Virtualization Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 11


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The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets developers install a Linux distribution (such as Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Kali, Debian, Arch Linux, etc) and use Linux applications, utilities, and Bash command-line tools directly on Windows, unmodified, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dualboot setup.

Once you have Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) installed, you can install Linux distributions via the Microsoft Store or command line.

Reference:

This tutorial will show you how to install and setup Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distro apps for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.


When you install a Linux distro, it will also be added as a profile to select in Windows Terminal.

Linux_distros_Terminal.png





Contents

  • Option One: Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distribution from Microsoft Store
  • Option Two: Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distribution using Command




Option One

Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distribution from Microsoft Store


1 Click/tap on the Linux distro link below you want to get and install from the Microsoft Store.


2 Open the Linux distro (ex: "Kali Linux") when finished installing. (see screenshot below)

install_Linux_distro_Microsoft_Store-1.png

3 You will now be asked to enter a new UNIX username and password for this newly installed Linux distribution. (see screenshot below)


install_Linux_distro_Microsoft_Store-2.png





Option Two

Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distribution using Command


1 Open Windows Terminal, and select either Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

2 Copy and paste the command below into Windows Terminal, and press Enter to see a list of all available Linux distros to install. (see screenshot below)

wsl --list --online

List_available_Linux_distros.png

3 Type the command below into Windows Terminal, and press Enter to install a Linux distro "name" you want. (see screenshot below step 4)

wsl --install -d <name of Linux distro>

Substitute <name of Linux distro> in the command above with the actual "name" (ex: "Debian") of the Linux distro from step 2 you want to install.

For example: wsl --install -d Debian


4 Once the Linux distro has been installed, you will be asked to enter a new UNIX username and password for this newly installed Linux distribution. (see screenshot below)


install_Linux_distro_command.png



That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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