How To Enable Windows Subsystem For Linux

Have you ever wished you could run Linux on your Windows computer? You can, thanks to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of enabling WSL on your system.

What is Windows Subsystem for Linux?

The Windows Subsystem for Linux is an optional feature of Windows 10 that allows you to run Linux environments directly on Windows, without the need for a virtual machine or dual-boot setup.

Enabling WSL

Enabling the Windows Subsystem for Linux is a straightforward task. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

The first step is to open PowerShell as an Administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.

Step 2: Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux

Now that you have PowerShell open, you can enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux. To do this, enter the following command:

  wsl --install
  

The wsl –install command will enable the necessary optional features, download and install the latest Linux kernel, set WSL 2 as the default, and download a Linux distribution.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

After running the above command, you’ll need to restart your computer. Once your system reboots, the Windows Subsystem for Linux will be enabled.

Conclusion

That’s it! You’ve successfully enabled the Windows Subsystem for Linux on your computer. You can now run Linux directly on your Windows system without the need for a virtual machine or dual-boot setup.

If you encounter any issues during the installation, make sure to check Microsoft’s official documentation or seek help from the vibrant community of Windows and Linux users.