How to Install WSL on Windows

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run a full Linux kernel on Windows.

By installing WSL on Windows, you can seamlessly integrate Linux distributions without the need for virtual machines.

This guide will walk you through the easiest installation methods to Install WSL on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Automated Installation: Simply run wsl --install in an elevated terminal, which automatically enables required Windows features, downloads the Linux kernel update, sets WSL 2 as default, and installs the default Linux distribution (usually Ubuntu).
2. Manual Installation via DISM and PowerShell: Use DISM and PowerShell commands to enable WSL and Virtual Machine Platform, manually install the Linux kernel update, and then set WSL 2 as default for full control over each installation step.
3. Installation via the Microsoft Store: Launch the Microsoft Store to download and install your preferred Linux distribution through a user-friendly graphical interface that automatically applies necessary updates.
4. CLI Manual Deployment: Utilize command-line tools like curl and Add-AppxPackage to download and install a specific Linux distribution package manually, ideal for customized or automated deployments.

Choose the method that aligns best with your expertise and needs to seamlessly integrate Linux capabilities into your Windows environment.

Prerequisites to Install WSL on Windows

Before installing WSL on Windows 10 & Windows 11, ensure your system meets the following prerequisites:

• Administrator rights to run PowerShell commands and enable Windows features.
• Buy Windows VPS operating on Windows 10 or a more recent version.
• Ensure your system has the latest Windows updates installed to avoid compatibility issues.
• Confirm that your PC supports virtualization.
• Download and install the latest Linux kernel update package from Microsoft’s official website.

Method 1. Using wsl –install Command [Automated]

This automated approach simplifies the installation process by configuring Windows features and downloading the latest Linux kernel update.

It also sets WSL2 as the default version and installs a preconfigured Linux distribution, typically Ubuntu.

Step 1: Open an Elevated Terminal

Press the Windows key and type Windows Terminal or Command Prompt. Right-click the application and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run the Installation Command

In the terminal, run the command below to install WSL on Windows 10:

wsl --install

This command also enables the Windows Subsystem for Linux and the Virtual Machine Platform, downloads the Linux kernel update package, and installs the default Linux distribution.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

When prompted, reboot your system to allow the changes to take effect.

Step 4: Complete the Linux Setup

After the restart, the default distribution (typically Ubuntu) launches.

Follow the on-screen instructions to create a user account and set a password as the primary steps you must do after installing Ubuntu.

This automated method is the most widely used and is recommended for both Windows 10 (version 2004 and later) and Windows 11 due to its simplicity and efficiency.

Method 2. Using DISM and PowerShell [Manual]

Manually enabling WSL and related features using DISM and PowerShell provides a more detailed method for users who desire greater control over the installation process.

This approach is also beneficial for those who need to troubleshoot specific issues.

Step 1: Enable WSL

To open PowerShell as an administrator, press the Windows key and search for PowerShell.

Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Enable the WSL Feature

Run the below command, which activates the core WSL functionality on your machine:

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

Step 3: Enable Virtual Machine Platform

In the same elevated PowerShell, run the command below to enable the Virtual Machine Platform that WSL 2 depends on:

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

Step 4: Restart Your System

To restart your computer, simply run:

Restart-Computer

Step 5: Install the Linux Kernel Update Package

To download the Update Package, visit the official Microsoft website or use the direct link provided on the WSL documentation page.

Step 6: Run the Installer

Execute the downloaded package and follow the wizard’s instructions to install the Linux kernel update.

Step 7: Set WSL 2 as the Default Version

To configure all future Linux installations to use WSL 2 by default, open PowerShell as Administrator again and run:

wsl --set-default-version 2

After a successful process, you will see an output as below:

By following the above detailed manual steps to install WSL on Windows, you gain complete control over the process and can troubleshoot each stage individually if necessary.

Method 3: Using Microsoft Store

Windows 11 allows you to install WSL through the Microsoft Store, providing a streamlined graphical approach.

This method ensures your Linux distributions remain up-to-date with the latest features.

Step 1: Ensure Prerequisites Are Met

Make sure that WSL and the Virtual Machine Platform features are enabled (see Methods 1 or 2 for instructions) and that you have a working Linux kernel update.

Step 2: Open the Microsoft Store

Launch the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.

Step 3: Search for a Linux Distribution

Enter keywords such as Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Debian GNU/Linux, or Kali Linux to find your preferred distribution.

Step 4: Install the Distribution

Click Get or Install on the distribution’s page.

Step 5: Launch and Configure

Once the installation completes, click Open.

Follow the prompts to create a user account and configure your Linux environment.

That’s it! This method is ideal for users who prefer a graphical interface and want to take advantage of the latest updates available through the Store.

Method 4: Using Command Line Interface (CLI) for Manual Distribution Deployment

For advanced users, the command-line interface (CLI) allows manual downloading and installation of Linux distributions.

This method is useful when a desired distribution isn’t available in the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Open an Elevated PowerShell

As in previous methods, ensure you run PowerShell as an administrator.

Step 2: Download the Distribution Package

Use curl (or another download tool) to fetch the distribution package.

For example, to download Ubuntu 22.04:

curl.exe -L -o ubuntu-2204.appx "https://aka.ms/wsl-ubuntu-2204"

Note: Replace the URL with the direct link to your desired Linux distribution.

Step 4: Install the Package

Once downloaded, install the package using:

Add-AppxPackage .\ubuntu-2204.appx

Step 5: Launch and Set Up

To do this, navigate to the folder containing the package and double-click the file if necessary to complete the installation.

Finally, launch the newly installed Linux distribution and follow the setup prompts to create your user account.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have explored various methods to install WSL on Windows, each catering to different user preferences and technical requirements.

The automated wsl --install command offers a quick and straightforward setup, ideal for those seeking simplicity.

For users desiring more control, the manual DISM/PowerShell approach allows for detailed configuration and troubleshooting.

The Microsoft Store method provides a user-friendly graphical interface, making it easy to select and install your preferred Linux distribution.

Advanced users can opt for the CLI-based manual deployment to customize their installation further.