Since the Windows Subsystem for Linux, WSL was introduced, it does not take long hours for the users to install a Linux distribution on their Windows. Such a Linux distribution is Ubuntu, but now with the help of the WSL, one can run an actual Linux environment right alongside a Windows OS itself without setting up a virtual machine and dual boot. Here's the nitty-gritty step-by-step guide on how to install Ubuntu on your Windows machine.

Installing Ubuntu on Windows: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Install WSL Windows Subsystem for Linux

You first need to install the feature Windows Subsystem for Linux. Here is how you do it:

  • Open the Settings App: From the Windows Start menu, open the gear icon which leads you to **Settings.
  • Access Windows Features: You type Windows Features in the search box on the top right of the window for Settings. You now click on Turn Windows features on or off. Alternatively you can directly search from Start menu for Windows Features.

2. WSL Option Enable

  • On the Windows Features dialog, scroll to the option named Windows Subsystem for Linux.
  • Click **OK.".

3. Download Required Files and Reboot

The system will download and install the files automatically to have WSL. Once you do that, it will tell you that you need to reboot your system afterwards. Save your work, and then reboot your computer.

4. Install Ubuntu from Microsoft Store

After rebooting, do this:

  • Open the Microsoft Store : From the Start menu, search for the Windows Search field and type in Microsoft Store, which you can then open from there.
  • Search for Ubuntu: Just type in the name of your favorite Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu. Like any other search term, you'll see results containing the app you're looking for.
  • Select and Install: Open the Ubuntu application that is listed among the search results, then select Install. The selected Linux distribution will begin downloading and installing.  5. Installation Ubuntu Open Ubuntu from the Start menu once installation is complete After you open Ubuntu for the first time, it installs all the files to your Linux environment. You may be prompted to create a new username and password for your Linux system.
  1. You're Done! You can now use Ubuntu from your Windows environment once you have configured the installation and your user credentials. You are now free to make use of Linux commands, avail yourselves of the Ubuntu terminal, and even install software that is based on Linux.

WSL is a way to take the best of both worlds for users of Windows and Linux. You do not have to navigate through confusing setup procedures to install Ubuntu for Windows. Whether you are a developer, power user, or just someone curious about Linux, WSL makes it easy to give Ubuntu a test run. Using these steps, you can get a Linux system up and running on your Windows machine in no time.

Also Read:

Exploring Ubuntu: Features and Benefits of This Popular Linux Distribution

Docker and Its Usefulness

A Beginner's Guide to Docker: Essential Commands

Comments(0)