As Windows 11 continues to evolve, one of its exciting features is the ability to run a Linux environment directly on your Windows machine. If you’re interested in experimenting with Linux without having to dual boot or use a virtual machine, this blog post is for you. Let’s walk you through the process of downloading and installing Linux on Windows 11 using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Step 1: Install the Windows Subsystem for Linux
The first step involves installing WSL. You can get this done by simply running a command in PowerShell.
Here’s the command you need to enter in PowerShell:
After running this command, your system will start the WSL installation process. It might take a while, so be patient.
Step 2: Choose Your Linux Distribution
Once WSL is installed, you’ll need to choose which Linux distro you want to install. You can browse the Microsoft Store and choose from several options including Ubuntu, Debian, SUSE, and more. In this tutorial, we’ll go with Ubuntu.
To download Ubuntu, you’ll need to enter this command in PowerShell:
This command sets your Ubuntu version to 20.04 using WSL 2.
Step 3: Launch Your Linux Distribution
After downloading and installing your chosen Linux distribution, you can launch it directly from the Start menu or by typing its name in PowerShell.
For Ubuntu, you can start it using this command:
And voila! You now have a Linux terminal running directly on your Windows 11 machine.
Conclusion
Running Linux on Windows 11 has never been easier. Whether you’re a developer, an IT professional, or a curious user, the Windows Subsystem for Linux offers a simple and efficient way to explore Linux without the need for dual booting or virtual machines. Remember, this post only scratches the surface of what you can do with Linux on Windows 11, so don’t hesitate to explore more!
