Enabling the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can open up a plethora of possibilities for developers and tech enthusiasts. By following a few simple steps, you can have a Linux environment running on your Windows machine in no time. Let’s dive into the process and get you set up.
Enabling WSL in Windows 11
Enabling WSL in Windows 11 will allow you to run a Linux distribution alongside your Windows operating system. This is useful for development, running scripts, and other tasks that benefit from a Linux environment. Follow these steps to get started.
Step 1: Open Windows Features
Open the Start Menu and type “Windows Features” to find the “Turn Windows features on or off” option.
This will bring up a list of Windows features that you can enable or disable. We need to find and enable a couple of specific features from this list.
Step 2: Enable “Windows Subsystem for Linux”
Scroll down the list and check the box next to “Windows Subsystem for Linux.”
This step will install the necessary components to support a Linux environment on your Windows machine. You might need to restart your computer after enabling this feature.
Step 3: Enable “Virtual Machine Platform”
In the same list, find and check the box next to “Virtual Machine Platform.”
This feature is required for WSL 2, which offers better performance and compatibility than the original WSL. Again, a restart might be necessary.
Step 4: Open PowerShell as Administrator
Press “Windows + X” and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
Running PowerShell as an administrator will give you the permissions needed to install WSL and set it up properly.
Step 5: Install WSL
Type the command wsl --install and press Enter.
This command will download and install the latest version of WSL, including the default Linux distribution, which is usually Ubuntu.
Step 6: Set WSL 2 as Default
To set WSL 2 as the default version, type the command wsl --set-default-version 2 and press Enter.
This ensures that any future Linux distributions you install will use the WSL 2 architecture, providing better performance and more features.
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to complete the installation process.
After the restart, you should be able to open your Linux distribution from the Start Menu and start using it.
Once you have completed these steps, your Windows machine will be ready to run a Linux environment. You can now open the installed Linux distribution from the Start Menu and start using it for development, scripting, or whatever you need.
Tips for Enabling WSL in Windows 11
- Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
- You can install additional Linux distributions from the Microsoft Store.
- To check the status of your WSL installation, use the command
wsl --list --verbosein PowerShell. - Use
wsl --updateto keep your WSL and Linux kernel updated. - For better performance, use WSL 2, which provides full system call compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WSL?
WSL stands for Windows Subsystem for Linux, a feature in Windows that allows you to run a Linux distribution alongside your Windows operating system.
Do I need to restart my computer during the installation?
Yes, you might need to restart your computer after enabling certain features to complete the installation process.
Can I install multiple Linux distributions?
Yes, you can install multiple Linux distributions from the Microsoft Store and switch between them as needed.
How do I update my WSL?
You can update your WSL by running the command wsl --update in PowerShell.
Is WSL 2 better than WSL 1?
Yes, WSL 2 offers better performance and full system call compatibility, making it the preferred choice for most users.
Summary
- Open Windows Features.
- Enable “Windows Subsystem for Linux.”
- Enable “Virtual Machine Platform.”
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Install WSL.
- Set WSL 2 as Default.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Enabling WSL in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to bring the best of Linux to your Windows environment. By following the steps outlined, you can unlock a new world of development possibilities. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a tech enthusiast, having a Linux environment on your Windows machine can be incredibly beneficial.
For further reading, check out the official Microsoft documentation on WSL. If you encounter any issues or have more questions, feel free to reach out to the tech community or consult online forums. Happy coding!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.