How to Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux?

Introduction

Users may run a Linux environment directly on their Windows PCs thanks to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), a potent technology that bridges the gap between Windows and Linux operating systems. Without the need for dual-booting or virtual machines, developers, system administrators, and hobbyists may now easily make use of the wide range of Linux tools, utilities, and applications.

Microsoft created Windows Subsystem For Linux to satisfy the rising need for a more integrated development environment that incorporates the benefits of both Windows and Linux. It lets users access a full Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora, straight from their Windows desktop, enabling them to use well-known Linux tools and processes while benefiting from the Windows environment.

Users may run Linux programs, issue Linux commands, and install more packages using package managers like apt or yum through the Windows Subsystem For Linux command-line interface. This incorporation of Linux capabilities into the Windows environment makes cross-platform development easier and makes it easier for developers working on projects involving both operating systems to switch between them without any difficulty. Additionally, it gives system administrators a comfortable Linux environment.

WSL also promotes communication and exchange between Linux and Windows users. Developers may effortlessly collaborate and exchange code, scripts, and configurations across several platforms, increasing productivity.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) offers a compelling solution for those who seek a harmonious integration of Linux and Windows environments. By enabling WSL, users can harness the power of Linux tools and utilities while benefiting from the extensive Windows ecosystem, resulting in enhanced productivity, flexibility, and collaboration possibilities.

Prequisites

Before enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on your Windows system, it's important to ensure that certain prerequisites are met. These prerequisites include the following:

• Windows Version: WSL is supported on specific versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, and later versions. Make sure you are running a compatible version of Windows before proceeding with the WSL setup.
• System Requirements: Check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running WSL. Typically, this includes having a 64-bit version of Windows, at least 4 GB of RAM (though more is recommended for better performance), and sufficient disk space for installing Linux distributions and applications.
• Internet Connection: An active internet connection is required during the WSL installation process as it involves downloading necessary files and components from the Microsoft servers.
• Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows system is up to date with the latest updates and patches. Keeping your system updated helps ensure compatibility and stability when enabling and using WSL. Go to Windows Update in the Settings menu and check for any pending updates.
• Administrative Access: To enable and configure WSL, you need administrative privileges on your Windows system. Make sure you have the necessary administrative rights to modify system settings.
• Developer Mode: On certain versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 Home Edition, you may need to enable developer mode in the settings. Developer mode allows for the installation and use of developer-focused features, including WSL. To enable developer mode, go to the Settings menu, choose "Update & Security," then "For developers," and select the Developer mode option.**

By verifying these prerequisites, you can ensure a smooth and successful installation and configuration process when enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on your Windows system. Taking the time to check these requirements beforehand will help prevent any compatibility issues and ensure that your system is ready to make the most of WSL's capabilities.

Install WSL

To install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and enable it on your Windows system, you can follow the steps outlined below:

• Open the Start menu and search for "Turn Windows features on or off" and select it. This will open the Windows Features dialog box.
• In the Windows Features dialog box, scroll down and locate "Windows Subsystem for Linux." Check the box next to it and click OK.
• Windows will begin downloading the necessary files and components. This process may take a few minutes, so ensure that you have a stable internet connection.
• After the download is complete, Windows will prompt you to restart your computer. Save any unsaved work and proceed with the restart.
• Once your computer restarts, open the Microsoft Store by searching for it in the Start menu.
• In the Microsoft Store, search for the Linux distribution of your choice, such as Ubuntu, Debian, or openSUSE. Select the distribution you prefer and click on the "Install" button.
• The Microsoft Store will download and install the Linux distribution on your system. This may take some time, depending on the size of the distribution and your internet connection speed.
• Once the installation is complete, you can launch the Linux distribution from the Start menu or by searching for its name. The first launch will initialize the installation and setup process, which may take a few moments.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to configure a username and password for your Linux environment.
• Congratulations! You have successfully installed and enabled Windows Subsystem For Linux on your Windows system. You can now open the Linux distribution and start using Linux commands, utilities, and applications within your Windows environment.**

Remember, with WSL, you can install and use multiple Linux distributions simultaneously. Simply repeat steps 6 to 10 to install additional distributions, if desired.

Set up your Linux User Info

When setting up your Linux user info within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you'll need to follow a few steps to configure your username and password. Here's how you can set up your Linux user info:

• Launch your installed Linux distribution from the Start menu or by searching for its name. This will open a command-line interface, which is your Linux environment within Windows.
• Upon launching the Linux distribution for the first time, it will start the initialization process. This process involves setting up your Linux user account and configuring basic system settings.
• You will be prompted to enter a username for your Linux user account. Choose a username of your preference and type it in. Please note that the username can be different from your Windows username.
• After entering the username, you'll be asked to set a password for your Linux user account. Type a secure password and confirm it by typing it again when prompted. Note that Linux passwords are case-sensitive.
• Once you have set up your username and password, the Linux distribution will proceed with configuring other system settings and installing the necessary packages. This may take a few moments to complete.
• After the setup process is finished, you will see a command prompt indicating that your Linux environment is ready for use.
• From this point onward, you can use your Linux username and password to log in and authenticate within the Linux environment. The commands and utilities you execute within the Linux terminal will run under this user account.

It's important to remember your Linux username and password, as they will be required for various actions, including administrative tasks and package installations within the Linux environment.

Change the default Linux distribution Installed

To change the default Linux distribution installed within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can follow the steps outlined below:

• Open the Microsoft Store by searching for it in the Start menu.
• Once the Microsoft Store is open, search for the Linux distribution you want to set as the default. For example, if you want to change the default to Ubuntu, search for "Ubuntu" in the store.
• Select the desired Linux distribution from the search results. Make sure it is the version and variant you prefer.
• On the Linux distribution page, click on the "Install" button to start downloading and installing the new distribution.
• Wait for the installation process to complete. The time required will depend on the size of the distribution and your internet connection speed.
• After the new Linux distribution is installed, you can launch it from the Start menu or by searching for its name. This will initialize the installation and setup process for the new distribution.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new username and password for the newly installed Linux distribution. Provide the required information as prompted.
• Once the setup process is complete, you will have successfully changed the default Linux distribution in WSL.
• From this point forward, when you launch the Linux environment, it will default to the newly installeddistributioninstead of the previously installed one.

It's worth noting that changing the default Linux distribution does not remove or uninstall the previously installed distributions. You can still access and use them by launching them from the Start menu or by searching for their respective names.

Changing the default Linux distribution allows you to have multiple Linux distributions installed and choose the one you prefer to work with as your primary environment within WSL.

Ways to Run Multiple Linux Distributions with WSL

Running multiple Linux distributions within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) offers flexibility and allows you to work with different distributions based on your needs. Here are several ways to run multiple Linux distributions with WSL:

• Installing multiple distributions from the Microsoft Store: The simplest way to run multiple Linux distributions is by installing them directly from the Microsoft Store. The Store offers a variety of distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and more. Each distribution is installed separately, and you can launch them individually from the Start menu or command line.
• Importing and exporting distributions: WSL allows you to export and import distributions as tar files. This feature enables you to create backups or transfer distributions between different machines. To export a distribution, use the command will --export <distribution name> <filename.tar>. To import a distribution, use wsl --import <new distribution name> <install location> <filename.tar>. This way, you can have multiple instances of distribution with different configurations.
• Cloning existing distributions: Another approach to running multiple distributions is by cloning existing ones. You can create a copy of an already installed distribution, providing a separate environment with independent settings. To clone a distribution, export it as a tar file using wsl --export <original distribution name> <filename.tar>, and then import it with a different name using wsl --import <new distribution name> <install location> <filename.tar>. This method allows you to have multiple instances of the same distribution with separate configurations.
• Using custom distributions: In addition to the Linux distributions available in the Microsoft Store, you can install custom distributions not listed there. Third-party tools and scripts are available to manually install additional Linux distributions. For example, the "wsl-distribution-swap" tool allows you to switch between different distributions easily. These custom installations provide flexibility in choosing specific distributions tailored to your requirements.
• Running distributions in separate Windows Terminal tabs: The Windows Terminal application allows you to run multiple Linux distributions simultaneously within separate tabs. With Windows Terminal, you can open new tabs for each distribution, making it convenient to switch between different WSL instances. This approach centralizes your distributions within a single application window, streamlining your workflow.

By leveraging these methods, you can effectively run multiple Linux distributions concurrently within the Windows Subsystem for Linux. This flexibility allows you to work with different distributions for various purposes such as testing software compatibility, experimenting with different configurations, or addressing specific development or system administration needs. Whether you choose to install distributions from the Microsoft Store, clone existing ones, or use custom installations, WSL empowers you to work seamlessly with multiple Linux environments on your Windows machine.