Installing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for Windows 10
I am an avid mac user and love the flexibility and power that is associated with running a Linux distribution. However, there are times where I get a Jones in my bones to use Windows. A few years ago I thought it would be smart to partition my desktop PC that’s windows based with a Linux Ubuntu distribution. The problem came when I attempted to delete it from my PC, in conclusion— I had no idea what I was doing and had to completely wipe my PC from a USB drive to gain functionality again.
In 2016 — Microsoft announced a new feature on their Windows OS that would change the game. The answer to my problems was WSL — known as Windows subsystem for Linux.
According to Technopedia — “WSL is a type of resource within the Windows operating system that allows users to run Linux command lines on a computer with a Windows operating system installed”.
This new resource would encourage developers and techies to continue leveraging the Linux environment interface with languages like python and ruby, but on windows. I am going to show you how to install this tool on your windows computer to start using it today.
Installation
Prior to downloading WSL for Windows 10, there are a few steps we need to ensure are complete.
- Enabling WSL
To enable Windows Subsystem for Linux ,we need to:
Visit Control Panel
Select Program & Features
Select Turn Windows Features on & off
Search for Windows Subsystem for Linux and select the radio button to enable.
Next, please allow the PC to download the needed resources and when finished, select Restart Now.
2. Using Windows PowerShell
Once the PC reboots, select the Windows start logo and search for Windows PowerShell. Please ensure that when you locate the program, you are running as an administrator.
3. Leverage PowerShell Command
Run the following command in the PowerShell prompt:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux
Press Enter to run the script. Then prepare for the system to potentially issue a system restart to install the needed resources.
4. Download Linux Distribution
Visit the Microsoft Store and search for your specific distribution of Linux. I chose to install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
Allow the distribution to download and once finished select Launch.
This will open the Linux application and enable initial start up. This stage of initialization takes around 2–3 minutes, and when completed you will be prompted to create a username and password.
Once the username and password is successfully entered, you will be placed within the Linux command line. This is a primary indicator that the installation was performed successfully.
Optional: As an extra test measure, enter pwd to display the current directory you’re in.
Congratulations , you’ve successfully downloaded Windows Subsystem for Linux and can start working!
Sincerely,
Carlintheclouds
Sources:
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/33033/windows-subsystem-for-linux-wsl
