Installing WSL on Windows 11 can be a game-changer if you need a Linux environment without leaving the comforts of Windows. It’s simple: enable WSL, choose your favorite Linux distribution, and install it from the Microsoft Store. These steps will set you up with a fully functional Linux terminal on your Windows 11 machine, allowing you to run Linux applications seamlessly.
How to Install WSL on Windows 11
Let’s walk through setting up the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on your Windows 11 computer. This will enable you to run a Linux distribution directly on Windows without the need for dual booting or setting up a virtual machine.
Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
Open the Start Menu, search for “PowerShell,” right-click on Windows PowerShell, and select “Run as Administrator.”
Running PowerShell as an administrator is crucial because you’ll be making system-level changes. This step ensures you have the necessary permissions to install WSL.
Step 2: Enable WSL
Type the command wsl --install and hit Enter in the PowerShell window.
This command automatically enables WSL, installs the required components, and downloads the default Linux distribution, which is typically Ubuntu.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
After the installation completes, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Rebooting is necessary to finalize the installation of WSL. It ensures that all components are properly integrated into your Windows environment.
Step 4: Open the Microsoft Store
Search for “Microsoft Store” in the Start Menu and open it.
The Microsoft Store is where you’ll find a variety of Linux distributions that you can install as part of WSL.
Step 5: Install a Linux Distribution
In the Microsoft Store, search for your desired Linux distribution (like Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) and click “Install.”
Once installed, open the Linux distribution from the Start Menu to complete the setup process, which usually involves creating a user account and password.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a working Linux environment on your Windows 11 machine. You can run Linux commands, scripts, and even some graphical applications directly from your Windows desktop.
Tips for Installing WSL on Windows 11
- Check Your Windows Version: Ensure your Windows 11 installation is up to date, as WSL requires the latest features.
- Explore Different Distributions: Linux offers various distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Kali. Explore the differences to choose the best fit for your needs.
- Enable Virtual Machine Platform: If you encounter errors, ensure the Virtual Machine Platform feature is enabled in Windows Features.
- Use WSL 2 for Better Performance: WSL 2 offers improved performance and compatibility, so it’s worth enabling in PowerShell with
wsl --set-default-version 2. - Save Frequently Used Commands: Create a script file to store frequently used commands for easy access later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for WSL or Linux distributions?
No, WSL and the available Linux distributions in the Microsoft Store are free to install and use.
Can I switch between different Linux distributions?
Yes, you can install multiple distributions and switch between them by opening the respective distribution from the Start Menu.
Does WSL support graphical Linux applications?
Yes, with WSL 2, you can run graphical Linux applications using a Windows-compatible X server or the new WSLg feature.
Is WSL suitable for development purposes?
Absolutely! WSL is great for developers who need a Linux environment for development tasks like web development, scripting, or using development tools not native to Windows.
Can I uninstall WSL if needed?
Yes, you can disable WSL by running a command in PowerShell and uninstall any installed Linux distributions via the Microsoft Store.
Summary
- Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
- Enable WSL
- Restart Your Computer
- Open the Microsoft Store
- Install a Linux Distribution
Conclusion
Installing WSL on Windows 11 opens many doors for anyone interested in the flexibility of Linux combined with the user-friendly interface of Windows. Whether you’re a developer, student, or tech enthusiast, the ability to run Linux distributions seamlessly within Windows is a powerful tool. It’s like having the best of both worlds without the hassle of dual-boot setups or virtual machines.
If you’re new to Linux, WSL offers a gentle introduction without the intimidating commitment of a full Linux installation. And for seasoned Linux users, it’s a handy convenience to have your favorite Linux tools just a click away.
For more advanced features, consider exploring WSL 2, which offers improved performance and support for running graphical applications. This makes WSL not just a tool for terminal-based tasks but a full-fledged development environment. Dive in, explore the vast world of open-source applications, and see where your newfound Linux powers take you. If you found this guide helpful, keep experimenting and learning—there’s always more to discover in the ever-evolving tech landscape!
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.