How to Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 10


The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets developers run a GNU/Linux environment -- including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications -- directly on Windows, unmodified, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dualboot setup.

WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) is a new version of the architecture in WSL that changes how Linux distributions interact with Windows. WSL 2 has the primary goals of increasing file system performance and adding full system call compatibility. Each Linux distribution can run as WSL 1 or as WSL 2, and can be switched between at any time. WSL 2 is a major overhaul of the underlying architecture and uses virtualization technology and a Linux kernel to enable its new features.

When you have Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enabled, you can install Linux distribution apps from the Microsoft Store, and export and import WSL distros.

The first time you run a newly installed Linux distribution, a Console window will open and you'll be asked to wait for a minute or two for the installation to complete. All future launches should take less than a second.

Once installation is complete, you will be prompted to create a user account and password for your new Linux distribution.

Creating your Linux user is the first step in setting up a new Linux distribution. The first user account you create is automatically configured with a few special attributes:

• This User Name and Password is specific to your Linux distribution and has no bearing on your Windows user name.
• Once you create this User Name and Password, the account will be your default user for the distribution and automatically sign-in on launch.
• This account will be considered the Linux administrator, with the ability to run sudo (Super User Do) administrative commands.
• Each Linux distribution running on the Windows Subsystem for Linux has its own Linux user accounts and passwords. You will have to configure a Linux user account every time you add a distribution, reinstall, or reset.

When you open a new distro instance, you won't be prompted for your password, but if you elevate a process using sudo, you will need to enter your password, so make sure you choose a password you can easily remember.

See also:

• Install your Linux distribution of choice | Microsoft Docs
• Set up a new distribution | Microsoft Docs

This tutorial will show you how to install and setup Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distro apps from the Microsoft Store for your account in Windows 10.



Here's How:

1 Click/tap on the link below to open the Microsoft Store app directly to the Run Linux on Windows page.

Run Linux on Windows | Microsoft Store

2 Click/tap on the WSL distro app (ex: "Ubuntu") you want to install. (see screenshot below)

3 Click/tap on Install. (see screenshot below)

You may need to click/tap on Get before seeing Install.

If you see Launch instead, then the app is already installed.

4 When the WSL distro app has finished installing, click/tap on Launch to run the app. (see screenshots below)

You can also open this WSL distro app from All Apps in your Start menu.

5 When the console window of the WSL distro opens for the first time, you will need to: (see screenshot below)

• Enter new UNIX username for this WSL distro.
• Enter new UNIX password for this username.
• Retype new UNIX password to confirm.

6 When finished, you can close the Microsoft Store app and the console window.


That's it,
Shawn

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