While The First Release Was Ubuntu-only
The initial branding of “Bash on Ubuntu on Windows” obscured much of the underlying technology though - what Microsoft really engineered can be a way to layer a Linux stack together with Windows, without emulation or virtualisation. The “Windows Subsystem for Linux” comes with a Linux kernel interface towards the Windows kernel, so Linux apps obtain their kernel calls seamlessly translated into native Windows ones.
The early naming also hid the reality that it’s not simply Ubuntu that’s supported. While the first release was Ubuntu-only, the subsystem’s now been expanded to aid many other Linux distributions including Debian and SUSE.Enough on the technical talk - let’s get rolling installing a Linux distribution on Windows, natively. For illustrational purposes, we’ll be going ahead and ultizing Ubuntu. The process is quite similar for other distributions. We’ll also assume you’re while using Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709) or newer; older versions of Windows 10 do require some other installation process.
To begin, you'll want to enable Windows Subsystem for Linux support in your device. Open the Start menu and type “turn on” before you see the “Turn Windows features on or off” program. Launch it and scroll about the list to “Windows Subsystem for Linux.”
Tick the checkbox, press OK and wait while Windows configures the feature. You’ll then be prompted to reboot your personal machine; return to this tutorial once you’re back in your desktop!
Now you’re prepared to download the Linux distribution itself. This is easier than it had been, as distros (that’s Linux parlance for “distributions,” or os) happen to be hosted inside the Windows Store because the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
Open the Store and appearance for the name within your distribution. You can also look for “linux” to view a link into a special page showcasing every one of the available distributions. As mentioned, we’ll be running Ubuntu, but you’re liberated to choose a different distro should you prefer.
At this time we’ll convey a brief note on versioning - some distros, Ubuntu included, have multiple pages inside store with each dedicated into a specific release. The “Ubuntu” listing, by way of example, always tracks the most up-to-date long-term support (LTS) Ubuntu release, that's 18.04 in the time writing. If you want to set up a particular version, be sure you’re for the right page first.
When you’ve found the distro you want to fit, please click the “Get” button. The Linux distribution will download and install itself like several other app on the Windows Store.
After the install completes, launch the distribution from your Start menu. A console window will launch and display progress as final installation and first-run steps are executed. Wait while these activities complete.
You’ll then be deposited at the UNIX user account creation screen. Follow the steps to produce your new Linux user account in your distribution. Feel liberated to choose any account information - they don’t must be linked to your Windows credentials.
Now, your distribution should be willing to go. Next time you launch it, WSL will commence almost instantly and offer you which has a fully-functioning Linux terminal. You can install Linux software while using the distro’s regular package manager, but don't forget that not all programs will function correctly - or by any means - within the basic Linux kernel supplied by the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
That’s about all due to this tutorial. Windows Subsystem for Linux is aimed squarely at developers and power users who, a celebrity, need access to some Linux terminal using a day-to-day basis. The complexity of the initial setup reflects the anticipated technical know-how from the feature’s market.
After installation though, WSL has an incredibly effortless strategy to running Linux from the inside of Windows. With no virtualisation overheads and support natively built-into Windows, it’s a simple solution to combine the best of both Windows and Linux environments.
