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Subha Mondal
Subha Mondal

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🐧 How to Install Ubuntu on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

#ubuntu #ubuntuonwindows #windows11 #linux

Are you a Windows user curious about trying Ubuntu without removing your current operating system? Good news! You can easily install Ubuntu on Windows using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) - no need to dual-boot or use a virtual machine.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you step by step to install Ubuntu on Windows in the easiest way possible. Let’s get started!

✅ What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
  • Internet connection
  • Some basic patience 😊

💡 What is WSL?

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is a feature in Windows that lets you run a real Linux terminal right inside your Windows machine. You can use Linux commands, install tools, and even run code - just like on a real Ubuntu machine.

🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to Install Ubuntu on Windows

🔹 Step 1️⃣: Enable WSL on Your Windows

  1. Click on the Start Menu and search for “Turn Windows features on or off”.
  2. Open the result. A new window will appear with a list of Windows features.
  3. Scroll down and check the following two boxes:
    • ✅ Windows Subsystem for Linux
    • ✅ Virtual Machine Platform
  4. Click OK. Windows will apply the changes and may ask you to restart your computer.
  5. After restarting, WSL will be enabled on your system.

📌 Note: These features are required to run Ubuntu using WSL 2.

Enable WSL - Screenshot

🔹 Step 2️⃣: Install Ubuntu

Now that WSL is enabled, it’s time to install Ubuntu on your Windows system.

  1. Open the Start Menu, search for "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell".
  2. Right-click and choose "Run as administrator".
  3. Enter the following command to install Ubuntu: 
   wsl --install -d Ubuntu
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Now Hit Enter . The system will start downloading and installing Ubuntu.

Downloading Ubuntu

Installing Ubuntu

Once completed, restart your computer if prompted.

📝 Note: The -d Ubuntu part tells WSL to install the default Ubuntu distribution.

🔹 Step 3️⃣: Launch Ubuntu

👉 Method 1: From Command Prompt (CMD)

  • Once Ubuntu is installed, you can easily launch it from the command line.
  • Type the following command and press Enter: 
   wsl -d Ubuntu
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  • It will ask you to create a new username and password for Ubuntu. Set username and password.

🎉 Congrats! You now have Ubuntu running on your Windows machine.😍

Ubuntu CLI

👉 Method 2: From Start Menu

  • Press the Windows key.
  • Search for "Ubuntu" in the start menu.
  • Click the Ubuntu App to launch the terminal.

📌 Note: The first time you launch Ubuntu, it may take a few seconds to set up. You’ll be prompted to create a username and password.

🛠️ Optional: Install Ubuntu from Microsoft Store (If Needed)

If the wsl --install -d ubuntu command didn’t work or you want to install a specific version of Ubuntu manually, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start Menu.
  2. In the search bar, type "Ubuntu".

  3. You’ll see different versions like:

    • Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
    • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
    • Ubuntu Preview

  4. Click on the version you prefer.

  5. Press the "Get" button to download and install Ubuntu.

  6. Once the installation is complete, open Ubuntu from the Start Menu.

🧪 Try Some Ubuntu Commands

Now that Ubuntu is installed, open the terminal and try running these basic commands:

ls
pwd
sudo apt update
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These commands help you:

ls: List files in the current directory.

pwd: Show your current directory path.

sudo apt update: Update the package list in Ubuntu.

You can now use Ubuntu for coding, installing Linux tools, or just learning more about the Linux environment!

🧩 Final Thoughts

Installing Ubuntu on Windows using WSL is the safest and easiest way to explore Linux. You don't need to modify your system or create new partitions.

Whether you're a developer, student, or just curious, this method is perfect for getting started with Linux right from Windows.

🔎 FAQs

❓ Q: Is Ubuntu on Windows the same as a full Ubuntu system?

A: Almost! It’s a full Linux environment, but it runs inside Windows. You can perform most tasks just like on a native Linux system.

❓ Q: Can I uninstall it later?

A: Yes! Just go to “Apps & Features” in your Windows settings, search for Ubuntu, and click Uninstall.

📢 If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your friends ❤️ or leave a comment below! 💬

Written with ❤️ by Subha Mondal
👨‍💻 Full Stack Developer | Linux Enthusiast | Tech Blogger
📬 Stay tuned for more guides at devsubha
🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn

🙏 Thanks for reading! Hope this guide made your Ubuntu journey a little easier. Happy exploring!

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