To install Linux on Windows 11, the best approach is to use the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) feature provided by Microsoft. WSL allows you to run a Linux distribution alongside your Windows 11 installation without the need for dual-booting or virtual machines. In this article, we will see the steps to install Linux on Windows 11 using WSL.
Steps to install Linux on Windows 11:
Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
Install a Linux Distribution from the Microsoft Store
Launch and Set Up the Linux Distribution (Ubuntu)
Start Using Linux on Windows 11
Table of Contents
Step 1: Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
In the Windows search bar, type “Turn Windows features on or off” and then click on it as shown in the below image:
Once you click, A dialog box titled “Windows Features” will appear as you can see in the below image. Here scroll down the list and locate “Windows Subsystem for Linux“. Check the checkbox next to it. And then click on the “OK” button.
Now, windows will apply the changes and may prompt you to restart your computer. If prompted, click on the “Restart now” button to restart your computer to complete the installation.
Step 2: Install a Linux Distribution from the Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store, by typing “Microsoft Store” in the Windows search box as shown in the below image and then click on it:
Once the Microsoft Store opens, search for a Linux distribution (eg. Ubuntu) with the latest version.
On the Linux distribution’s page, click the “Get” button to install it. Wait for the installation process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Step 3: Launch and Set Up the Linux Distribution (Ubuntu)
After the installation is complete, you can launch the Linux distribution Ubuntu from the Start menu.
Once launched, the Linux distribution will begin initializing and setting up its filesystem for the first time. This process may take a few moments.
Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account and password for your Linux installation. This will be separate from your Windows user account.
NOTE: If you face any issue (generally, WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc ) in launching the Linux distribution, no worry! just follow the below steps.
Steps to Solve Error – WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc
Open Windows PowerShell by typing “PowerShell” in the Windows search box as shown in the below image, and then click on it to open the PowerShell command prompt.
Once the Windows PowerShell opens, execute the command “wsl –update” as shown in the below image. It asked for permission to update, once permission has been given it starts the process.
After that execute the command “wsl –install -d ubuntu” to install the Ubuntu as shown in the below image. This may take a few minutes. After that, it will ask for a username and password for the UNIX.
Now the Installation has been successful as you can see in the below image.
Step 4: Start Using Linux on Windows 11
With WSL installed and your preferred Linux distribution set up, you can now use Linux commands and run Linux applications directly within the Windows 11 environment.
You can access your Linux distribution Ubuntu from the Start menu or type “Ubuntu” in the Search bar and open it as shown in the below image.
Once the Ubuntu Linux distribution opens, it looks like the below:
That’s it! You have successfully installed Linux on your Windows 11 system using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and you are ready to start using Linux alongside your Windows environment.
Conclusion
Installing Linux on Windows 11 via WSL offers users a seamless integration of both operating systems. By enabling WSL and installing a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store, users can access Linux tools and applications alongside Windows. This setup streamlines computing tasks, providing flexibility and productivity in a single environment.
