How to Use Linux in Windows 10: A Beginner’s Guide to WSL

Have you ever wanted to explore the world of Linux without saying goodbye to your familiar Windows environment? Well, good news, you absolutely can. Windows 10 offers a fantastic feature called the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which lets you run a full Linux command-line environment directly on your computer. It’s like having two operating systems living happily side-by-side, giving you the best of both worlds. We’ll walk through enabling this feature, picking a Linux distribution, and getting it up and running so you can dive into Linux commands and tools right away.

How to Use Linux in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Getting Linux to run right inside your Windows 10 machine is a lot simpler than you might think. We are going to go through the steps to enable a special feature on Windows, grab a Linux distribution from the store, and get it ready for you to start using.

Step 1: Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature.

This is the very first thing you need to do, as it turns on the core technology that makes running Linux possible on Windows.

To do this, search for “Turn Windows features on or off” in your Windows search bar and open it up. You’ll see a list of checkboxes. Scroll down and find “Windows Subsystem for Linux” and make sure the box next to it is checked. If it’s not, click it to check it.

Step 2: Restart your computer.

Windows needs a fresh start to fully apply the changes you just made by enabling WSL.

Just like when you install many other programs or make major system changes, a restart ensures everything is properly set up and ready for the next steps. Don’t skip this part, or things might not work as expected.

Step 3: Open the Microsoft Store.

Now that WSL is enabled, it’s time to pick your flavor of Linux, and the Microsoft Store is where you’ll find it.

You can easily find the Microsoft Store by searching in your Windows search bar or by looking for its icon, which often looks like a shopping bag with the Windows logo on it and is usually pinned to your taskbar or Start menu.

Step 4: Search for a Linux distribution.

Once in the store, you’ll need to look for a specific version of Linux, often called a “distribution.”

Common and popular choices include Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali Linux. If you’re just starting out, Ubuntu is a fantastic choice because it’s widely used, has tons of online help, and is very user-friendly. Just type the name of the distribution you want into the store’s search bar.

Step 5: Install your chosen distribution.

After finding your preferred Linux distribution, simply click the “Get” or “Install” button to download and install it.

The store will handle all the heavy lifting of downloading the necessary files and installing them onto your system. This might take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed, so just be patient while it works its magic.

Step 6: Launch your Linux distribution.

Once the installation is complete, you can launch your new Linux environment from your Start menu.

Look for the name of the distribution you installed, like “Ubuntu,” in your Start menu applications list. The first time you launch it, it will ask you to create a username and password for your new Linux environment, which is important for security and managing your files.

After you’ve successfully installed your chosen Linux distribution and set up your username and password, you’ll be greeted by a command-line interface, a text-based window where you can start typing Linux commands. This is your personal Linux playground, ready for you to explore, code, and experiment without ever leaving Windows.

Tips for Using Linux in Windows 10

• Upgrade to WSL 2 for better performance: If you’re running Windows 10 version 1903 or higher, consider upgrading your WSL installation to WSL 2. It offers significantly faster file system performance and full system call compatibility, making it much closer to a native Linux experience.
• Access your Windows files from Linux: You can easily get to your Windows drives and files directly from your Linux terminal. Just navigate to the /mnt directory, and you’ll find your Windows drives, like c, listed there. For example, your C: drive would be at /mnt/c.
• Install graphical Linux applications: While WSL is primarily a command-line tool, you can still install and run them. You’ll need an X server for Windows, like VcXsrv, or if you’re on a newer version of Windows 10, check out WSLg for built-in graphical app support.
• Keep your Linux distribution updated: Just like Windows, it needs regular updates to stay secure and get the latest features. Inside your Linux terminal, run sudo apt update followed by sudo apt upgrade (for Debian/Ubuntu-based distros) to keep things fresh.
• Manage multiple distributions: You aren’t limited to just one Linux distribution. You can install several different distributions, such as Ubuntu and Debian, and easily switch between them, giving you flexibility for various tasks or projects.
• Learn basic Linux commands: To make the most of your Linux environment, start by learning some fundamental commands like ls to list files, cd to change directories, mkdir to create folders, and rm to remove files. There are tons of free resources online to help you get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WSL a full virtual machine?

WSL 1 is not a full virtual machine but rather a compatibility layer that translates Linux system calls into Windows system calls. WSL 2, on the other hand, uses a lightweight virtual machine that runs a real Linux kernel, providing better performance and compatibility while still being tightly integrated with Windows.

Can I run graphical Linux apps with WSL?

Yes, you absolutely can run graphical Linux applications. For older versions of Windows 10, you’ll need to install a third-party X server on Windows. However, newer versions of Windows 10 and 11 include WSLg, which provides built-in support for running graphical Linux applications seamlessly, making them much easier to use.

Can I access my Windows files from within my Linux environment?

Yes, this is one of the most convenient features of WSL. Your Windows drives are automatically mounted and accessible from your Linux distribution. You can find them under the /mnt directory, for example, your C: drive would be accessible at /mnt/c.

Is it safe to use Linux in Windows 10 this way?

Yes, it is very safe. WSL provides a secure and isolated environment for running Linux. It doesn’t interfere with your main Windows installation, and any changes you make within your Linux distribution are largely contained within that environment, keeping your Windows system stable.

What’s the difference between WSL 1 and WSL 2?

The main difference lies in their architecture. WSL 1 uses a translation layer, which can be slower for file operations and lacks full system call compatibility. WSL 2 uses a real Linux kernel running in a lightweight virtual machine, offering significantly better file system performance, full system call compatibility, and faster execution of many Linux applications.

Can I easily uninstall a Linux distribution I’ve installed via WSL?

Absolutely. Uninstalling a Linux distribution is as simple as uninstalling any other app from Windows. Just go to your Windows Start menu, find the Linux distribution you want to remove, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall.”

Summary of Steps

1. Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Open the Microsoft Store.
4. Search for a Linux distribution.
5. Install your chosen distribution.
6. Launch your Linux distribution.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a straightforward path to bringing the power and flexibility of Linux right into your Windows 10 machine. No more complicated dual-boot setups or needing a separate computer, just pure, unadulterated Linux goodness available at a moment’s notice. The Windows Subsystem for Linux truly bridges two worlds, offering an incredible tool for developers, students, and anyone curious about what Linux has to offer.

Think about it, you can run powerful command-line tools, develop software for Linux, or even just learn some new commands, all while still having access to your familiar Windows applications and files. It’s like having a superpower that lets you switch between different operating system capabilities without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a programmer looking to use specific Linux development tools, a student learning about operating systems, or just someone who wants to tinker with something new, WSL makes it incredibly easy to get started. The ability to seamlessly integrate Linux into your daily workflow is a game-changer, removing barriers that once made exploring this powerful OS a bit intimidating.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Start with a friendly distribution like Ubuntu, learn some basic commands, and see where your curiosity takes you. The Linux community is vast and welcoming, with countless resources online to help you along the way. As you get more comfortable, you might find yourself exploring more advanced features, trying out different distributions, or even diving into scripting. The journey of how to use Linux in Windows 10 is just beginning, and with WSL, you have a robust and convenient platform to explore everything this amazing operating system has to offer. So, go ahead, launch that terminal, and start your Linux adventure today.