🚀 How to Install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

WSL lets you run a Linux environment directly on Windows without a virtual machine or dual boot. Perfect for developers who need Linux tools on Windows.

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🌟 Features

• Run Linux on Windows – No separate machine or VM needed.
• Fast Performance – Near-native speed using the Windows kernel.
• Linux Tools – Access Bash, Git, Python, and more.
• GUI Support – Run Linux GUI apps with GPU acceleration (WSL 2).
• File Sharing – Seamlessly access files between Windows and Linux.
• Docker & AI – Ideal for Docker, TensorFlow, and other tools.

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🔢 WSL Versions

1️⃣ WSL 1

• Compatibility layer for Linux system calls.
• Faster file access for Windows files.
• Limited Linux feature support.

2️⃣ WSL 2

• Real Linux kernel in a lightweight VM.
• Full Linux system call compatibility (supports Docker, GPU, etc.).
• Slightly slower file access to Windows folders.

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🛠️ Installation Guide

Step 1: Enable WSL

Run this in PowerShell (Admin) or CMD:

wsl --install

This installs WSL 2 with Ubuntu as the default distro.

Step 2: Check Available Distros

wsl --list --online

Step 3: Install a Linux Distro

To install a specific distro (e.g., Debian or Kali Linux):

wsl --install -d <DistroName>

Step 4: Set WSL Version

Ensure your distro uses WSL 2:

wsl --set-version <DistroName> 2

Step 5: Open WSL

Simply type:

wsl

Step 6: Install a Desktop GUI

To install a desktop GUI like GNOME or XFCE4, follow these steps:

Install GNOME Desktop

1. Update your package list:

   sudo apt update

2. Install GNOME Desktop:

   sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop -y

Install XFCE4 and LightDM

1. Update your package list:

   sudo apt update

2. Install XFCE4 and LightDM:

   sudo apt install xfce4 lightdm -y

3. During installation, you may be prompted to select a display manager. Choose lightdm.

Start the GUI

To start the GUI, run:

sudo service lightdm start

Run GUI via Remote Desktop Connection

To access the GUI using Remote Desktop Connection:

1. Install an RDP server in your WSL environment:

   sudo apt install xrdp -y

2. Start the RDP server:

   sudo service xrdp start

3. Find your WSL IP address:

   hostname -I

4. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app on Windows and enter the IP address from the previous step.
5. Log in using your WSL username and password.

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❌ Uninstalling WSL

To remove WSL completely:

wsl --unregister <DistroName>

Example:

wsl --unregister Ubuntu

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💡 Common Use Cases

• 💻 Web Development – Run Linux-based servers, databases, and tools.
• 🐍 AI & Machine Learning – Use TensorFlow, PyTorch, Jupyter Notebook.
• 🐳 Docker & Containers – Fully supported on WSL 2.
• ⚙️ System Administration – Manage servers and run Linux scripts.

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