The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer for running native Linux binaries on Windows 10. It allows developers to run a GNU/Linux environment - including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications directly on Windows 10.

 

If you are running Windows 10 Build 20262 or higher, you can easily install WSL on Windows 10 by entering a command-line option as a Windows PowerShell command. Here we will learn how to install WSL on Windows 10.

 

Table of Contents

 

How to install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on Windows 10?

 

How to install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on Windows 10

  1. Open the Windows PowerShell with administrator privileges.
  2. Enter the following command in the prompt: wsl.exe –install
  3. Wait for some time to get it installed on your system.
  4. Follow the prompts to restart your device.

 

How to install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on Windows 10?

 

This command will install everything that you need to run WSL, including the Linux distribution itself with just one line. Once rebooted, the Ubuntu app will open on the screen and will ask you to enter a username and a password for your WSL account.

 

Do note that the command will run on Windows 10 Build 20262 or later.

 


Kunal Chowdhury

About the Author

Solution Architect & Former Microsoft MVP

Kunal Chowdhury is an enterprise solution architect and former multi-year Microsoft MVP. He is the author of three technical books: Windows Presentation Foundation Development Cookbook, Mastering Visual Studio 2017, and the Mastering Visual Studio 2019.

He publishes technical and non-technical articles on .