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Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a Windows feature that lets you run a Linux environment—including command-line tools and applications—alongside Windows apps. You install a Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu or Debian, inside WSL; WSL itself is not a distribution.
What does WSL provide?
WSL gives Windows a supported way to host and work with Linux environments. A distribution supplies the Linux user space: tools, files, and utilities such as Bash. This lets developers use Linux-oriented command-line tools and frameworks while continuing to use Windows applications on the same computer. Microsoft describes WSL as supporting a Linux file system, command-line tools, and GUI apps alongside the Windows desktop. Microsoft Learn’s WSL overview explains its purpose and capabilities.
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Is WSL a Linux distribution or a virtual machine?
Neither description is quite right on its own. WSL is a Windows feature, and a Linux distribution is installed within it. WSL 2 uses a Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine that Windows manages for you; you work with it through Windows and your installed distributions rather than operating a conventional VM in the usual way. WSL 1 uses an earlier architecture. Microsoft’s version comparison describes the architectural differences.
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| Area | WSL 1 | WSL 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Earlier WSL architecture. | Linux kernel running in a lightweight VM managed by WSL. |
| Linux compatibility | Does not use the WSL 2 kernel architecture. | Designed to provide full Linux system-call compatibility. |
| File-system performance | Different performance characteristics from WSL 2. | Improved file-system performance was a stated design goal; results depend on workload and where files are stored. |
| Windows integration | Integrates Linux and Windows workflows. | Also integrates Linux and Windows workflows, while virtualization and networking behavior can differ. |
Microsoft says WSL 1 and WSL 2 distributions can run side by side. WSL 2’s design goals do not establish that it is faster for every task; consult the current comparison for your workload before choosing a version.
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Who is WSL for?
WSL is chiefly useful to developers who need Linux command-line tools, Bash, or Linux-first frameworks but want to keep Windows applications and their usual desktop workflow available. It is also a way to work with a Linux environment without treating Linux as a separate physical computer.
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- Open PowerShell or Windows Command Prompt with the permissions required by the current setup instructions.
- Run
wsl --installon a supported Windows version. Microsoft’s streamlined installation path enables required components, installs the Linux kernel, sets WSL 2 as the default, and installs Ubuntu by default. - To select a different distribution, follow the current Microsoft installation instructions for available options and version-specific steps.
Exact requirements and command behavior depend on Windows version and WSL release. Use Microsoft’s current WSL installation guide for prerequisites and distribution choices.
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