Linux WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) is a feature in Windows 10 that allows users to run a Linux environment directly within Windows.
It is an updated version of the original WSL, which provides a compatibility layer for running Linux binaries natively on Windows. WSL2 improves on the original WSL by introducing a full Linux kernel that runs in a lightweight virtual machine, providing better performance and improved compatibility with Linux applications.
This means that developers and users can run their favorite Linux tools and applications directly within Windows, without the need for a separate Linux virtual machine or dual-boot setup. Additionally, WSL2 supports a variety of Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora, which can be installed and managed through the Microsoft Store or command-line tools.
WSL2 is a powerful tool for developers and users who want to take advantage of the benefits of Linux within the Windows environment.
To install Linux WSL2 on Windows, follow these steps:
- Make sure you have Windows 10 version 2004 or higher installed on your computer.
- Open the Windows Start menu and search for “Turn Windows features on or off”.
- Scroll down and check the box next to “Windows Subsystem for Linux”.
- Click “OK” and wait for the installation to complete.
- Restart your computer when prompted.
- Open the Microsoft Store app and search for the Linux distribution you want to install (such as Ubuntu or Debian).
- Select the distribution and click “Install”.
- Once the installation is complete, open the Start menu and search for the name of the Linux distribution you just installed.
- Click on the distribution to open it and follow the prompts to set up your Linux environment.
That’s it! You should now have Linux WSL2 installed and ready to use on your Windows computer.
Some FAQs on how to install Linux WSL2 on Windows:
Q: What are the system requirements for running WSL2 on Windows? A: To run WSL2 on Windows, your system must have Windows 10 version 2004 or higher and a 64-bit processor with virtualization capabilities enabled in the BIOS.
Q: How do I enable WSL2 on Windows? A: To enable WSL2 on Windows, follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Features settings by searching for “Turn Windows features on or off” in the Start menu.
- Scroll down and check the box next to “Windows Subsystem for Linux”.
- Check the box next to “Virtual Machine Platform”.
- Click OK and restart your computer when prompted.
Q: How do I install a Linux distribution on WSL2? A: After enabling WSL2 on Windows, you can install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store or by downloading a distribution package from the Linux distribution’s website. Once installed, the distribution will run within the WSL2 environment and can be accessed from the command line or a terminal emulator.
Q: Can I run graphical applications on WSL2? A: Yes, you can run graphical applications on WSL2 by installing an X server on Windows, such as X410 or VcXsrv, and configuring the WSL2 distribution to use the X server. This allows you to run Linux GUI applications on Windows.
Q: How do I update WSL2 on Windows? A: WSL2 is updated through the Windows Update service, so it will receive updates automatically along with other system updates. You can also manually check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Q: Can I use WSL2 for production workloads? A: While WSL2 is a powerful tool for development and testing, it is not recommended for use in production environments due to its experimental nature and potential security risks. It is recommended to use a dedicated Linux environment for production workloads.