The Windows Subsystem for Linux lets developers run a GNU/Linux environment -- including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications -- directly on Windows, unmodified, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dualboot setup.
You can:
Choose your favorite GNU/Linux distributions from the Microsoft Store.
Run common command-line tools such as grep, sed, awk, or other ELF-64 binaries.
Run Bash shell scripts and GNU/Linux command-line applications including:
Tools: vim, emacs, tmux
Languages: NodeJS, Javascript, Python, Ruby, C/C++, C# & F#, Rust, Go, etc.
Services: SSHD, MySQL, Apache, lighttpd, MongoDB, PostgreSQL.
Install additional software using your own GNU/Linux distribution package manager.
Invoke Windows applications using a Unix-like command-line shell.
Invoke GNU/Linux applications on Windows.
How to install Fedora 34+ on WSL
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To check if you are running WSL 2, try this command:ย
wsl --set-default-version 2
In short, if you are comfortable installing another Linux distribution, running wsl --install will install the default latest Ubuntu, or you can pick from a list by using wsl -l -o then installing one with wsl --install -d Debian or, if not Debian, whichever distribution you would like.
If you are on an older version of Windows 10 or using WSL version 1, then the following Powershell command should get you to where you need (a reboot will likely be necessary).
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux,VirtualMachinePlatform -All
Most likely, the wsl command will then instruct you to install a new kernel, so proceed to https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel and follow the instructions there.
Again, see Microsoft's instructions for a current and detailed version.
CBL-Mariner is an internal Linux distribution for Microsoftโs cloud infrastructure and edge products and services. CBL-Mariner is designed to provide a consistent platform for these devices and services and will enhance Microsoftโs ability to stay current on Linux updates. This initiative is part of Microsoftโs increasing investment in a wide range of Linux technologies, such as SONiC and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)ย
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