How to Install Windows Subsystem For Linux in Windows 11

While it may seem odd that Microsoft would allow competitors to install Linux on Windows, you can now do so. It is easier to set up than you may think. And it’s more versatile and powerful than what we had hoped.

What is the purpose of installing Windows Subsystem on Linux?

You can’t install an OS on top of another operating system. But what’s the point? What’s the point of Linux? There are six main reasons that Linux is used with Windows.

1. Windows Subsystem Linux for Linux is Easy and Free

Linux is absolutely free. However, what’s the point of something being free if you can’t use it? Windows Subsystem for Linux, (WSL), is simple to install and uninstall. If you just want to learn more about Linux, it is worth the effort.

2. Windows Subsystem for Linux Doesn’t Require a Virtual Machine

WSL can be used if you do not want to use a virtual machine host (VM), such as Hyper-V or VirtualBox. WSL takes up less space than other virtual machines (VMs) and uses less resources, such as RAM and CPU.

3. Windows Subsystem for Linux Can Use Many Linux Distributions

The Microsoft Store currently had 17 Linux distributions, or “distros”, available at the time this article was written. This includes different Ubuntu Desktop and Server versions, Kali and SUSE Linux Enterprise Servers, OpenSUSE and Oracle Linux.

The following PowerShell command can be used to view all of the available distros:

wsl –list –online

4. Windows Subsystem Linux Career Development

Linux could be a great learning tool various Linux distros Ubuntu GNU/Linux, Kali and Alpine WSL are some of the most popular Linux distributions. Linux is a popular choice for servers. More organizations use Linux as their desktop.

Instead of spending time in the computer laboratory, students can make use of it to teach themselves. You can also use it for security research Kali and the other Linux hacking distros The many built-in tools. Debian or Alpine WSL may be used by web developers and programmers as well as artificial intelligence researchers because they include built-in development tools.

5. Windows Subsystem Linux Open Source Apps

Most of the open-source software, or OSS (open source software), was first developed in a Linux environment. OSS is now the norm in many fields, including game development and graphic design.

All the open-source software is free. Do you wish Photoshop was available? You might want to consider using GIMP . . You don’t have the budget to purchase AutoCAD, but you want to be able learn CAD. OpenSCAD is a great alternative. OpenSCAD is a great alternative to Adobe Premiere. Linux comes with Openshot.

These Linux GUI apps can be run in Windows as Windows applications. This is even more amazing. You don’t need a virtual machine, VirtualBox or another physical computer to run these Linux GUI apps. Visual Studio on Windows can be used to edit photos in GIMP for Linux.

6. Windows Terminal Runs Multiple Distros at Once

Are you a huge fan of Windows Terminal Multi-tab functionality and your love for Linux will make it easy to run multiple Linux distros at once. Each one can be opened in its own tab.

Which WSL 1 or WSL 2 should I choose?

WSL has two versions: WSL 1, and WSL 2, WSL defaults at version 2. This is fine for the majority of people. If you aren’t sure that your system is capable of running a complete Linux kernel installation, or if Docker will be used, WSL 1 may work.

It is simple to upgrade the version if necessary. You can also be an administrato, open PowerShell Or use the Command line to execute the following wsl.exe commands:

wsl –set-default-version 2 or wsl –set-default-version 1

PowerShell allows you to install Windows Subsystems for Linux

WSL can be installed with either PowerShell Or you can use the command line interface, (CLI). PowerShell can be learned if you don’t know it. You can use the wsl.exe command in any language.

1. Open PowerShell As an administrator, run the cmdlet wsl –install. . This will install the WSL 2 with the full Linux kernel, and by default the Ubuntu distro.

WSL may already be installed if the help text for wsl.exe shows.

The installation takes only a few moments and prompts to restart Windows.

2. Windows will reboot after you log in. A bash shell window appears, which allows for the Ubuntu installation to continue. The window will prompt you to Enter new UNIX username and New Password. . Once you have entered these details, your installation is completed.

Note: This sets up the bash shell in Ubuntu. It isn’t the graphical user interface. To enable this, you will need additional prerequisites and steps. But, Linux bash shell command can be used on Windows computers.

Windows Subsystem For Linux Installation with Control Panel

1. Select the option from the Start menu Control Panel.

2. Select Programs and Features.

3. Select Turn Windows features on or off. . You will need administrator privilege to do this.

4. Scroll down, and choose Windows Subsystem for Linux Select the option you prefer OK.

Installation begins. Once it is complete, you can move on to the next step Windows needs to reboot your PC Display message Please select Restart now.

Once the restart is complete, you can open Ubuntu on Windows The following are the Start The following options are available in the menu or PowerShell/Command Prompt: wsl.exe command.

What is the best way to uninstall Windows Subsystem on Linux?

WSL cannot be uninstalled without first uninstalling the Linux operating systems. Next, you can remove supporting components from Windows. You can do this by going to Windows settings.

1. Open Windows Settings, Apps, Apps & features.

2. Look for Linux distros that you have installed. Click the three dots vertical menu to select Uninstall.

3. Start by searching for “windows Subsystem”, then choose the three dots menu and finally select Uninstall. Windows Subsystem for Linux WSLg Preview and Windows Subsystem for Linux Update If they are not there.

4. Start Windows and uninstall WSL.

What is the best way to access Linux File System via Windows?

There are many advantages to using Linux on a virtual machine. It is easy to use Linux files and vice versa.

Open File Explorer and select Linux You can find the navigation pane in the lower left. You should use a copy of the file when you move files between Windows and Linux. Some file types are not compatible and the file may get corrupted.

How do I fix the error message “wsl.localhost cannot be accessed”

This error could occur the first time that you try to open the Linux filesystem using File Explorer.

Windows considers this connection to be a physical connection between Windows machines and Linux ones. It will ask you to confirm that it exists and can be accessed. The following steps will help you do it: Windows Registry. Create a backup copy of the Registry, , too.

1. Open the Registry Editor. . Use the link in the left panel to navigate to this locatio:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\NetworkProvider/HwOrder

2. Double-click on the right PROVIDERORDER key.

3. Add P9NP Then, add the comma (and no spaces), to the top of the list. Next, select OK.

4. Open the NetworkProvider container again Order key. Double-click PROVIDERORDER You can find it on the right.

5. Add P9NP Select the first position on the list, one comma and no spaces OK, Click OK, then click Close Registry Editor.

Windows File Explorer can now open your Ubuntu filesystem. You can restart Windows to fix the issue if it persists.

What is the best way to access Windows File System via Linux?

1. Use the command “linux bash” in the Linux bash shell cd ../.. To move towards the root. Next, use the ls To list directories and files, use the command below. You will see they are all Windows files and directories.

2. The following command will allow you to locate your files. Where username is your Windows user directory, enter the below command:

cd users/username/documents

Accessing another resource is easy if you use the following: cd and ls You can keep it there until you find it. It is important to only copy files. Do not move them.

What else can I do with the Windows Subsystem Linux?

WSL is a Linux-based environment that you can install on Windows computers. Or maybe several Linux environments. You can do anything you want in Linux. To get ideas, take a look at the tutorials and articles on Linux.