How to Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux

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Last Updated: June 13, 2024

Finally! Linux on Windows is here! With an up to date Windows 10 machine, it's easy to get an Ubuntu Linux subsystem running on your Windows machine. With the Ubuntu subsystem, you will be able to use common Linux tools, such as grep, awk, and sed, on your Windows machine freely without the restrictions of a virtual machine or bulky Unix-like environment.

Before you start: This article will be doable only if you have already upgraded to the anniversary edition of Windows 10. Learn how to do it here.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Checking Your Computer for Compatibility

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Open the Settings app. Press the Start
button and then the Settings gear on the lower-left corner of the menu.
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This will list a bunch of information about your computer.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Enabling Developer Mode

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It's second from the bottom of the list.
Windows 10 will display a warning for all of the implications that should be considered before turning Developer Mode on. Carefully read through all of these warnings and then press the Yes button.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Turning on Windows Subsystem for Linux

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It can easily be accessed by typing in turn windows in the search bar.
Scroll down to the bottom of the list to find it.
Windows 10 will now start to download a bunch of files.
Your computer will display a screen indicating that it's updating. This is actually Windows 10 setting up the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Post-Installation Setup

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This is easily done by searching for bash in the search bar.
2
Enter a username and password. Upon opening for the first time, Windows Bash will prompt you to create a username and password.
- Note that the username and password do not have to be the same as the username the password used to log into your Windows 10 account.

Community Q&A

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Question

I have a 16GB flashdrive. Unfortunately due to formatting error or improper unplugging, it has lost more of its MBS. Now I have a 2.19MB flash instead of a 16GB drive, how can I fix my problem?

Community Answer

If you are using Windows, then use the built in command line utility called diskpart to clean the drive. Alternatively, if you are not confident with using command line utility, then use a third party graphical utility. I recommend one called "Rufus". Rufus is good because it's relatively easy and convenient to use, and it is pretty much impossible to damage your Windows drive with it.

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Warnings

Windows Subsystem for Linux is still very much beta and is prone to breaking and encountering issues. There are several resources available for looking up which programs work and which programs do not work as well as resources for troubleshooting.

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