Forum Discussion

ammarjaved's avatar
ammarjaved
Iron Contributor
Aug 31, 2021

How to install the Linux Windows Subsystem in Windows 11

How to install the Linux Windows Subsystem in Windows 11

 

Install using Command Prompt
Step 1: Start CMD with administrative privileges.
Step 2:Execute "wsl --install" command.
Step 3:Run "wsl -l -o" to list other Linux releases.
Step 4:You can install your favorite Linux distribution, use "wsl --install -d NameofLinuxDistro."

When the operation is finished, restart your PC.You can start the Linux distribution from your Start menu.

 

Install Using Windows Features
Step 1:Open the Start menu and type "Windows features" into the search bar and click on "Turn Windows Features On or Off".
Step 2:Tick the "Windows Subsystem for Linux" checkbox and press the “OK” button.

Step 3:When the operation is complete, you will be asked to restart your computer.

After that, use the Microsoft Store app and look for the Linux distribution you want to use.
Install the Linux distro of your choice.

Step 4:The Linux distribution can be launched from the Start menu.

Features

73 Replies

Sort By
Show More
      • JaJangMeow's avatar
        JaJangMeow
        Copper Contributor
        Apr 27, 2024
        same thing as the wsl --install result

        Class not registered
        Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG
  • Princellcp's avatar
    Princellcp
    Iron Contributor
    Mar 21, 2024
    What does this error "Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions" mean?
  • gjatkinson's avatar
    gjatkinson
    Copper Contributor
    Mar 08, 2024
    Thanks. For me, I noticed the Command Prompt approach does not turn on the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature (at least the checkbox is not checked) and the Linux icon did not show in the file explorer, but overall installs WSL and works fine. Months after I installed using the Command Prompt approach and with active daily usage of WSL, I noticed the file explorer icon missing. Luckily simply turning on that Windows Feature seemed to correctly add the icon in the file explorer. Thanks.
    • Rawson495's avatar
      Rawson495
      Copper Contributor
      Mar 14, 2024
      Regarding the Command Prompt approach not turning on the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature, it might be a specific issue with your system configuration. Enabling the feature through the Windows Features window should work as an alternative method.
  • Lurtoonans's avatar
    Lurtoonans
    Brass Contributor
    Jan 04, 2024

    Really a great tutorial and now it is easy to play around with Linux on a PC.

  • archjizee's avatar
    archjizee
    Copper Contributor
    May 28, 2023
    good day from this end, i am trying to download kali linux but its not in the options option. i am kiddie in this though.
    • jimmaphy's avatar
      jimmaphy
      Brass Contributor
      May 29, 2023

      Are you using the right name archjizee? Doing a search for installable distributions using the top command (see image for output), I was able to determine the name of the distribution to be kali-linux. Using this name, I was able to install the distribution using the second command.

      # Search for all available distros
wsl --list --online

# Install kali
wsl --install -d kali-linux

       How to show online Linux distributions to install through WSL 

Resources