How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 10 (WSL Guide)

You can run Ubuntu Linux on a Windows 10 PC without wiping Windows or setting up dual boot. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) installs a real Ubuntu environment that runs alongside Windows, with a full Linux terminal, apt package manager, and access to your Windows files. This guide covers the one-command install, first-time setup, and alternatives like a virtual machine or dual boot.

Note: Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025. WSL still works, but consider Windows 11 for ongoing security updates.

Quick Answer

Right-click Start, choose Windows PowerShell (Admin), run wsl --install -d Ubuntu, and restart your PC. After rebooting, Ubuntu opens and asks you to create a Linux username and password.

Requirements

• Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later. Check with Windows + R > winver.
• Virtualization enabled in BIOS/UEFI (usually on by default; check Task Manager > Performance > CPU > Virtualization).
• A few GB of free disk space.

Step 1: Install WSL and Ubuntu

1. Right-click Start and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Run: wsl --install -d Ubuntu
3. Wait while Windows enables the required features and downloads Ubuntu.
4. Restart your PC when prompted.

To see other available versions, run wsl --list --online. You can install a specific release, such as wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04.

Step 2: Set Up Ubuntu

1. After restarting, Ubuntu opens automatically (or launch Ubuntu from Start).
2. Wait for the initial setup, then enter a new Linux username and password. These are separate from your Windows account. The password won’t show as you type.
3. Update packages: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Use Ubuntu with Windows

• Open Ubuntu: from Start, or type wsl in any terminal.
• Access Windows files from Ubuntu: they’re under /mnt/c/.
• Access Ubuntu files from Windows: type \\wsl$ in File Explorer’s address bar.
• Install software: use sudo apt install (for example, sudo apt install git python3).
• Check versions: wsl -l -v shows installed distributions and whether they use WSL 2.

Alternative: Install from the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store, search for Ubuntu, and click Get. If WSL isn’t enabled yet, Ubuntu will prompt you or fail to start; run wsl --install first.

Other Ways to Run Ubuntu

• Virtual machine: install a free hypervisor such as VirtualBox or Hyper-V (Windows 10 Pro), download the Ubuntu Desktop ISO from ubuntu.com, and create a VM. Good for testing the full desktop.
• Dual boot: install Ubuntu on its own partition and choose Windows or Ubuntu at startup. Best performance, but back up your data first and plan disk space carefully.
• Linux GUI apps: Windows 11’s WSLg runs Linux desktop apps natively; on Windows 10 you’d need a separate X server.

Troubleshooting

• Error 0x80370102: virtualization is off. Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V (SVM) in BIOS/UEFI.
• “wsl is not recognized”: update Windows 10 through Windows Update, or enable Windows Subsystem for Linux in Turn Windows features on or off.
• Installation stuck at 0%: run wsl --update, then try again, or install Ubuntu from the Microsoft Store.
• Forgot the Linux password: run wsl -u root in PowerShell, then passwd yourusername.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ubuntu on WSL a full Linux?

WSL 2 runs a real Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine, so most command-line tools work as they would on Ubuntu.

How do I uninstall Ubuntu?

Run wsl --unregister Ubuntu (this deletes its files), then uninstall the Ubuntu app from Settings.

Summary

1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
2. Run wsl --install -d Ubuntu and restart.
3. Create your Linux username and password.
4. Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade and start using Ubuntu.