A Complete Guide to Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) | Bigsansar

bikash | Jan. 8, 2025

A Complete Guide to Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a game-changer for developers, tech enthusiasts, and Linux users who work in a Windows environment. It allows you to run a Linux operating system alongside your Windows installation, bringing the best of both worlds into one system. In this blog, we’ll explore what WSL is, its benefits, and how to install it.

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What is WSL?

WSL is a compatibility layer designed by Microsoft that lets users run a Linux environment natively on their Windows machine. It provides access to Linux command-line tools, scripts, and utilities without the overhead of setting up a virtual machine or dual-booting into a separate Linux installation.

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Why Use WSL?

1. Seamless Integration
   WSL bridges the gap between Linux and Windows by allowing file sharing, access to Windows files from Linux, and vice versa.

2. Efficient Development
   Developers can use Linux-specific tools like bash, grep, awk, and development environments for languages like Python, Node.js, or Ruby directly on Windows.

3. Lightweight
   Unlike virtual machines, WSL uses significantly fewer resources, making it a faster and more efficient solution.

4. Access to Linux Distributions
   With WSL, you can install multiple Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Kali Linux, directly from the Microsoft Store.

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How to Install WSL

Installing WSL is straightforward and takes just a few steps. Here’s how to get started:

Method 1: Quick Installation (Command Line)

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell:
   Launch it as Administrator.

2. Install WSL:
   Run the following command:

   wsl --install
   

   This command:

   • Installs WSL.
   • Sets WSL 2 as the default version.
   • Installs Ubuntu as the default Linux distribution.

3. Reboot the System:
   If prompted, restart your computer to complete the installation.

4. Set Up Linux:
   After rebooting, the Linux terminal will open. Follow the prompts to set up a username and password.

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Method 2: Manual Installation

If the quick installation method doesn’t suit you, follow these manual steps:

1. Enable Required Features:

   • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
   • Enable:
     • Windows Subsystem for Linux
     • Virtual Machine Platform
   • Click "OK" and restart your computer.

2. Install a Linux Distribution:

   • Open the Microsoft Store and search for a Linux distribution like Ubuntu or Debian.
   • Click "Install" to download and set it up.

3. Download the WSL Installer:

   • Visit the official Microsoft WSL page to download the WSL installer executable (wsl_update_x64.msi).

4. Run the Installer:

   • Locate the downloaded file (wsl_update_x64.msi) and double-click to execute it.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary updates for WSL2.

5. Enable Required Features:

   • Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator and run the following commands:

     dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

      

   • Restart your computer to apply these changes.

6. Set Default WSL Version:

   • Open Command Prompt and type:

     wsl --set-default-version 2
     

   • This ensures that you are using WSL 2, which provides better performance and full system call compatibility.

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How to Use WSL

After installation, you can start using WSL by following these steps:

1. Open the Linux Terminal:
   Launch the Linux distribution from the Start menu or by typing wsl in Command Prompt.

2. Run Linux Commands:
   Use Linux commands like ls, cd, grep, ssh, and more, just as you would in a native Linux environment.

3. Access Windows Files from Linux:
   Files stored on your Windows system are available in /mnt/c within the Linux environment.

4. Install Development Tools:
   Install programming languages, tools, and frameworks like Python, Node.js, or Docker directly within WSL.

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Tips for Managing WSL

• List Installed Distributions:

  wsl --list --verbose
  

• Switch Between Versions:
  To change a distribution to WSL 2:

  wsl --set-version <DistroName> 2
  

• Update WSL:
  To ensure you’re running the latest version, update WSL with:

  wsl --update
  

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Conclusion

Windows Subsystem for Linux is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of running Linux on a Windows machine. Whether you're a developer, system administrator, or Linux enthusiast, WSL provides a convenient way to work with Linux tools without leaving the Windows ecosystem.

Now that you know how to install and use WSL, it's time to dive in and experience the seamless integration of Linux and Windows.

Let us know in the comments how WSL has helped you streamline your workflow!

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