2 Simple Ways to Install WSL on Windows 11

Ways to Install Linux on Windows 11

Some people may want to install Linux on Windows 11 so that they can continue to program on Windows 11. At the same time, they can enjoy the convenience of Windows 11.

Can you install Linux on Windows 11? The answer is YES and there are several ways. 

• Use WSL: Windows Subsystem for Linux allows developers to run a Linux environment without the need for a separate virtual machine or dual booting. Its advantages include lightweight, fast startup, easy installation, and close integration with Windows.
• Use VM: A VM is the virtualization/emulation of a computer system. Its advantages include the security of the host system and the good interactivity between the host system and the guest system. 
• Dual-boot: Its advantage is that the Linux system can run on a real hardware device, and the performance is good. The disadvantage is that what you do in the Linux system will affect the hardware and the interactivity between Linux and Windows 11 is not good.

Guide to Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in Win 10

You can run Linux on your Windows 10 computer simply by installing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This post shows you how to set it up.

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How to Install Linux on Windows 11 with WSL

If you want to install Linux besides Windows 11, you can refer to this post: How to Set up Windows 11 and Linux Dual Boot? [Full Guide]. If you want to install Linux in a VM, you can refer to this post: How to Create and Run a Linux Virtual Machine on Windows PCs.

In this part, I just show you how to install Linux on Windows 11 with WSL. Note that WSL can only run Linux command-line tools, Bash shell scripts, and GNU/Linux command-line applications. If you are aware of this and want to install it still, you can refer to the following ways:

Way 1. Use Commands to Install Linux on Windows 11

1. Start CMD with administrative privileges.
2. Execute “wsl –install” command.
3. Run “wsl -l -o” to list other Linux releases.
4. You can install your favorite Linux distribution using “wsl –install -d NameofLinuxDistro.”

Way 2. Windows Features to Install Linux on Windows 11

1. In the Windows Search bar, type “turn Windows features on or off” and then open the corresponding app.
2. Scroll down to check the boxes in front of Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux. Then, click OK.
3. Restart your computer when required.
4. After WSL is installed, download WSL2 Linux kernel update package for x64 machines from Microsoft.
5. Run the package and complete the setup.
6. Open the Microsoft Store and search for the Linux distro you want to install.
7. Select the Linux version you like and get it.

Bottom Line

This post shows you how to install Linux on Windows 11 with WSL. Do you have other opinions about this topic? Share them with us in the following comment zone.

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