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Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Guide for Windows 11
Inspired by NetworkChuck’s practical approach, adapted for any Linux distro!
1. Prerequisites
- Windows 11 (preferred for best compatibility)
- 64-bit CPU with virtualization enabled
- Enable virtualization (Intel VT-x / AMD-V) in your BIOS/UEFI if not already enabled.
- Windows Terminal is recommended (available in the Microsoft Store).
2. Install WSL - Windows Subsystem for Linux
Open Windows Terminal as Administrator and run:
- This installs WSL 2 by default and also installs Ubuntu, but you can skip Ubuntu and install another distro (see below).
Reboot your PC when prompted.
3. Install a Different Linux Distribution
To see available Linux versions:
powershell
wsl --list --online
Example: Install Fedora Linux
powershell
wsl --install -d FedoraLinux-42
- Substitute
FedoraLinux-42 with any listing from the previous command (OpenSUSE, Debian, Alpine, etc).
Alternative: Via Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store
- Search for your preferred distro (e.g., Fedora, Debian, Alpine, SUSE)
- Click Install
4. Initial Setup
- On first launch, create a new UNIX username & password. This is your Linux account.
5. Keeping Your WSL Distributions Up-to-Date
Update the Linux Kernel (if prompted):
Update Linux Packages (inside your distro):
- For Debian/Ubuntu/derived:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
- For Fedora:
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
- For openSUSE:
sudo zypper refresh
sudo zypper update
6. Basic WSL Management
- List installed distros:
wsl --list --verbose
- Shutdown WSL completely:
wsl --shutdown
- Change default distro:
wsl --set-default <distro-name>
- Terminate a single distro:
wsl --terminate <distro-name>
7. Troubleshooting: Resetting the Root Password
If you forget/lost your root password for a WSL distro:
a. Launch as Root (no password needed):
powershell
wsl -d <distro-name> -u root
b. Reset Your User Password
(Enter and confirm your new password.)
List all users if needed:
c. Exit and Relaunch Normally
- Close the terminal and start your Linux session as usual.
- Access Windows files from Linux:
cd /mnt/c
- Access Linux files from Windows:
Open Windows Explorer and go to: \\wsl$\\<distro-name>\\home\\<your-username>
- Backing Up & Restoring WSL Instances:
- Backup:
powershell
wsl --export <distro-name> <backup-file.tar>
- Restore:
powershell
wsl --import <new-distro-name> <install-location> <backup-file.tar>
Bonus: GUI Integration and Docker Support
A. GUI Integration with WSLg
Windows 11 (and updated Windows 10) includes WSLg (Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI), so you can run Linux graphical apps natively.
How to Use
- Launch GUI apps in your Linux terminal, e.g.:
- No extra setup needed; Windows handles display and audio.
- GUI apps appear alongside Windows apps.
To install more GUI apps:
- For Fedora:
sudo dnf install gedit xeyes x11-tools
- For openSUSE:
sudo zypper install gedit xeyes x11-tools
B. Docker Support on WSL2
- Install Docker Desktop (from the official Docker website).
- During setup, select “Use WSL2 instead of Hyper-V”.
- Launch Docker Desktop, verify your WSL2 distros are listed in
Settings > Resources > WSL Integration.
- Enable integration for your distro.
- From your WSL terminal, test Docker:
docker --version
docker run hello-world
Enjoy combining the best of Linux and Windows!
Video Preview: Linux on Windows……Windows on Linux
Watch here: Linux on Windows……Windows on Linux
Short Description:
This video by NetworkChuck provides an in-depth, practical guide to using WSL 2 on Windows 11. It covers installation, setup, command and GUI interoperability, Docker usage, file integration, and advanced troubleshooting—perfect for anyone wanting to combine the power of Linux with the convenience of Windows!