Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to run Linux applications natively on your Windows machine. If you’re a developer or a Linux user and you want to use Linux tools while working on a Windows machine, enabling WSL is the perfect option for you.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Step 1: Check Your Windows Version

The first step is to check if your version of Windows 10 supports WSL. Go to Settings > System > About and look for the ‘System type’ field. Your system must be running Windows 10 64-bit version 1607 or later, with build number 14393 or higher.

Step 2: Enable WSL in Windows Features

To enable WSL on your Windows machine, you have to activate Windows Subsystem for Linux in the ‘Windows Features’ settings.

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.

2. Scroll down until you see the ‘Windows Subsystem for Linux’ option.

3. Check the box next to it and click OK.

Step 3: Download a Linux Distribution From the Microsoft Store

Once you’ve enabled WSL, you need to download a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store. Simply search for ‘Linux’ in the search bar, and choose a distribution that you want to install.

Select the ‘Get’ button to download and install the Linux distribution of your choice. The installation can take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed.

Step 4: Launch Your Linux Distribution and Create a User Account

After the installation is complete, you can launch your Linux distribution from the Windows Start Menu. The first time you run the distribution, it will ask you to create a user account and password. Enter the details and remember them for future use.

That’s it! You now have Linux up and running on your Windows machine, and you can use it just like you would on a Linux computer. You can install packages, run commands, and even launch GUI applications.