Install WSL2 on Windows 11
Windows SubSystem Linux, better known as WSL or WSL2, is a tool that allows Windows 10 and Windows 11 users to run GNU/Linux distributions without having to install additional third-party software or change operating systems. It currently supports GNU/Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Suse, among others that you can find in the application store.
The latest version of Windows SubSystem Linux is known as WSL2. Among the main features that WSL2 offers us are:
- Integration between Windows - GNU/Linux
- Instance Quick Start
- Managed VM
- Complete GNU/Linux kernel
- OS Compatibility
WSL2 allows developers to run a GNU/Linux environment with most of its applications, utilities and command line access. Fundamental part to work with our projects written in JavaScript.
How to Install WSL2 in Windows 11
With the recent release of Windows 11, we must configure our work environment, in my personal use as well as in my daily life as a Frontend Developer, I need to have an optimized work environment to work with JavaScript, execute programs from the terminal, among other important tasks.
The first thing we have to do is start the “Windows Terminal” application which is installed by default in Windows 11. (Previously in Windows 10 we had to install it from the application store.).
- Run Windows Terminal as administrator.
- Run the command:
wsl --install
Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the installation to finish.
- Install a GNU/Linux distribution from those available in the Microsoft application store.
Distributions that I recommend using:
In my setup I use “Ubuntu 20.04 LTS” installed from “Microsoft Store”. (You can install the GNU/Linux version of your choice.)
Once installed, it is necessary to restart our computer to start the installation of Ubuntu and configure our user.
Run the Ubuntu application, a terminal will open in which we will follow the instructions and assign a username and password.
Once this process is finished you will be able to run Ubuntu from Windows Terminal.
Windows 11 allows us to work much easier, with a friendlier installation and configuration with Windows SubSystem Linux and have a powerful development environment to work on our applications.
To conclude, I invite you to install my “Custom theme for ZSH” and the plug-ins that I use.