. When you open it, a console window will appear, looking a bit like an old-school computer screen.

This window will guide you through creating a username and password for your new Ubuntu environment. This is important for security and for running commands later, so pick something you’ll remember. This username and password will be separate from your Windows login.

Step 7: Update Your New Ubuntu Installation

Finally, once you’ve set up your username and password, it’s a good idea to update your new Ubuntu installation. This ensures you have all the latest security fixes and software updates, making your system more secure and stable from the get-go. It’s like making sure all the apps on your phone are up to date.

In the Ubuntu console window, type sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y and press Enter. You’ll be asked for the password you just created. This command tells Ubuntu to check for new updates and then install them automatically.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a fully functional Ubuntu environment running within Windows 10. You can access it anytime from your Start menu, opening up a world of Linux commands, tools, and applications without dual-booting or using a separate virtual machine. It’s a seamless way to learn and work with Linux.

Tips for Installing Ubuntu on Windows 10

• Always use the official Microsoft Store for installing Ubuntu to ensure you get a legitimate and secure version.
• Make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated before starting, as WSL benefits from the latest system improvements and bug fixes.
• If you encounter issues, try running Windows Update again or searching Microsoft’s documentation for WSL troubleshooting tips.
• Remember that your Ubuntu files are stored within the WSL environment and should primarily be accessed using Linux tools, not directly from Windows File Explorer, to avoid data corruption.
• Learn basic Linux commands like ls (list files), cd (change directory), pwd (print working directory), and sudo (run as superuser) to get started.
• Consider installing Windows Terminal from the Microsoft Store, as it provides a much better experience for managing multiple command-line environments, including Ubuntu via WSL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WSL and why should I use it?

WSL stands for Windows Subsystem for Linux, and it’s a special feature in Windows that lets you run a full Linux environment directly on your Windows computer, without needing a separate virtual machine or a dual-boot setup. You should use it if you want to access Linux command-line tools, utilities, and applications for development, system administration, or just learning, all while staying within your Windows workflow. It’s super handy for developers who need both Windows and Linux tools.

Do I need to uninstall Ubuntu when I’m done with it?

No, you don’t necessarily need to “uninstall” it in the traditional sense if you just want to stop using it for a while. You can simply close the Ubuntu terminal window. If you want to completely remove it from your system, you can do so through the Windows “Apps & Features” settings, just like any other application. This will free up the disk space it was using.

Can I run graphical Linux apps with WSL?

Yes, you can! While WSL traditionally focuses on command-line tools, recent WSL 2 updates, specifically WSLg, allow you to run graphical Linux applications directly on your Windows desktop. This means you can use Linux-based IDEs, browsers, or other GUI tools that you might prefer, seamlessly integrated with your Windows environment. It’s a fantastic feature that blurs the lines between the two operating systems even further.

Is WSL 1 or WSL 2 better for installing Ubuntu?

WSL 2 is generally better and is the recommended version for installing Ubuntu. WSL 2 uses a real Linux kernel, which means it offers significantly faster file system performance, full system call compatibility, and better overall performance for most applications compared to WSL 1. WSL 1 is still available for specific needs, but for a rich, modern Ubuntu experience, WSL 2 is the way to go.

What’s the difference between Ubuntu and Windows?

Ubuntu is a complete operating system built on Linux, much like Windows. The main difference is their underlying technology and how they are used. Windows is known for its user-friendly graphical interface and wide software compatibility, especially for gaming and productivity. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is popular for its open-source nature, strong security, and powerful command-line tools, making it a favorite among developers and server administrators. With WSL, you get to experience both.

Summary of Installation Steps

1. Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux.
2. Enable Virtual Machine Platform.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Find Ubuntu in Microsoft Store.
5. Install the Ubuntu application.
6. Launch Ubuntu, create user.
7. Update your Ubuntu installation.

Final Thoughts on Your Ubuntu Journey

Congratulations, you’ve taken a significant step into expanding your computing horizons! By following these steps on how to install Ubuntu on Windows 10, you’ve unlocked a powerful new dimension on your computer. It’s like adding a supercharger to your car, giving you more options and capabilities than before. You now have the full power of a Linux environment, specifically Ubuntu, running seamlessly within your familiar Windows desktop. This isn’t just a party trick; it’s a game-changer for anyone interested in development, system administration, cybersecurity, or simply exploring different operating systems.

Think of it this way: your Windows machine is now a versatile hybrid, capable of running not just Windows applications but also a vast array of Linux software and tools. This opens up incredible possibilities. Perhaps you’re a budding programmer wanting to learn Python or Node.js in a native Linux environment, or maybe you’re curious about server management and want to experiment without setting up a separate physical machine. Whatever your interest, WSL provides a fantastic sandbox for experimentation and learning. You can mess around with commands, install different tools, and even break things (digitally, of course) without worrying about affecting your main Windows setup. It’s truly liberating.

The journey doesn’t stop here, though. Now that Ubuntu is installed, you have a whole new world to explore. Dive into the Linux command line, learn some basic commands, and start installing applications unique to the Linux ecosystem. Websites like Ask Ubuntu and the official Ubuntu documentation are excellent resources for further learning. Don’t be afraid to experiment; that’s how you truly learn. The community around Ubuntu and Linux is incredibly supportive, so if you ever get stuck, help is usually just a quick search away. So go ahead, open that Ubuntu terminal, and start your amazing adventure into the world of Linux. The possibilities are truly endless, and your Windows 10 PC is now more powerful than ever.