There are numerous ways to use Linux commands on Windows. You can install Linux directly on the computer or dual boot it.
But when you have been a lifelong Windows user, the above two methods may seem risky.
That's where you can take the easier route and use Linux inside Windows. Now, there are two ways for that as well:
- Use Linux inside Windows using virtual machine
- Use Linux inside Windows using WSL
This WSL is the easiest of all the methods, specially if your aim is to learn Linux command line or use Linux in your development workflow.
WSL allows you to quickly and easily install a supported Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store and then use it via the Windows Terminal.
It is primarily command line based interface, although WSL 2 allows you to use GUI from Linux apps as well.
Sounds interesting? Want to give it a try and learn more? This is why we have created this resource section for you.
What will you learn here?
This section here is an assortment of tutorials that will help you learn the essentials of using WSL to get Linux on your Windows machine.
You'll learn to:
- Enable WSL on Windows and use it to install Ubuntu and other Linux
- Shutdown WSL running Linux distro
- Access WSL files from Linux in Windows
- Backup and restore Linux distros running via WSL
- Remove Linux distributions with WSL
- Reset forgotten Linux password with WSL
- Essential WSL commands
- Uninstall WSL (if you don't need it anymore)
The idea is to give you enough knowledge to get you started with WSL and use it effectively.
Let's begin with enabling WSL.
