Back to DevOps Series
Let’s learn DevOps:
Let’s learn DevOps:/
Linux Basics to Advanced for DevOps : (From Beginner to Automation)
Linux Basics to Advanced for DevOps : (From Beginner to Automation)/
Part 1 : Installing WSL on windows & Shell and Its Types:
Part 1 : Installing WSL on windows & Shell and Its Types:/
How to install WSL in windows :
How to install WSL in windows :
How to install WSL in windows :
How to install WSL in windows :

How to install WSL in windows :

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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

  1. Click Start
  1. Search PowerShell
  1. Right-click → Run as Administrator

Step 2: Run This Command

wsl --install
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:
  1. Open terminal from Start Menu
  1. Again run the command → wsl --install
  1. Wait for setup (5–10 minutes takes approximately )
  1. Create:
      • Username
      • Password
👉 Password will not be visible while typing (this is normal).

Verify WSL Installation

Open Ubuntu terminal and run:
wsl --list --verbose
Expected output example:
NAME      STATE    VERSION
Ubuntu    Running  2
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)
Advanced / Troubleshooting (Only If wsl --install Fails)
 

Important Commands You Should Know

wsl --status
wsl --shutdown
wsl --list --verbose

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.