Running an Ubuntu terminal on Windows OS: WSL-2

Running an Ubuntu terminal on Windows OS: WSL-2

Ever thought of running an Ubuntu terminal on a Windows Operating System, without the use of a virtual machine. If so, WSL makes it possible. Today Microsoft Windows comes with a pre-installed Linux Kernel. The Windows Subsystem for Linux(WSL) provides a very tight integration between the Linux terminal and the underlying Windows operating system, on which it runs, allowing users to use a Linux terminal to develop applications on Windows

microsoft ships linux.png

And the best part is, you can use WSL version 2 on Windows 10 Home edition. So let's install it.

Setting Up WSL-2

You do not need the Windows 10 professional version to run WSL-2. You can do it on a Windows 10 Home machine Windows version.png Here are the steps for activating and installing WSL version 2 on Windows 10.

  • The Windows OS must be updated. According to the official documentation, your Windows OS must be running at least version 2004 with build no. 18362 Update to WSL 2.png You can check your OS version and build number by typing winver in your search bar Windows OS build.png If you have a lower version than required, then you should update your Windows OS. Type Windows Update setting in your search bar to see the Windows update page. You can check for updates and install them. Windows Update.png


  • You will switch on the Windows Virtual Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux Search Turn Windows features on or off in the search bar to see a control panel window open. Scroll down and check the options for Windows Virtual Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux Windows features on or off.png Click OK to activate the changes windows freatures turned on.png You will now be requested to restart the system.



  • Your download will be a .msi file WSL 2 msi.png Run this file and click on next and finish in the subsequent steps Run MSI.png


  • Now, visit the Microsoft store and search for your favorite Linux distribution(Don't worry all these apps are free) Download ubuntu.png You can choose from a variety of Linux flavors. The most commonly chosen is Ubuntu, so lets go ahead with it. Download and Install the application and once done launch it. Download ubuntu 2.png
    The screen that pops up is an Ubuntu terminal Ubuntu terminal first time.png You will now create a default username and password and start using the Ubuntu terminal on Windows Ubuntu installed and username created.png Now any time you want to use the Ubuntu terminal just search for it in the search bar


You can now start using the Ubuntu terminal with all the Linux commands Using Ubuntu terminal.png


Congratulations!!! You just installed and used an Ubuntu terminal on Windows OS





Useful links:
Windows Subsystem for Linux Documentation
Installation Guide by Microsoft