If you’re a developer frequently switching between Windows and Linux, or handling large amounts of data using open source tools developed natively for Linux, you’ll be glad to know about Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). In this article, we explore the improved WSL in Windows 11, its benefits, and how to get started.
What is Windows Subsystem for Linux?
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to continue using Windows as your primary operating system while accessing native Linux binaries. This means you no longer need to run virtual machines or set up a dual-boot installation to use Linux commands. With WSL, you can directly invoke the Linux shell like any other program and enjoy many benefits of Linux on Windows.
How to Install and Upgrade WSL in Windows 11
Enabling WSL on Windows 11 is easy. Follow the steps below:
- Make sure your CPU supports virtualization
- Check if virtualization is enabled in BIOS/UEFI interface by pressing the DELETE or F2 key during power-up
- Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Hypervisor Platform, and Virtual Machine Platform in the Windows Features settings
- Restart your PC
- Install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store or download the installation packages from Microsoft if needed
- Once installed, create a user account and password, and start using
If you already have WSL installed, you can upgrade from WSL 1 to WSL 2 by typing the following command in an elevated command prompt, Windows Terminal, or PowerShell: wsl –set-version 2
Benefits of Using WSL on Windows 11
With the improved version of WSL on Windows 11, you can enjoy tighter integration with the Windows file system, faster boot times, faster disk reads, and a fully functioning Linux kernel. Additionally, you’ll now have access to graphics and real-time audio support with WSLg functionality, making it easy to use Linux GUI tools on Windows 11 without performance issues.
FAQs
What Linux distributions are available on WSL?
Currently, you can choose from popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu (16.04, 18.04, and 20.04), Kali Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, openSUSE leap, Fedora Remix for WSL, and Debian. You can also create and download your own distribution using the corresponding .tar file.
What are the benefits of using WSL over virtual machines?
Using WSL eliminates the emulation overhead of running virtual machines, reducing performance issues and resource utilization. Additionally, it allows for seamless integration with Windows and easy invocation of the Linux shell and native Linux binaries without using a separate virtual machine interface.
Windows Subsystem for Linux is a game-changer for users who frequently switch between Windows and Linux. With its numerous benefits, upgrading and using WSL on Windows 11 can greatly improve your productivity and performance. So why not give it a try?