Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo run Linux tools on Windows 11 without creating and managing a separate virtual machine, install the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Microsoft’s one-command setup installs Ubuntu by default, so you can open a Linux shell alongside your Windows desktop. One important distinction: WSL 2—the default for this setup—uses virtualization components under the hood, even though you do not have to set up a conventional VM yourself.
What “without a virtual machine” means with WSL
Microsoft Learn describes WSL as a way to run a GNU/Linux environment, including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications, directly on Windows without the overhead of a traditional virtual-machine or dual-boot setup. That means you can use Linux tools from Windows without creating and managing a separate VM in the usual way.
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It does not mean WSL 2 runs without virtualization. Microsoft says WSL 2 uses the Virtual Machine Platform, a component based on a subset of Hyper-V architecture. WSL 2 is available on Windows 11 Home as well as other Windows 11 editions.
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Install WSL and Ubuntu on Windows 11
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Open PowerShell as an administrator. Run:
wsl --install -
Restart Windows if prompted. Microsoft’s command enables the required WSL and Virtual Machine Platform components and installs Ubuntu by default. It also sets WSL 2 as the default for the streamlined installation.
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C4 SE Mini PC, Ryzen 5 3500U (up to 3.7GHz), 8GB DDR4 256GB NVMe SSD- 【Ryzen 5 3500U Processor】Equipped with Ryzen 5 3500U 4-core 8-thread processor with a max boost of 3.7GHz and integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics, this ORIGIMAGIC mini PC delivers stable and responsive computing power. Perfectly handles daily office work, 4K video playback, casual gaming and light multimedia creation.Advanced features like Auto Power On, RTC Wake, and Wake-on-LAN make it ideal for business, kiosks, digital signage, and remote management
- 【8GB DDR4 & 256B SSD & Expandable】The Mini computer is equipped with 8GB DDR4 2400MT/s SO-DIMM memory, dual SO-DIMM slots expandable up to 32GB. Pre-installed 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe3.0 NVMe SSD; extra M.2 2280 PCIe3.0 ×1 slot reserved for storage expansion. Whether for daily office work, entertainment, or creation, the Mini PC can deliver excellent performance and ample storage.
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- 【Dual Gigabit LAN, WiFi 5 & Bluetooth 5.0】This mini PC is equipped with dual RJ45 gigabit Ethernet ports, dual-band WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. It provides ultra-stable network transmission for 4K streaming, online meetings and large file transfers. The stable wireless connection supports fast pairing with Bluetooth keyboards, headsets and speakers, and it can also be used as a soft router and home server for diverse usage scenarios.
- 【Multiple interface configurations】This computer provides a rich interface configuration to meet the connection needs of multiple scenarios, 2×USB3.2 Gen2 10Gbps, 1×USB3.2 Gen1, 1×USB2.0, 3.5mm TRRS audio jack. Dual RTL8111H Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports, ideal for soft routing, network monitoring, office and home network setup. Comes with clear CMOS reset hole and LED power button for convenient operation.
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After restarting, launch Ubuntu from the Start menu if it does not open automatically. Wait for setup to unpack its files, then create the Linux username and password it requests. These credentials belong to the Linux distribution; they are separate from your Windows sign-in.
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Update Ubuntu’s package lists and installed packages:
sudo apt updatesudo apt upgradeThese are Ubuntu commands. Other Linux distributions use their own package managers and update commands.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Rank #2
BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5300U 4C/ 8T, Business Home Office PC- 【AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU: Outperforms N150 & 3500U】 BOSGAME E5 mini PC is powered by the TSMC 7nm FinFET architecture AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 3.8GHz boost, 6MB total cache). Compared to low-end Intel N150 or 3500U chips which only have 4 single threads and throttle under load, the 5300U delivers over 30% faster multi-core speed. Run 30+ browser tabs, large Excel sheets, and Zoom meetings simultaneously without system lag.
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Microsoft’s WSL installation guide documents the install command and first-run setup.
Choose another Linux distribution
If you do not want the default Ubuntu distribution, list the distributions available through WSL and install one by its listed name:
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In PowerShell or Command Prompt, run
wsl --list --online.Rank #3
Bmax Mini PC Mini Desktop Computer Intel Celeron J3355 (Up to 2.5GHz) Win 11, 6GB RAM 128GB eMMC Support M.2 SSD Expansion (512GB/2TB), 4K Dual Display WiFi5& BT5.0 for Home/Office,Daily Use,B1 Plus- 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 & 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Powered by the Intel Celeron J3355 Processor (up to 2.5GHz), this Mini PC delivers a 25% performance boost over previous generations. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Home and supporting Linux/Ubuntu, it’s the ideal micro desktop for seamless web browsing, document editing, and efficient daily office tasks.
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- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: Measuring only 4.2x4.1x1.4 inches and weighing just 0.49 lbs, this palm-sized mini computer fits anywhere. Use the included VESA bracket to mount it behind your monitor for a zero-clutter workspace. Features a smart silent fan and heat sink system for quiet, reliable 24/7 operation.
- 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: Stay connected with Dual-Band WiFi (2.4G/5G), Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. Exclusive One-Click Restore feature (via F9 key) allows for quick system recovery in minutes. Backed by Bmax's 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support for a worry-free purchase.
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Install the distribution you want, substituting its exact listed name for
<DistributionName>:Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.wsl --install -d <DistributionName>
The Microsoft WSL basic commands reference covers listing and installing distributions. Ubuntu is a straightforward default, but the right choice depends on the software and workflow you need; the install command alone does not make one distribution best for everyone.
Open Linux tools and work with Windows files
Start your distribution from the Start menu or open it in Windows Terminal to get a Linux shell. From there, run Linux command-line tools as you would in that distribution. WSL also supports interoperability between Windows and Linux, so you can use tools across the two environments.
Rank #4
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- High-Speed Transmission: Built with USB 3.0 and Type-C interfaces, high-performance external cd drive for laptop delivers fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps for quick disc reading and writing. This versatile external cd/dvd drive for laptop works with mainstream disc formats like DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW, boasting 8X max DVD read speed and 24X max CD read/write speed. It doubles as a functional cd burner for laptop to meet your daily disc operation needs. and an extra USB power cable is included to fix insufficient power issues for stable reading (power cable only for power supply, no data transfer). Note: It does not support DVD-RAM, Blu-ray discs and proprietary formats.
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For a Linux-oriented development workflow, keep active project files in the Linux filesystem. When you need Windows files, access them from Linux through the mounted Windows paths. Microsoft’s WSL file-system guidance explains how the two environments’ filesystems are accessed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check or manage your WSL installation
Run these commands from PowerShell or Command Prompt. If you need to call the Windows WSL executable from inside Linux, use wsl.exe.
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| See installed distributions and their WSL versions | wsl --list --verbose |
| Convert a distribution to WSL 2 | wsl --set-version <DistributionName> 2 |
| Update WSL | wsl --update |
| Stop running WSL distributions | wsl --shutdown |
Use the conversion command only when you have a reason to change that distribution’s version. Microsoft’s command reference includes the current syntax and details.
Best Value
- 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
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- Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
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- GMKTEC WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 3-year limited warranty (1 year replacement + 2 years parts replacement) for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase effective on all sales starting Oct. 2026. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC
When WSL 2 or Linux GUI apps matter
For the default setup, WSL 2 is the practical starting point. It is selected by wsl --install and is required for Linux GUI application support. WSL 1 may be relevant for a particular compatibility or filesystem-performance need, but the right choice depends on the workload; consult Microsoft’s WSL 1 and WSL 2 comparison before switching versions.
WSL 2 can run supported Linux GUI applications integrated with Windows, but it does not provide a complete Linux desktop environment. Microsoft’s documented GUI configuration requires Windows 11 or Windows 10 build 19044 or later and an installed graphics driver; GUI applications do not work in WSL 1. See Run Linux GUI apps with WSL for the documented prerequisites and behavior.
Quick Recap
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