How to Use WSL2 on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

To use WSL2 on Windows 10, you need to enable the WSL feature, update to WSL2, install a Linux distribution, and set it as your default. Following these steps will provide you with a powerful, integrated Linux environment right on your Windows machine.

How to Use WSL2 on Windows 10

WSL2, or Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, allows you to run a full Linux kernel on your Windows 10 machine. This means better performance and full system call compatibility. Let’s walk through the steps to get this set up.

Step 1: Enable the WSL Feature

To enable the WSL feature, open PowerShell as an administrator and run:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Opening PowerShell as an administrator is crucial for this command to work. This step tells Windows to enable the underlying subsystem for Linux, but a restart will still be required later.

Step 2: Enable the Virtual Machine Platform

Next, still in PowerShell, run:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

This command enables the virtual machine feature necessary for WSL2. It’s another foundational step to make sure your system can handle the Linux kernel effectively.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Rebooting ensures that all the new features you’ve enabled are correctly configured and ready to use. Don’t skip this step, or the next steps might not work properly.

Step 4: Set WSL2 as Your Default Version

After restarting, open PowerShell again and run:

wsl --set-default-version 2

This sets WSL2 as your default version, so any future Linux distributions you install will use WSL2 automatically. It’s a simple but important step.

Step 5: Install a Linux Distribution

Visit the Microsoft Store and search for your preferred Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) and install it.

Installing a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store is straightforward. Just click ‘Install’ and let it do the work. Once installed, you’ll need to set it up like any other software.

Step 6: Set Up Your Linux Distribution

Once installed, open your Linux distribution from the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

This involves creating a user account and password for your Linux environment. It sets up your Linux environment, so you can start using it immediately.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a fully functional Linux environment running on WSL2. You can run Linux commands, install software, and even run graphical applications.

Tips for Using WSL2 on Windows 10

• Tip 1: Keep your WSL2 and Linux distributions updated for the best performance and security.
• Tip 2: Use wsl --list --verbose to check which WSL versions your distributions are using.
• Tip 3: Install Windows Terminal for a better command-line experience.
• Tip 4: Use wsl --shutdown to shut down your WSL2 instance if needed.
• Tip 5: Benefit from integrating Windows tools and Linux tools, such as accessing Windows files from Linux.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WSL2?

WSL2 is the second version of the Windows Subsystem for Linux, providing a real Linux kernel and improved performance over WSL1.

Can I run graphical Linux applications on WSL2?

Yes, with additional setup, you can run graphical Linux applications through a GUI like X Server.

How do I switch between WSL1 and WSL2?

Use the command wsl --set-version 2 to switch a specific distribution to WSL2.

Is WSL2 suitable for development work?

Absolutely! WSL2 offers near-native performance and compatibility, making it excellent for development.

Do I need to enable Hyper-V for WSL2?

No, WSL2 uses a lightweight virtual machine without requiring you to enable Hyper-V.

Summary

1. Enable the WSL feature.
2. Enable the Virtual Machine Platform.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Set WSL2 as your default version.
5. Install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.
6. Set up your Linux distribution.

Conclusion

Using WSL2 on Windows 10 opens up a world of possibilities for developers and power users. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—Windows and Linux—on a single machine. Not only do you get improved performance and compatibility with WSL2, but you also gain the ability to seamlessly integrate Linux into your Windows workflow.

So why wait? Dive into the world of WSL2 today and unlock new productivity heights. If you’re interested in more advanced setups or troubleshooting tips, consider browsing online forums and the official documentation. Happy coding!