How To Install Windows On Ubuntu

1. Overview

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows yous to install a complete Ubuntu concluding surround in minutes on your Windows machine, allowing yous to develop cross-platform applications without leaving Windows.

In this tutorial, we'll show you lot how to get up and running with Ubuntu on WSL. These instructions will work on both Windows x or Windows eleven.

Whilst WSL is a powerful tool for all users, some features, such as the ability to run graphical Linux applications, are only available on Windows eleven. Please check out our Windows 11 tutorial for more than information.

two. Install WSL

Installing WSL is now easier than e'er. Search for Windows PowerShell in your Windows search bar, then select Run as administrator.

At the command prompt type:

wsl --install

And wait for the process to consummate.

For WSL to exist properly activated, you will at present demand to restart your computer.

iii. Download Ubuntu

WSL supports a variety of Linux distributions, including the latest Ubuntu release, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. Y'all can find them by opening the Microsoft shop app and searching for Ubuntu.

Choose the distribution you lot prefer and then click on Become every bit shown in the post-obit screenshot:

Ubuntu will then install on your auto.

The ane line install!

At that place is a unmarried command that will install both WSL and Ubuntu at the aforementioned time.
When opening PowerShell for the outset time, but alter the initial instruction to:

wsl --install -d ubuntu

This will install both WSL and Ubuntu! Don't forget to restart your machine before continuing.

Once installed, you tin can either launch the application direct from the store or search for Ubuntu in your Windows search bar.

4. Configure Ubuntu

Congratulations, you lot now have an Ubuntu final running on your Windows machine!

If Ubuntu returns an error during this initial installation, and then the most common issue is that virtualisation is disabled in your device's BIOS card. You volition demand to turn this on during your device's kicking sequence. The location of this option varies by manufacturer, and then you will need to refer to their documentation to observe it.

One time Ubuntu has finished its initial setup you will need to create a username and password (this does not need to match your Windows user credentials).

Finally, it's always adept practice to install the latest updates with the following commands, entering your password when prompted.

sudo apt update

And so

sudo apt upgrade

Press Y when prompted.

5. Install your offset bundle

Installing packages on Ubuntu is as easy as using a single control. Below, y'all volition run into how to install bpython, a elementary python interpreter for trying out ideas, featuring some nice usability features like expected parameters and autocompletion.

To bank check that you have the latest package lists, type:

sudo apt update

Then install bpython:

sudo apt install bpython

To run the application blazon:

bpython

And you're ready to get!

6. Customising your Terminal with Windows Terminal Preview

Since you're likely to be using your Ubuntu last a off-white chip, it'due south always nice to practice some customisation. Nosotros recommend installing Windows Concluding Preview to get the most convenient setup. Yous tin can observe information technology in the Microsoft Store.

Windows Concluding allows you to open multiple Terminal instances equally tabs, then y'all can have PowerShell running alongside Ubuntu. It also includes a number of customisation options. In the below screenshot, nosotros've changed the tab name and colour, and configured the terminal advent to use the Tango Dark theme and the Ubuntu font!

These customisations can be practical universally using the Appearance menu in Settings or to private profiles which each accept their ain Appearance menu. Try it yourself to discover something you experience comfortable with!

seven. Bask Ubuntu on WSL!

That's it! In this tutorial, you've seen how to install WSL and Ubuntu, ready upward your profile, and install your first package. You too got some tips on how to customise your experience.

We hope yous relish working with Ubuntu inside WSL. Don't forget to check out our blog for the latest news on all things Ubuntu.