How to Install Linux Bash on Windows 10

The computing world keeps changing, and now, many Windows 10 users blend Windows and Linux. To merge the strengths of both, install Linux Bash on Windows 10 is a potent solution. From prerequisites to enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), selecting the right Linux distribution, and setting up Linux Bash, this tutorial simplifies the process. Whether you’re a developer testing Linux apps, a system admin seeking cross-platform functionality, or just curious, this tutorial caters to all levels.

This guide helps you install Linux Bash on Windows 10. It’s for beginners. If you’re a developer or just curious, it lets you run Linux commands on Windows. Explore Linux in the Windows environment with this guide. We will start with WSL basics. Enable it on your Windows 10. Pick the Linux distribution you need. Learn the basics of using Linux Bash, and creating and managing files in Linux. At the end, you’ll have a working Linux terminal on Windows and know how to use it well.

Linux Subsystem for Windows (WSL)

Windows and Linux have been different for a while. But now, with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), things are changing. Microsoft is working to bring them together. Let’s understand WSL and see how it’s changing how we use Windows and Linux.

What is WSL?

WSL makes Linux programs work on Windows 10 without issues. You can use a Linux distribution on your Windows machine directly. It removes the old barriers between these operating systems. WSL isn’t a virtual machine or emulator. It gives a complete Linux kernel interface for interacting with Linux apps. WSL has changed over time. There are different versions. WSL 1, the first one, made Linux commands work with Windows apps. WSL 2 is a big update. It has a full Linux kernel, making things faster and giving a more real Linux feel on Windows.

Enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Now, let’s enable WSL on your Windows 10. Whether you’re a developer or just curious about Windows and Linux, this is the way to make them work together smoothly.

Follow these steps to enable WSL on Windows 10:

1. Check your Windows version: Make sure it’s 1903 or higher. Check your Windows version by typing “winver” in the search bar.
2. Enable virtualization: WSL needs this. Ensure it’s enabled in your BIOS during the boot process.
3. Enable Windows features: In the Control Panel, go to “Programs” -> “Turn Windows features on or off.” Find “Windows Subsystem for Linux,” check it, and click “OK.” Restart if prompted.
4. Install WSL: Go to Microsoft Store, search for your preferred Linux distribution (like Ubuntu), click “Install,” and wait for the download.
5. Set up a user account: Launch the installed Linux distribution, create a user account, and set a password.
6. Update the package manager: In the Linux terminal, run these commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

What Is Bash Shell?

Bash, the command language interpreter, is widely used in different Linux versions and the GNU operating system, serving as the interface to the operating system. If you’ve given commands in the terminal on Ubuntu, it’s likely you’ve used Bash. The name “Bash” stands for ‘Bourne-Again SHell,’ a play on Stephen Bourne, the creator of the Unix shell ‘sh.’ Bash brings functional improvements over sh for both interactive and programming purposes.

As a free version of the Bourne Shell, Bash comes bundled with many Linux and GNU operating systems, including Ubuntu. It’s the preferred command-line interpreter, especially on Linux, and is the default interactive shell on various Linux distributions. Now, with Windows’ release, it’s possible to install the Bash shell on Windows as well.

Why Install Bash On Windows 10?

Windows already has PowerShell, a command shell and scripting language, catering to system administrators for diverse administration tasks. Developed on the .NET framework, PowerShell overcomes the limitations of the primitive command prompt, lacking remote administration capabilities crucial for server management.

The need to install Bash shell on Windows arises from the open-source development community. PowerShell and Bash have different focuses and designs. With the rise of open-source programming languages, an operating system’s support becomes crucial. Integrating Bash in Windows eliminates extra steps for developers using these languages, making it more accessible compared to navigating the steep learning curve and extra effort of using Windows PowerShell, which lacks native support for Bash.

Installing Linux Bash on Windows 10

Technology keeps changing over time. Operating systems are blending together more now. Windows 10 users can use Linux Bash shell on their system. It brings Linux commands to Windows, making things flexible and strong. There are following steps to install Linux bash on Windows 10.

Step 1: Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Before you install, make sure the Windows Subsystem for Linux is on. Enable it on your Windows 10 by following these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and go to “Settings.”
2. Select “Apps.”
3. Click on “Optional Features.”
4. To enable it, scroll down, find “Windows Subsystem for Linux,” check the box, and click “OK.”

Step 2: Pick a Linux Distribution

After enabling WSL, choose a distribution. Microsoft Store has Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and more. Find your choice, install it from the Microsoft Store. Ensure Ubuntu 20.04 LTS installed on C drive. If not, switch to the system drive. WSL needs this for Ubuntu to function well.

Step 3: Install the Linux Distribution

After downloading, click “Launch” to start setup. Create a user and set a password as prompted. Follow on-screen steps to finish installation. Installation may take a few minutes, but it’s a one-time thing. Linux is part of Windows 10, not a separate virtual OS. Look for the next window after installation.

Step 4: Update and Upgrade

• After install, update for latest packages and security. Open terminal, use:

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

• Change “apt” if your distribution uses a different package manager.
• Open PowerShell as Administrator. Then, use this command to upgrade WSL1 to WSL2:

wsl --set-default-version 2

• It typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to finish. Afterward, check if WSL is upgraded with:

wsl -l -v

Conclusion

In conclusion, Installing Linux Bash to Windows 10 changes how users experience computing across different systems. With Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), Microsoft connects Windows and Linux, letting users run Linux commands on their familiar Windows setup. This integration benefits developers, admins, and enthusiasts needing Linux strength with Windows ease. As technology advances, Windows and Linux coexisting shows modern computing’s adaptability. These steps let users blend these ecosystems, expanding capabilities in software and system management. Uniting Windows and Linux gives users a versatile, efficient computing experience. Whether you’re a developer or enthusiast, Linux Bash on Windows 10 opens diverse possibilities, by adding Windows hosting to windows setup emphasizes that collaboration and integration define the future of computing.