How to install a Linux operating system such as Ubuntu in Windows 11
It’s not for beginners, but here’s how to do it
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It’s been possible to run Ubuntu and other Linux distributions within Windows for some time now by making use of a virtualization tool such as VirtualBox.
But withWindows 11, you can use the bundled Windows Subsystem for Linux (or WSL for short) to run your favorite flavor of Linux without the need for either emulation or virtualization.
WSL is described as a “compatibility layer”, which makes it possible to run Linux natively within Windows. Whether you need to use Linux for work, or whether you just like the idea of trying out a different app designed for a differentoperating system, WSL is here to help.
In this guide, we’ll show you have to install Ubuntu withinWindows 11specifically, although the process is very similar for other Linux distros, too.
1. Make sure your PC is up to date
Before you start, it’s important that you have the very latest version of Windows 11 installed, complete with all available updates. Open upSettingsby pressingWindows+I, move to theWindows Updatesection and clickCheck for updates. Download and install any available updates and restart Windows, if prompted to do so.
Click theStartbutton, typewindows featuresand clickTurn Windows features on or offin the results. Scroll down through the list of options, check the box labelledVirtual Machine Platform, clickOKand restart your computer, if necessary.
2. Search for ‘Windows Subsystem’ in the Store
Before you can install Ubuntu – or whichever version of Linux you’re interested in – you first need to ensure that you have the Windows Subsystem for Linux installed. This is available to download from theMicrosoftStore, so launch this app from the Start menu or using the taskbar shortcut.
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In the search box at the top of the store, typewindows subsystemand then select the entry forWindows Subsystem for Linux Preview. Click theGetbutton, wait for the software to download, and then click theOpenbutton. In the future, you can also launch the software from the Start menu.
3. Using Command Prompt
If you’re familiar with the Command line, you’ll notice that what appears when Windows Subsystem for Linux Preview launches looks very similar. As the displayed message indicates, the next thing you need to do is to install a Linux distribution, and there are a couple of ways you can do this.
The first option is to use the Command Prompt to grab a distro, and you can check to see what’s available by clicking theStartbutton, typingcmd,then pressingEnterto launch the Command Prompt.
4. Typing in commands
In the Command Prompt window that appears, you can quickly check to see which distros are available to install in this way by typingwsl.exe –list –onlineand pressingEnter. You’ll see the names of some familiar Linux distros, such as Debian and openSUSE, in addition to Ubuntu.
You’ll notice that there are two columns of text. Under theFriendly Nameheading you’ll see the full name of distros, while underNameyou’ll see the command you need to type to install that particular distribution.
5. Installing a Linux distro
If, for example, you were interested in installing openSUSE Leap 42, you can do so by typing the commandwsl.exe –install openSUSE-42and then pressingEnter;or Kali Linux by typingwsl.exe –install kali-linuxand pressingEnter.
If you do decide to install a distro in this way, you’ll see a progress bar as the download is under way. Once this is complete, the installation will begin. The exact process for installation varies from one distro to another, so just follow the instructions displayed.
6. Finding Ubuntu in the Microsoft Store
An easier option for installing Linux distributions, especially for newcomers, is to do so via the Microsoft Store. Ubuntu is one of the distros you can install in this way, so launch the Microsoft Store app, search for Ubuntu and click theGetbutton, just as you did when you were installing Windows Subsystem for Linux.
The download won’t take too long – Ubuntu is less than 500MB in size – and once it’s complete, a shortcut will be added to the Start menu so you can easily launch Ubuntu just like any other app.
7. Using the Terminal to install Ubuntu
The first time you launch Ubuntu – which is listed asUbuntu on Windowsin the Start menu – you’ll be guided through the process of configuring the OS, starting off by choosing a username and configuring a password. Even though you’ve only just installed Ubuntu, it’s a good idea to check for updates.
At the terminal, typesudo apt updateand pressEnter. Now typesudo apt full-upgradeand pressEnterbefore following any on-screen instructions, starting with pressingYto continue.
8. Installing a graphical interface
While there’s much that can be done from the terminal, most people will be interested in running graphical Linux apps using WSL. One of the most famous Linux apps out there is the GIMP image editor, and this is a good place to start.
At the terminal, typesudo apt install gimp -y, pressEnter, and wait while the software downloads and installs. Once the installation is complete, you can launch the app by simply typinggimpand pressingEnter. GIMP will launch ready for you to use, and you’ll see that it’s accessible in the taskbar as are other running apps.
9. Installing Linux apps
You can also install the X11 apps collection, which is made up of various tools such as a clock, calculator and clipboard. Typesudo apt install x11-apps -yand pressEnter. Once installed, you can launch the calculator by typingxcalcand pressingEnter; the clock by typingxclockand pressing Enter, and so on.
If you type a space and&after the command to launch an app (for instance,xcalc &), you’ll be returned to the terminal after the app launches. Other useful things to install include the Nautilus file manager (sudo apt install nautilus -yto install andnautilusto run), the media player VLC (sudo apt install vlc -yto install andvlcto run), and the Gedit text editor (sudo apt install gedit -yto install andgeditto run).
10. Installing a desktop environment
With Ubuntu, there’s no option to easily install a desktop environment. If you opt to install Kali Linux instead, you have the ability to install the same apps and more, and you can also run Kali itself with a desktop of its own using Win-KeX.
Launch Kali, typesudo apt updateand pressEnter, and then typesudo apt install -y kali-win-kexbefore pressingEnter. You can then run the distribution in a window, complete with sound support, by typingkex –win -sand pressingEnter. This highlights the beauty of Linux and the versatility of WSL – there’s an option to suit everyone.
A job for enthusiasts
We won’t sugar-coat it; this guide isn’t for beginners. If you’re aware of Linux and you’re keen on using it, then Windows 11 will grant that for you.
However, note that the above steps involve much use of Command Prompt, something that you’ll most likely have never used. But if you have a weekend spare and you want to dip your toe into another operating system, Linux is a great to try.
Sofia is a tech journalist who’s been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.
Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.
Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.
You can find her onTwitterandMastodon.
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