How to Switch User in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a new Windows 10 feature that enables you to run native Linux command-line tools directly on Windows, alongside your traditional Windows desktop and modern store apps.
When you have Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enabled, you can install WSL distro apps from the Microsoft Store, and export and import WSL distros.
The first time a newly installed WSL distro runs, a Console window will open, and you'll be asked to wait for a minute or two for the installation to complete.
Once installation is complete, you will be prompted to create a new user account (and its password).
Creating your Linux user is the first step in setting up a new Linux distribution on WSL. The first user account you create is automatically configured with a few special attributes:
- It is your default user -- it signs-in automatically on launch.
- It is Linux administrator (a member of the sudo group) by default.
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 any time you add a distribution, reinstall, or reset. Linux user accounts are not only independent per distribution, they are also independent from your Windows 10 user account.
If you like, you can switch to a specified user at any time in a WSL distro console.
This tutorial will show you how to switch between users in a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distro console in Windows 10.
You will not be able to switch to root in a WSL distro in Windows 10. To run a command as administrator (user "root"), use "sudo <command>". You could also set the default user to root for a WSL distro.
Here's How:
1. Run the WSL distro (ex: "Ubuntu") you want.
2. Type either command below into the WSL distro console, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
su - <username>
OR
su -l <username>
OR
su --login <username>
For example:su - brink
3. When prompted, enter the password of the user (ex: "brink2") you want to switch to, and press Enter.
That's it,
Shawn
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Switch User in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
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New #1
I honestly do not know If Ubuntu in WSL is different than Ubuntu, but it is not advisable to use root as default user, root is a super user that can damage the system if not suitably used, in ubuntu (and in Linux in general) root is different from the default system administrator (here above defined as defaul-user).
It may not be a problem (?) if you use root ubuntu in WSL, but it will be a problem using a regular Ubuntu. HTH.
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New #2
Agreed. Just like not wanting to use the built-in Administrator for an everyday account in Windows, it's not advisable to always have root as the default user in a WSL distro.
Switch User in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
How to Switch User in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10Published by Shawn BrinkCategory: Apps & Features
07 Mar 2019
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