Forem: Brayan Diaz C

How to Install WSL from PowerShell on Windows 10 and 11

Brayan Diaz C — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:00:45 +0000

If you are a developer working on Windows but need to use Linux tools, the WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is the easiest way to run Linux applications directly on your operating system without needing virtual machines or dual booting.

In this guide, I will show you how to install WSL from PowerShell, step by step, so you can take advantage of the best of both operating systems. Additionally, I’ll provide a video tutorial at the end if you prefer to follow along visually.

What is WSL?

WSL is a compatibility layer that allows Linux binaries to run natively on Windows 10 and Windows 11. With WSL, you can use Linux tools without leaving your Windows environment. The recommended version is WSL 2, as it uses a real Linux kernel, improving performance compared to WSL 1.

What Can You Do with WSL?

WSL allows you to run a wide range of Linux applications on Windows, from command-line tools like Git, Node.js, and Python to development applications like Docker, Ansible, and Kubernetes.

WSL Versions

There are two versions of WSL:

WSL 1: It is a compatibility layer that translates Linux system calls to Windows calls without using virtualization. It uses fewer resources but has limitations with the file system and some networking features.
WSL 2: It uses a real Linux kernel inside a lightweight virtual machine, offering full compatibility with Linux applications and improved performance.

We recommend WSL 2 for most cases due to its better performance and compatibility.

Windows Versions Compatible with WSL

WSL is compatible with:

Windows 10 version 2004 or later (build 19041 or higher).
Windows 11.

To check your version of Windows:

Press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter.
A window with your system information will appear.

Note: Make sure you have the latest Windows update to avoid any compatibility issues with WSL.

1. Installing WSL

Installing WSL is easy. Follow these steps:

Open PowerShell as Administrator. This is necessary to ensure you have the proper permissions to install WSL.

Run the following command in PowerShell:

   wsl --install

This command installs WSL 2 and the default Ubuntu distribution.

Restart your PC when prompted. Once restarted, WSL will be installed.

2. Configuring Linux on WSL

Open the Linux application you installed (for example, Ubuntu) and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your username and password. This is required to run commands in your Linux environment.

3. Installing Applications

Now that you have WSL and Linux set up, you can install Linux applications on Windows. For example, if you want to install Git, just run these commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git

Other useful applications include:

Node.js for JavaScript development:

  sudo apt install nodejs npm

Python for scripts and automation:

  sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

Docker for containers:

Installing Docker on WSL

I will soon be sharing a more detailed guide on how to install some of these applications through a version manager.

Common Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during installation or use of WSL, here are some solutions:

Error Enabling Windows Features

If you receive an error indicating that the necessary features are not enabled:

Open PowerShell as Administrator.
Run the following commands:

   dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
   dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Restart your computer.

WSL 2 Requires a Kernel Component Update

If you are prompted to update the WSL 2 kernel component:

Download the update package from Microsoft's official website:

WSL 2 Linux Kernel Update

Run the installer and follow the instructions.

Network or Connectivity Issues

If you experience network problems within WSL:

Restart the network service from the Linux terminal by running:

  sudo service networking restart

Make sure your firewall is not blocking connectivity.

Also Available in Spanish

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, you can find the full version on my website: Cómo instalar WSL desde PowerShell en Windows 10 y 11.

Additionally, I invite you to watch the explanation in Spanish through this video:

With WSL, you can enjoy the best of both Linux and Windows in a single environment. Installing WSL from PowerShell is quick and easy, allowing you to optimize your workflow as a developer without the need for virtual machines. Start today and take advantage of having Linux on Windows!

Additional Resources

Install WSL from the Microsoft Store

Brayan Diaz C — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 01:42:59 +0000

Software developers often prefer a Unix-based system as their primary development environment. However, if you're using Windows and want access to a Unix environment without resorting to a virtual machine or dual booting, WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is your solution.

What is WSL? 🤔

WSL is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This means you can use Linux directly on Windows without needing to switch operating systems or boot up a virtual machine.

What can you do with WSL? 💡

WSL allows you to run a wide variety of Linux applications on Windows, from command-line tools like Git, Node.js, Python, to desktop and web applications like Visual Studio Code, Atom, WordPress, and Django.

WSL Versions 🔄

There are two versions of WSL:

WSL 1 - Uses a virtual machine to run Linux applications but is compatible with more Linux versions.
WSL 2 - Uses a real Linux kernel, making it faster than WSL 1. However, it is only compatible with certain Linux versions.

Windows Versions Compatible with WSL 🖥️

WSL is compatible with Windows 10 (version 2004 or later) and Windows 11. To check your Windows version, open Windows Settings, click on "System," and then "About." On the "About" page, you can see the version of Windows you have installed.

1. Installing WSL 💾

To install WSL, follow these steps:

Open the Microsoft Store on Windows and search for "WSL." Click on the first result and then "Install".
Restart your computer after installation.

2. Installing Linux on WSL 🐧

To install a Linux kernel on WSL, perform the following steps:

Open the Microsoft Store on Windows and search for your preferred Linux distribution, for example, "Ubuntu." Click on the first result and then "Install".
Restart your computer after installation.

3. Configuring Linux on WSL ⚙️

To configure Linux on WSL, open the Linux application you installed and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to enter a username and password.

4. Installing Applications 📦

Now that you have WSL and Linux installed, you can install Linux applications on Windows. To do this, open the Linux application and run the following commands to update the package index and install the desired application:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install application_name

For example, to install Git, you would run sudo apt install git.

With WSL, software developers who use Windows as their primary operating system can enjoy the benefits of running Linux applications without the need for virtual machines or separate partitions. WSL provides the flexibility and ease of use necessary to carry out development tasks and run Linux applications efficiently within the Windows environment.

You can see this article in Spanish at the following link
Instala WSL desde Microsoft Store

Venture Out, Your Life is Your Best Project

Brayan Diaz C — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:50:25 +0000

Venturing out doesn't necessarily mean creating a company or an innovative product that changes the world. In reality, entrepreneurship can take various forms and dimensions in our daily lives.

The True Meaning of Venturing Out 🌈

The true meaning of venturing out lies in taking the first step, venturing into the unknown, and accepting the challenge. Every time we do something different or push ourselves in an area of our lives, we are venturing out. But we must not forget that starting can always be a challenge. 🚀

Facing Initial Limitations 🚧

When starting any project, we often face limitations such as lack of money 💰, knowledge 📚, or contacts 🤝. However, these should not be insurmountable barriers, but challenges to overcome.

The First Step: The Key to Entrepreneurship 👣

The key to entrepreneurship lies in taking that first step, no matter how small it may be. Even the smallest actions can lead to significant changes.

Venturing Out in Your Daily Life 👏

We encourage you to venture out in any aspect of your life, whether big or small. Remember, every time you embark on something new, you are challenging yourself and growing as a person. ✨

Entrepreneurship is not limited to business or product innovation. Your daily life is full of opportunities to venture out and grow. Dare to take the first step today. 💪

You can see this article in Spanish at the following link Emprende, tu vida es tu mejor proyecto