In this post I will show you a step by step guide on how to install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) -Ubuntu or any other available distro- on windows 10/11 through CMD.
The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows users to run a Linux environment directly on Windows 11 without the need for a virtual machine or dual-boot setup. This guide will walk you through installing WSL using the Command Prompt (CMD).
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open CMD with Administrative Privileges
To begin, you need to launch Command Prompt with administrator access:
- Press Win + S and search for CMD.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Install WSL
- Once CMD is open, run the following command to install WSL:
wsl --install{codeBox}
This command will download and install the latest version of WSL.
- If you want to install a specific Linux distribution, first check the available options by running:
wsl -l -o{codeBox}
This will display a list of supported Linux distributions you can install.
- To install a specific Linux distribution, use the following command, replacing <Distro> with your chosen distribution name:
wsl --install <Distro>{codeBox}
For example, to install Debian, you would run:wsl --install Debian{codeBox}
Step 3: Reboot Your Device
After installation is complete, restart your computer to finalize the setup.
Step 4: Launch Your Linux Terminal
Once your system reboots, you can start using WSL by searching for your installed Linux distribution in the Start menu and launching the terminal.
Final Thoughts
With WSL installed, you now have access to a full Linux environment within Windows 11. This enables developers and tech enthusiasts to run Linux-based applications, manage servers, and use command-line tools seamlessly.