
Install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on Windows – Step by Step Guide
What is WSL?
WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) allows you to run Linux directly on Windows without installing a virtual machine or dual boot.
With WSL, you can:
- Use Linux commands (ls, cd, grep, etc.)
- Practice DevOps & Cloud tools
- Run Bash scripts
- Learn Linux without leaving Windows
👉 This is must-have for DevOps beginners.
Requirements
Before installing WSL, make sure:
- Windows 10 (version 2004+) or Windows 11
- 64-bit system
- Admin access on your laptop
Method 1 (Recommended): Install WSL Using One Command
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Click Start
- Search PowerShell
- Right-click → Run as Administrator
Step 2: Run This Command
Loading...What this command does automatically:
- Enables WSL feature
- Enables Virtual Machine Platform
- Installs Ubuntu (default)
- Installs WSL 2
Step 3: Restart Your System
After installation completes, restart your computer.
⚠️ Restart is mandatory.
Step 4: Set Up Ubuntu (First Time)
After restart:
- Open terminal from Start Menu
- Again run the command → wsl --install
- Wait for setup (5–10 minutes takes approximately )
- Create:
- Username
- Password
👉 Password will not be visible while typing (this is normal).
Verify WSL Installation
Open Ubuntu terminal and run:
Loading...Expected output example:
Loading...If version is 2, you are good to go.
If wsl --install fails, your Windows version might be old then :
Advanced / Troubleshooting (Only If wsl --install Fails)
Important Commands You Should Know
Loading...Why WSL is Important for DevOps?
With WSL, you can learn and practice:
- Linux commands
- Bash scripting
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- Git
- CI/CD pipelines
- Cloud tools
👉 Almost every DevOps tool runs on Linux.
What’s Next?
In the next videos, we will cover:
- Linux basic commands
- File & directory structure
- Users & permissions
- Shell scripting
- Real DevOps practice
Final Note
If you are serious about DevOps, installing WSL is your first real step into Linux — without fear and without breaking your system.
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