WSL allows you to run Linux directly inside Windows without a virtual machine. This guide will show you how to install WSL and choose a distribution.
Step 1: Enable WSL Feature
Open PowerShell as an administrator and run:
wsl --install
- This command enables WSL and installs Ubuntu by default
- Restart your computer if necessary
Step 2: Check WSL Version
wsl --version
- Make sure the latest version of WSL 2 is installed
- To update, use:
wsl --update
Step 3: Install Other Distributions
- List of available distributions:
wsl --list --online
- Install the desired distribution, for example Debian:
wsl --install -d Debian
Step 4: Configure WSL
- Launch the installed distribution from the Start menu
- Create a user and password
- Update packages inside Linux:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 5: Integration with Windows
- Access the Windows file system through
/mnt/c/ - You can use Windows Terminal or VS Code for work
Conclusion
WSL on Windows 11 allows you to work with Linux without virtual machines. After installation, you can run servers, compile projects, and use Linux tools directly in Windows.