A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Linux on Windows 11

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Linux on Windows 11

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4 min read

With the upward push of go-platform development and the need for diverse software program environments, many users are exploring approaches to run Linux alongside Windows. Windows eleven has made it easier than ever to put in and run Linux using the Windows sub-system for Linux (WSL). This guide will walk you through how to deploy Linux on Windows 11, step by step, so you can start the usage of Linux without leaving the comfort of your Windows surroundings.

Why Install Linux on Windows 11?

Installing Linux on Windows 11 lets in you to enjoy the nice of both worlds: the ability and robustness of Linux and the acquainted interface of Windows. Whether you are a developer, machine administrator, or simply curious about exploring Linux, this setup can beautify your productiveness and enlarge your toolkit.

Prerequisites Before diving into the way to install Linux on Windows 11, make certain that:

You are walking Windows eleven on a 64-bit machine. Your device has virtualization enabled within the BIOS/UEFI settings. You have administrative privileges in your Windows eleven system. Your device is updated with today's Windows updates.

Step 1: Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Open PowerShell as Administrator:

Click at the Start Menu and type "PowerShell". Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" and pick out "Run as administrator". Enable WSL:

In the PowerShell window, type the subsequent command and press Enter: bash Copy code wsl --install This command will mechanically enable WSL and set up the state-of-the-art model, WSL 2, that's required for higher performance and full device compatibility. Restart Your Computer:

After jogging the command, restart your computer to apply the adjustments. Step 2: Install a Linux Distribution Choose a Linux Distribution:

Open the Microsoft Store from the Start Menu. Search for "Linux" to discover a listing of available Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Kali Linux, and more. Install the Desired Linux Distribution:

Click on your selected Linux distribution and then click "Get" or "Install". Once the installation is whole, click "Launch" to start putting in place your Linux environment. Set Up the Linux Distribution:

When you launch the Linux distribution for the first time, it'll ask you to create a username and password in your Linux surroundings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Step 3: Verify the Installation Open PowerShell:

Type wsl -l -v and press Enter. This command will show the list of hooked up Linux distributions along side their variations. Set Your Default Linux Distribution:

If you have mounted more than one distributions and want to set a default one, use: bash Copy code wsl --set-default Replace with the name of your selected Linux distribution, e.G., Ubuntu. Start Using Linux on Windows eleven:

Now you can use Linux by way of establishing the hooked up distribution from the Start Menu or through typing wsl in PowerShell. Step four: Enable GUI Support (Optional) Windows 11 now supports Linux GUI programs, making it possible to run Linux apps with graphical interfaces at once to your Windows computing device.

Install GUI Applications:

Open your Linux terminal in WSL. Install the GUI packages for the usage of your bundle manager. For example, for Ubuntu, you can install gedit by typing: bash Copy code sudo apt replace sudo apt install gedit Run GUI Applications:

You can now release GUI packages from your Linux terminal. Troubleshooting Tips WSL Version: Ensure that WSL 2 is set up via checking with wsl -l -v. If you notice WSL 1, you can update to WSL 2 the usage of: bash Copy code wsl --set-model 2 Error Messages: If you stumble upon errors at some stage in the set up, make sure that virtualization is enabled on your BIOS/UEFI settings.

Conclusion

Following those steps on how to set up Linux on Windows 11 presents a truthful manner to experience Linux's abilities within a Windows surroundings. This technique lets in for easy improvement, trying out, or even running Linux-primarily based software program with out dual-booting or using a digital gadget. Whether you are a pro Linux consumer or a beginner, installing Linux on Windows eleven via WSL opens up a international of opportunities for mastering and productiveness.