You can run Linux Command applications on your Windows 10 computer. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer for running Linux binary executables. In other words, you can run Linux applications on you computer without installing Linux.

Sorry, you will be able to run text based applications only until the graphical apps feature comes in Windows 10 version 21H2 later this year. But if you still want install it and play around with the Linux command-line it is easy to do.

Install WSL

I’ve updated these instructions because I found a much better an easier way to install WSL…

Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal with administrator privileges. Then type…

wsl --install

When it finishes you will be prompted to restart the machine. A few seconds after restart an Ubuntu terminal window will appear. Do not close the window! It will take several minutes to complete the setup process then it will prompt you to enter a username and password. Then you will be ready to go.

The instructions for Windows 10 WSL found on the internet will install WSL1; this new way installs WSL2 which is a prerequisite to running GUI applications. I have not accomplished this on Windows 10 yet but soon I’ll find some complete instructions which I will be able to understand.