Microsoft Windows is the most widely used operating system. In contrast, Linux is known for its command-line terminal and security. What if someone wants to use the Linux Terminal within a Windows system? Well, this is possible. You can use the Ubuntu Terminal in your Windows by installing the Ubuntu application in your system.
The Microsoft store has the Ubuntu application, which you can download and use for free. However, there are a few steps that you need to perform to install the application into your system. Let’s go through those steps to install our Ubuntu Terminal in Windows.
Also read: Debian vs Ubuntu: Which Linux distro should you pick?
Requirements to install Ubuntu
The system you want to install the Ubuntu application should be an x86 machine with Windows 10. Your Windows 10 should be up to date with the latest updates.
The Windows Subsystem for Linux is required to run the Ubuntu application, and it was rolled out with the update of October 2017. Thus, your Windows should have at least the October 2017 update installed.
Enable WSL
You need to enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux. You can enable it in two ways – through the PowerShell command or the Control Panel.
Enable WSL using command
Open PowerShell as an Administrator, type in one of the following commands into the PowerShell and hit Enter.
Type this command for Windows with October 2017 or above updates:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
Type this command for May 2020 or latest updates:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestartRestart your system after running the command.
Enable WSL through Control Panel
You can enable the WSL through the command prompt by following the given steps.
Step 1: Open your Control Panel and click on Programs.
Step 2: Under the Program and Features tab, click on ‘Turn Windows feature on or off’.
Step 3: Search for Windows Subsystem for Linux in the pop-up box, check the checkbox, and click on Ok.
It will take a few minutes to enable the feature, after which you will get a prompt to restart your system. You must restart your system to complete the process of enabling WSL.
Also read: Ubuntu task manager: Everything you need to know
Installing Ubuntu app on Windows
You can download the Ubuntu Terminal application through your Microsoft Store for free.
Open Microsoft Store and then search for Ubuntu and download the application.
After installation, open the Ubuntu application. You will see an “Installing, this may take a few minutes” message.
You have to wait for some time for the installation process to finish. Type in your username and password, and you will see the terminal.
You have successfully installed the Ubuntu terminal on Windows 10.
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