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

bikash | Jan. 8, 2025


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

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.


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.


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.


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.


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:

  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.

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.


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
    

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!


Share This:

Share Tweet


0 COMMENTS:

Optoma UHZ68LV: The Ultimate Ultra Bright Dual Laser 4K Projector| Bigsansar

Optoma UHZ68LV: The Ultimate Ultra Bright Dual Laser 4K Projector&nbsp;The Optoma UHZ68LV is the lat

Read More
Motorola Edge 70 Pro: A Game-Changer in the Smartphone Industry| Bigsansar

Motorola Edge 70 Pro: A Game-Changer in the Smartphone Industry&nbsp;The smartphone industry is evol

Read More
Infinix Hot 50 Pro: 220MP Camera and 7200mAh Battery – Real or Rumor?| Bigsansar

Infinix Hot 50 Pro: 220MP Camera and 7200mAh Battery – Real or Rumor?&nbsp;In the fast-evolving worl

Read More
UGREEN Nexode Power Banks: The Ultimate Fast-Charging Solution| Bigsansar

UGREEN Nexode Power Banks: The Ultimate Fast-Charging Solution&nbsp;In today's fast-paced world, hav

Read More
Vivo V30 Pro 5G: A Power-Packed Smartphone with Premium Features| Bigsansar

Vivo V30 Pro 5G: A Power-Packed Smartphone with Premium Features&nbsp;The Vivo V30 Pro 5G is making

Read More
Sony A7 V Full-Frame Hybrid Camera: What We Know So Far| Bigsansar

Sony A7 V Full-Frame Hybrid Camera: What We Know So Far&nbsp;Sony has been a dominant force in the m

Read More
OnePlus 11 Pro 5G: A Premium Smartphone Experience| Bigsansar

OnePlus 11 Pro 5G: A Flagship Worth the Hype? &nbsp; The OnePlus 11 Pro 5G has set a benchmark

Read More
Vivo's Groundbreaking Innovation: A Smartphone with a 500MP Camera and 220W Fast Charging| Bigsansar

Vivo&#39;s Groundbreaking Innovation: A Smartphone with a 500MP Camera and 220W Fast Charging &nb

Read More
Motorola Moto X30 Pro: Redefining Smartphone Photography with a 200MP Camera

Motorola Moto X30 Pro: Redefining Smartphone Photography with a 200MP Camera &nbsp; Motorola c

Read More
Unveiling the POCO X7 Series: Redefining Mid-Range Smartphones| Bigsansar

Unveiling the POCO X7 Series: Redefining Mid-Range Smartphones &nbsp; The smartphone market ha

Read More