Flexibility is essential in the dynamic fields of Linux administration and DevOps. By bridging the gap between the Windows and Linux environments, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) facilitates the development, testing, and deployment of cross-platform applications for professionals. Knowing how to install and setup WSL can enhance your workflow, regardless of your level of experience as a Linux administrator or DevOps engineer.
There are two versions:
- WSL 1: Faster and lighter file input/output between Linux and Windows.
- WSL 2: A full Linux kernel that is recommended for its improved performance, Docker compatibility, and authentic Linux behavior.
Why Use WSL for Testing?
WSL allows you to operate complete Linux distributions directly on your Windows computer without the need for a virtual machine or dual-boot configuration. Here is the rationale for why WSL represents a significant advancement in testing:
- Seamless Integration: Utilize Linux tools, scripts, and applications natively within the Windows environment.
- Resource Efficiency: Utilize fewer resources than conventional virtual machines, enabling quicker deployment and reduced memory consumption.
- Improved Productivity: Streamline cross-platform testing without departing from your primary operating system.
- DevOps Alignment: Replicate production environments to facilitate precise testing and effective troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Enable WSL on Windows
First, enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature:
Run PowerShell as Administrator and execute:
wsl --install
This installs:
-
WSL 2 backend
-
Latest Ubuntu LTS distro by default
After installation:
wsl --set-default-version 2
Optional: Install a Specific Linux Distro
To see available distros:
wsl --list --online The following is a list of valid distributions that can be installed. Install using 'wsl.exe --install <Distro>'. NAME FRIENDLY NAME AlmaLinux-8 AlmaLinux OS 8 AlmaLinux-9 AlmaLinux OS 9 AlmaLinux-Kitten-10 AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 AlmaLinux-10 AlmaLinux OS 10 Debian Debian GNU/Linux FedoraLinux-43 Fedora Linux 43 FedoraLinux-42 Fedora Linux 42 SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-15-SP7 SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP7 SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-16.0 SUSE Linux Enterprise 16.0 Ubuntu Ubuntu Ubuntu-24.04 Ubuntu 24.04 LTS archlinux Arch Linux kali-linux Kali Linux Rolling openSUSE-Tumbleweed openSUSE Tumbleweed openSUSE-Leap-16.0 openSUSE Leap 16.0 Ubuntu-20.04 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Ubuntu-22.04 Ubuntu 22.04 LTS OracleLinux_7_9 Oracle Linux 7.9 OracleLinux_8_10 Oracle Linux 8.10 OracleLinux_9_5 Oracle Linux 9.5 openSUSE-Leap-15.6 openSUSE Leap 15.6 SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-15-SP6 SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP6
I have to install a different Linux distribution, specifically Oracle Linux 9, which is what I need to do. Let’s move forward with the installation in accordance with the instructions.
wsl --install --distribution OracleLinux_9_5 wsl: Using legacy distribution registration. Consider using a tar based distribution instead. Downloading: Oracle Linux 9.5 Oracle Linux 9.5 has been downloaded. Distribution successfully installed. It can be launched via 'wsl.exe -d Oracle Linux 9.5' Launching Oracle Linux 9.5... Installing, this may take a few minutes... Please create a default UNIX user account. The username does not need to match your Windows username. For more information visit: https://aka.ms/wslusers Enter new UNIX username: asif Changing password for user asif. New password: BAD PASSWORD: The password is shorter than 8 characters Retype new password: passwd: all authentication tokens updated successfully. Installation successful!
Managing WSL Distros
List Installed Distros
wsl --list --verbose
or shorthand:
wsl -l -v NAME STATE VERSION * Ubuntu-24.04 Stopped 2 FedoraLinux-43 Stopped 2 Ubuntu Stopped 2 OracleLinux_8_10 Stopped 2 OracleLinux_9_5 Stopped 2 Ubuntu-22.04 Stopped 2
Set Default Distro
wsl --setdefault OracleLinux_9_5 The operation completed successfully. wsl --list --verbose NAME STATE VERSION * OracleLinux_9_5 Stopped 2 FedoraLinux-43 Stopped 2 Ubuntu Stopped 2 Ubuntu-24.04 Stopped 2 OracleLinux_8_10 Stopped 2 Ubuntu-22.04 Stopped 2
Set WSL Version (1 or 2)
wsl --set-version <distro-name> 2
Launch a Specific Distro
wsl -d Ubuntu-24.04 user@DESKTOP:~$ lsb_release -a No LSB modules are available. Distributor ID: Ubuntu Description: Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS Release: 24.04 Codename: noble
Terminate the instance
wsl --terminate FedoraLinux-43
wsl --list --verbose NAME STATE VERSION * OracleLinux_9_5 Stopped 2 FedoraLinux-43 Running 2 Ubuntu Stopped 2 Ubuntu-24.04 Stopped 2 OracleLinux_8_10 Stopped 2 Ubuntu-22.04 Stopped 2 wsl --terminate FedoraLinux-43 The operation completed successfully. wsl --list --verbose NAME STATE VERSION * OracleLinux_9_5 Stopped 2 FedoraLinux-43 Stopped 2 Ubuntu Stopped 2 Ubuntu-24.04 Stopped 2 OracleLinux_8_10 Stopped 2 Ubuntu-22.04 Stopped 2
Shut down all WSL instances
wsl --shutdown
Unregister (delete) the distribution
wsl --unregister Ubuntu-22.04 Unregistering. The operation completed successfully. wsl --list --verbose NAME STATE VERSION * OracleLinux_9_5 Stopped 2 FedoraLinux-43 Stopped 2 Ubuntu Stopped 2 Ubuntu-24.04 Stopped 2 OracleLinux_8_10 Stopped 2
Starting and Stopping WSL
Start WSL
wsl
Start a Specific Distro
wsl -d Ubuntu-24.04
Stop All Running Instances
wsl --shutdown
Export, Import, and Backup WSL
Export a Distro (for Backup)
wsl --export Ubuntu-24.04 "D:\01\WSL_Backups\Ubuntu24_Snapshot.tar"
Import a Distro (Restore)
wsl --import MyUbuntu D:\WSL\MyUbuntu D:\01\WSL_Backups\Ubuntu24_Snapshot.tar --version 2
Unregister (Delete) a Distro
wsl --unregister FedoraLinux-43 Unregistering. The operation completed successfully. wsl --list --verbose NAME STATE VERSION * OracleLinux_9_5 Stopped 2 Ubuntu Stopped 2 Ubuntu-24.04 Stopped 2 OracleLinux_8_10 Stopped 2
Useful WSL Configuration Commands
View WSL Config
cat /etc/wsl.conf
Example configuration file:
[boot] systemd=true [network] generateResolvConf=false
Enable systemd in WSL
If systemd services like systemctl don’t work:
Edit /etc/wsl.conf inside your distro:
sudo nano /etc/wsl.conf
Add:
[boot] systemd=true
Then run:
wsl --shutdown
and restart the distro.
Accessing Windows Files from WSL
Your Windows drives are available under /mnt:
cd /mnt/c cd /mnt/d
You can also open Windows apps from WSL:
Using WSL for DevOps or Cloud Tools
You can install:
-
Docker Desktop (uses WSL2 backend)
-
kubectl, minikube, or kind for Kubernetes
-
Terraform, Ansible, AWS CLI, etc.
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y docker.io kubectl ansible
Summary
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is an option to take into consideration if you want to create a development environment on Windows that is similar to that of Linux. Through the use of WSL, you are able to work with Windows apps while simultaneously running a full Linux distribution. You may start utilizing WSL by:
- You can activate Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) by going into the settings for Windows Features.
- Through the Microsoft Store, you can get your preferred Linux distribution up and running successfully.
- Your development environment should be configured in the same manner as it would be on Linux.
When creating across many platforms, this setup provides a more consistent experience for the user. You can find thorough information by checking the Microsoft’s official WSL documentation.
