Why Choose WSL?
Windows Subsystem for Linux brings the power of Linux to Windows developers, offering the best of both worlds in a single environment.
Easy Installation
Set up WSL with a single command. Get Ubuntu, Debian, or your favorite Linux distribution running in minutes.
Native Performance
Run Linux binaries natively on Windows with near-native performance. No virtual machine overhead.
File System Integration
Seamlessly access Windows files from Linux and Linux files from Windows. Work across both systems effortlessly.
Development Tools
Use your favorite Linux development tools, compilers, and utilities alongside Windows applications.
VS Code Integration
Develop in WSL with full VS Code support. Remote development with IntelliSense, debugging, and extensions.
Docker & Containers
Run Docker containers natively in WSL2. Perfect for containerized development workflows.
Quick Start Guide
Get up and running with WSL in just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps to transform your Windows development environment.
Enable WSL
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the installation command
This will enable the required features and install Ubuntu by default.
Restart & Setup
Restart your computer and complete the Ubuntu setup
Create your user account and update the system packages.
Install Tools
Install your favorite development tools and languages
Get your development environment ready with essential tools.
VS Code Setup
Install VS Code and the Remote-WSL extension
Open your WSL workspace directly in VS Code for seamless development.
Supported Technologies
WSL supports a vast ecosystem of tools, languages, and frameworks. Build anything from web applications to machine learning models.
Linux Distributions
Ubuntu
Most popular choice with excellent package management
Debian
Stable and reliable base for many distributions
Kali Linux
Perfect for security testing and penetration testing
Alpine
Lightweight and security-oriented distribution
Development Tools
VS Code
Full-featured IDE with WSL remote development
Git
Version control that works seamlessly across systems
Docker
Container platform with native WSL2 integration
Node.js
JavaScript runtime for modern web development
Programming Languages
Python
Data science, AI, and web development
JavaScript/TypeScript
Web development and modern applications
Go
Fast, compiled language for system programming
Rust
System programming with memory safety
DevOps & Cloud
Kubernetes
Container orchestration platform
Terraform
Infrastructure as Code tool
AWS CLI
Amazon Web Services command line interface
Azure CLI
Microsoft Azure command line tools
And Much More!
WSL supports virtually any Linux application or tool. If it runs on Linux, it runs on WSL. Explore the endless possibilities of cross-platform development.
Community & Resources
Join the vibrant WSL community. Get help, share knowledge, and stay updated with the latest developments in Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Official Microsoft Docs
DocumentationComprehensive documentation and tutorials from Microsoft
WSL GitHub Repository
CommunitySource code, issues, and community discussions
r/bashonubuntuonwindows
CommunityActive Reddit community for WSL users and developers
Stack Overflow
Q&AGet help with specific WSL problems and solutions
Contribute to This Guide
This WSL guide is a community effort. Help us improve it by contributing tutorials, fixes, or new content. Every contribution makes the WSL ecosystem better for everyone.