Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

What is WSL

Windows Subsystem for Linux lets you run a Linux terminal and Linux tools directly on Windows, without a separate virtual machine setup.

Requirements

• Windows 10 version 2004 or later (build 19041 or higher), or Windows 11.
• Virtualization enabled in the BIOS.

Quick way

On current Windows versions one command does everything. Open PowerShell as administrator:

wsl --install

It enables the features and installs Ubuntu. Restart when asked. The steps below show the manual way.

Method 1: Enable WSL with PowerShell

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Also enable the virtual machine platform for WSL 2:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Restart the PC.

Method 2: Enable WSL in Windows settings

1. Search for Turn Windows features on or off.

   

2. Tick Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform, then click OK.

   

Install a Linux distribution

List the available distributions:

wsl.exe --list --online

Install one:

wsl --install Ubuntu-22.04

When it finishes, create a Linux username and password.

Benefits of WSL

• Smooth integration. Open Windows files from Linux and the other way around.
• Full terminal with Linux commands and tools.
• Customizable. Install the packages you like.
• Fast. It uses fewer resources than a full virtual machine.

Quick recap

• Run wsl --install or enable the features manually.
• Pick a distribution with wsl --list --online.