Install Ubuntu on WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

This guide walks you through installing Ubuntu WSL on Windows 10/11. WSL allows you to run Linux directly on Windows without the need for a virtual machine.

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🖥️ Requirements

• Windows 10 version 2004+ (Build 19041+) or Windows 11
• Admin privileges
• Internet connection

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⚙️ Step-by-Step Installation

1. Enable WSL & Virtual Machine Platform

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

wsl --install

Or, manually enable features:

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

Then reboot your computer.

2. Set WSL2 as Default (Optional but Recommended)

wsl --set-default-version 2

3. Install Ubuntu from Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store
2. Search for Ubuntu (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
3. Click Install

4. Launch Ubuntu

After installation:

• Open Ubuntu from the Start Menu
• Wait for setup (may take a few minutes)
• Create your Linux username and password

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🧪 Verify Installation

wsl --list --verbose

Expected output:

NAME      STATE           VERSION
Ubuntu    Running         2

🧰 Common Commands

• Launch Ubuntu: wsl or search “Ubuntu” in Start Menu
• Shut down WSL: wsl --shutdown
• Update Ubuntu: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

🛠️ Troubleshooting

• WSL official docs
• Ubuntu on WSL Docs
• Reset Ubuntu: wsl --unregister Ubuntu (⚠️ deletes all data)
• Check Windows version: winver