To install Linux on Windows 10, you can use the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). WSL allows you to run a Linux environment directly on your Windows machine, without the need for a separate virtual machine or dual-boot setup. Here are the steps to install Linux on Windows 10:
Step 1: Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
– Open the Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
– Run the following command: `wsl –install`
Step 2: Check requirements for running WSL 2
– Ensure that your Windows version is 1903 or higher, as WSL 2 requires this version or later.
– Check if your system supports virtualization by running the command: `systeminfo.exe`
Step 3: Enable Virtual Machine feature
– Open PowerShell as an administrator.
– Run the command: `dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart`
– Restart your computer.
Step 4: Download the Linux kernel update package
– Go to the WSL 2 Linux kernel update package page on Microsoft’s website.
– Download the appropriate package based on your system architecture (x64 or ARM64).
– Run the downloaded package and follow the installation instructions.
Step 5: Set WSL 2 as your default version
– Open PowerShell as an administrator.
– Run the command: `wsl –set-default-version 2`
Step 6: Install your Linux distribution of choice
– Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows machine.
– Search for the Linux distribution you want to install (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora).
– Click on the distribution and select “Install.”
– Wait for the installation to complete, and then launch the Linux distribution.
Once you have completed these steps, you will have a Linux environment running on your Windows 10 machine. You can access and use this Linux environment by opening the installed Linux distribution from the Start menu or by running the `wsl` command in the command prompt or PowerShell.
It’s worth noting that WSL is not a full-fledged Linux installation but rather a compatibility layer that allows you to run Linux binaries. However, for most use cases, it provides a seamless and convenient way to work with Linux tools and applications on a Windows system.
I have personally used WSL to run Linux distributions on my Windows 10 machine, and it has been a great experience. It allows me to have the best of both worlds, with the familiarity of Windows and the power of Linux tools.