Introduction:

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets you run a full Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, directly on your Windows machine without the need for a virtual machine. If you're a developer, student, or Linux enthusiast, this guide will help you install and run Ubuntu on Windows, allowing seamless use of Linux-based tools and commands.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll walk you through setting up WSL, installing Ubuntu, and getting started with Linux commands.

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Why Choose Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly Linux distributions, making it ideal for both newcomers and experienced users. Key reasons to choose Ubuntu include:

• Ease of use: A straightforward interface and smooth learning curve.

• Great support: A large community with plenty of resources.

• Developer-friendly: Access to a wide range of development tools, libraries, and frameworks.

  

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Steps to Install Ubuntu on Windows Using WSL

Step 1: Enable WSL and Hyper-V / Windows Hypervisor Platform

Before you can install Ubuntu, you need to enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Hyper-V, the virtualization technology needed for WSL 2. If Hyper-V isn't available, you can enable Windows Hypervisor Platform as an alternative.

1. Open "Turn Windows Features On or Off":

   • Press Win + R, type optionalfeatures, and hit Enter.

     

2. Enable WSL:

   • Scroll down and check the option for Windows Subsystem for Linux.

3. Enable Hyper-V / Windows Hypervisor Platform:

   • Scroll further and tick the option.

   • If Hyper-V isn't available on your system, instead enable Windows Hypervisor Platform.

     

4. Restart Your System:

   • After enabling these features, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 2: Install Ubuntu via WSL

Once WSL and Hyper-V (or Windows Hypervisor Platform) are enabled, you can proceed to install Ubuntu.

1. Open Command Prompt (or PowerShell):

   • Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

2. Run the WSL Installation Command:

    wsl --install
   

   This command installs WSL along with the default Linux distribution (which is typically Ubuntu). If you prefer to choose a different version or distribution, you can visit the Microsoft Store.

3. Choose Ubuntu:

   • If multiple Linux distributions are available, choose Ubuntu for its simplicity and broad community support.

     

     

4. Wait for Installation to Complete:

   • Once the installation finishes, restart your computer.

     OR

     Install Ubuntu from the Microsoft store

     Once WSL is enabled, you can easily install Ubuntu directly from the Microsoft Store:

     1. Open Microsoft Store: Search for "Microsoft Store" in the Start menu and open it.

     2. Search for Ubuntu: In the Store, search for "Ubuntu."

     3. Select the Version: Choose your preferred version of Ubuntu (e.g., Ubuntu 20.04 LTS) and click "Install."

     4. Launch Ubuntu: After installation, launch Ubuntu from the Start menu.

        

Step 3: Initial Setup of Ubuntu

1. When you first launch Ubuntu, it will take a moment to set up.

2. You'll be prompted to create a new user account and password. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Update Ubuntu

To ensure you're running the latest packages and security updates, it’s essential to update your Ubuntu installation.

Update Ubuntu Packages:

1. Open the Ubuntu terminal (if not already open).

   

Run the following commands to update the package list and upgrade any existing packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

• The sudo apt update command fetches the list of available updates and their versions.

• The sudo apt upgrade command installs the latest versions of all installed packages.

  2. Install Essential Tools: You might want to install some common tools, such as:

    sudo apt install build-essential git curl

3. Set Up Your Development Environment: Depending on your needs, you can install programming languages (like Python, Node.js, etc.), databases, or any other software relevant to your projects.

4. Accessing Files: You can access your Windows files from /mnt/c/, which is where your C: drive is mounted.

5. Explore the File System: Familiarize yourself with the Linux file system and commands.

6. Install Additional Software: Use apt to install any additional software you may need, such as:

    sudo apt install <package-name>

7. Learn Commands: If you're new to Linux, consider learning basic terminal commands to navigate and manage your system.

8. Consider Installing a GUI: If you need a graphical interface, you can install a desktop environment or use an X server on Windows.

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Basic Linux Commands for Beginners

Now that your Ubuntu environment is ready, here are some essential commands to help you navigate and use Linux:

Navigating the File System

• pwd – Displays the current directory you're in.

• ls – Lists the files in the current directory.

• cd [directory] – Changes the current directory.

Working with Files

• touch [filename] – Creates a new, empty file.

• cp [source] [destination] – Copies a file.

• rm [filename] – Deletes a file.

To get started with beginner commands, follow my blog on : https://sanjoysblog.hashnode.dev/introduction-to-linux-command-line-20-commands-every-beginner-should-know

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Why Use WSL for Ubuntu?

Running Ubuntu through WSL provides flexibility to use Linux's command-line tools on your Windows system. Here are some real-world applications:

• Development Environment: Use Linux tools, web servers (Node.js, Python, PHP), and databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL).

• Version Control: Manage your code with Git using a Linux-native Git CLI.

• Scripting: Automate tasks using Linux shell scripts.

• Containerization: Develop using Docker, which integrates well with WSL 2.

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References and Further Reading

• Introduction to Linux (LFS101) - Linux Foundation - Education

• Official Ubuntu WSL Documentation

• Microsoft's WSL Guide

• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

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Call to Action

Now that you've set up Ubuntu on Windows via WSL, you're ready to explore the powerful world of Linux tools on a familiar platform. Whether you're a developer or someone eager to learn Linux, give it a try! Let me know how it works for you in the comments.