Install the Windows Subsystem for Linux Installation Guide for Windows 10

What is a Linux Subsystem on Windows?

This Linux Subsytem is specifically designed to let Developers run Linux environments - including the use of command-lines, utilities, and applications - using Windows directly, without modification, and without the aid of virtual machines.

Before installing any Linux distros for WSL, you must ensure that the "Windows Subsystem for Linux" optional feature is enabled:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run :

PowerShellCopy :

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux

2. Type Y and restart your computer when prompted.

Install your Linux Distribution of Choice

To download and install your preferred distro(s), you have three choices:

1. Download and install from the Microsoft Store

2. Download and install from the Command-Line/Script 

3. Download and manually unpack and install (for Windows Server)

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and later: Install from the Microsoft Store

This section is for Windows build 16215 or later. Follow these steps to check your build.

1. Open the Microsoft Store and choose your favorite Linux distribution.

The following links will open the Microsoft store page for each distribution:

• Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
• Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
• OpenSUSE Leap 15
• OpenSUSE Leap 42
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15
• Kali Linux
• Debian GNU/Linux
• Fedora Remix for WSL
• Pengwin
• Pengwin Enterprise
• Alpine WSL

2.    From the distro's page, select "Get", for now as an example I chose Ubuntu 18.04 LTS as its Linux distribution from microsoft store.

Complete initialization of your distro

Now that your Linux distro is installed, you must initialize your new distro instance once, before it can be used.

Troubleshooting:

Below are related errors and suggested fixes. Refer to the WSL troubleshooting page for other common errors and their solutions.

·         Installation failed with error 0x80070003

o    The Windows Subsystem for Linux only runs on your system drive (usually this is your C: drive). Make sure that distros are stored on your system drive:

o    Open Settings -> Storage -> More Storage Settings: Change where new content is saved 

·         WslRegisterDistribution failed with error 0x8007019e

·         The Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component is not enabled:

·         Open Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows Feature on or off -> Check Windows Subsystem forLinux or using the PowerShell.

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