How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 10 Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run a real Linux environment directly on Windows—no virtual machines, no dual boot. This is incredibly useful for developers, DevOps engineers, cybersecurity learners, and anyone who wants access to Linux tools on a Windows machine.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely install WSL and Ubuntu on Windows 10, even if this is your first time doing it on this PC.

Requirements Before You Start

Before installing WSL, make sure the following conditions are met:

• Windows 10 version 1903 or higher
• 64-bit system (x64)
• Administrator access on your PC
• Internet connection

Check Your Windows Version

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type winver and press Enter
3. Confirm your version is 1903 or newer

Step 1: Enable Required Windows Features

WSL requires two Windows features to be enabled.

Option 1: Enable via PowerShell (Recommended)

1. Click Start
2. Search for PowerShell
3. Right-click it and select Run as Administrator
4. Run the following commands one by one:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

5. Restart your computer when prompted

Restarting is very important. Skipping this step can cause errors later.

Step 2: Set WSL 2 as the Default Version

After rebooting:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run:

wsl --set-default-version 2

If this command runs successfully, your system is now configured for WSL 2.

If you see an error here, it usually means your Windows version is outdated or virtualization is disabled in BIOS.

Step 3: Install Ubuntu from Microsoft Store

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Search for Ubuntu
3. Choose Ubuntu (LTS) — recommended options:
   • Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
   • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
4. Click Install

Once the download finishes, click Launch.

Step 4: Complete Ubuntu First-Time Setup

When Ubuntu launches for the first time:

1. Wait while it finishes installing (this may take a few minutes)
2. You’ll be prompted to:
   • Create a Linux username
   • Create a password

Note: The password won’t show when typing — this is normal in Linux.

Once done, Ubuntu is fully installed 🎉

Step 5: Update Ubuntu (Important)

Run the following commands inside Ubuntu to ensure everything is up to date:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

This step prevents package issues later.

Step 6: Verify Installation

To confirm WSL and Ubuntu are working correctly:

Check WSL Version

In PowerShell:

wsl -l -v

You should see Ubuntu listed with Version 2.

Check Ubuntu

Inside Ubuntu terminal:

lsb_release -a

This confirms your Ubuntu version.

Common Issues & Fixes

WSL 2 Requires Virtualization

If you see a virtualization error:

• Restart your PC
• Enter BIOS/UEFI
• Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V
• Save and reboot

Command Not Found

Make sure PowerShell is opened as Administrator

Why Use WSL with Ubuntu?

• Native Linux tools on Windows
• Faster than virtual machines
• Perfect for:
  • DevOps
  • Cloud engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Backend development
• Seamless file access between Windows and Linux

Final Thoughts

Installing Ubuntu on Windows 10 using WSL is one of the best upgrades you can make as a technical professional. It gives you the power of Linux while staying inside Windows—clean, efficient, and reliable.

If you’ve never used Linux before, WSL is the safest place to start.

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https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install