WSL

Project Overview

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets developers run unmodified Linux command-line tools, utilities, and applications directly on Windows, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dual boot. Maintained by Microsoft, it installs with a single command and works alongside companion projects for Linux GUI app support and the Linux kernel. For users who need both the Windows ecosystem and the Linux toolchain, it offers a lightweight middle ground.

Run a native Linux toolchain on Windows without spinning up a VM.

Key Features

• One-command install: run wsl --install in the Windows command line to install it
• Native Linux tools: run unmodified Linux command-line tools and applications directly
• Low overhead: no heavy virtual machine footprint and no dual-boot switching
• Multiple distributions: install and use several Linux distributions side by side
• File interoperability: conveniently access files between the Windows and Linux file systems
• GUI app support: run Linux GUI apps with the companion components
• Localized CLI: key command-line text is localized for users of different languages

Target Audience

• Developers who use both the Windows and Linux toolchains
• DevOps and data users who need a local Linux environment
• Users who would rather not maintain a VM or dual boot

Quick Start

1. Run wsl --install in the Windows command line to install it
2. Reboot as prompted, then set a Linux username and password on first launch
3. Type wsl in a terminal to enter the default distribution
4. Install additional distributions with wsl --install -d <distribution-name> when needed
5. Use Linux commands and tools directly in the terminal, and access Windows files through mounted paths

Core Advantages

• Ready out of the box: a single command installs it, with no complex VM setup
• Light and fast: skips the resource overhead of a traditional VM and starts quickly
• Complementary ecosystems: use Linux tools directly on Windows, keeping both ecosystems
• Officially maintained: maintained by Microsoft and kept in step with Windows updates

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
OS	Windows 10, Windows 11
Features	Requires enabling Windows features such as Virtual Machine Platform
Network	Internet access to install distributions

Notes

• The app logs basic diagnostic data (telemetry); see the repository's privacy documentation, which explains how to turn it off
• After installing a distribution, set a Linux username and password and keep them safe
• Some low-level error outputs are not fully localized, kept that way to give richer failure context
• Running Linux GUI apps requires the corresponding component support