How to Install Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wanted to leverage the power of Linux on your Windows 11 PC? Look no further than the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) – a tool that allows you to run Linux software seamlessly alongside your Windows applications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up WSL on your Windows 11 machine and explore some additional features it offers.

Enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux

To get started with WSL, follow these simple steps:

1. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type in the command “wsl –install” and hit Enter.
3. Wait for the services to be enabled and the necessary packages to be downloaded and installed.
4. Restart your PC when prompted.
5. Set up your WSL username and password.

Exploring Different Linux Distributions

By default, Ubuntu is installed alongside WSL. However, if you prefer other Linux distributions, you have two options to choose from:

1. Via the Command Line

Use the following command to view a list of available distributions:

wsl –list –online

To install a specific distribution, use the command:

wsl –install -d <Distribution>

where <Distribution> is the name of the desired Linux distribution you want to install.

2. Using the Microsoft Store

If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can install Linux distributions through the Microsoft Store. Here’s how:

1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 PC.
2. Search for “Linux” to find available distributions.
3. Select the distribution you want to install and click “Install”.

Running GUI-Based Linux Software

Now, you can even run graphical Linux applications on Windows 11 using WSL. Here’s how:

1. Update your WSL installation by running the command “wsl-update“.
2. Restart WSL by typing “wsl –off” in the command prompt.
3. Install the appropriate GPU driver for your graphics card.
4. Install the Linux software you want to use. You can use package managers or distribution platforms.
5. Launch the application and interact with it as you would with any Windows app.

Conclusion

With Windows Subsystem for Linux, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the flexibility and power of Linux alongside the familiarity of Windows. Follow this guide to set up WSL on your Windows 11 PC and explore the vast ecosystem of Linux software.

So, whether you’re a developer, sysadmin, or just an enthusiast, unleash the possibilities with Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 11 today!