Linux is one of the finest operating systems of all. Besides Windows, Linux is the most popular one that runs on the bigger platforms like supercomputers, servers etc. If you’re a Windows user, getting yourself into Linux is very difficult. Moreover, it’s more like a terrifying experience for a Windows user to install and use Linux. However, Linux provides a lot of advantages that you can hardly ignore. That’s why Microsoft integrated Linux as a part of Windows 10, known as WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). Let’s take a look how to install and run Linux on Windows 10.
Upgrade your Windows
First of all, make sure that you run the latest version of Windows 10. It’s mandatory as Microsoft discontinued support for other Windows editions. Older Windows 10 versions are strongly recommended to upgrade to the latest one. If you need, you can download the latest Windows ISO. You can also use the Windows Upgrade Assistant to upgrade your Windows.
Installing WSL
Now, let’s start installing the Linux.
- Open “Settings”.
- Go to Update & Security >> For developers (from the left panel).
- Select “Developer mode” from “Use developer features”.
- Now, go to Control Panel >> Programs >> Turn Windows features on or off.
- Scroll down and check “Windows Subsystem for Linux”.
- Click “OK”.
Now, just wait for the process to complete. You may need to reboot your PC to enable BASH.
After this step is complete, your system will install Ubuntu. Follow these steps:
- Start Command Prompt with administrative privilege.
- Type this command and hit Enter:
bash
- You’ll see the following box. Type “y” to continue.
Wait for a few moments. Now, your PC is a Linux system as well! From Windows Store, you can also install openSUSE in your system. If you need, you can also dual-boot Windows and any other Linux distro using EasyBCD. Download EasyBCD.
What to do now
After installation is complete, don’t forget to update your Linux installation. If you’re running Ubuntu, use these commands:
#apt-get update #apt-get upgrade
In case of openSUSE, use these commands:
# zypper up # zypper dup
Take a note that you can’t use cool Linux features like mounting local drives. Instead, you can navigate through the directories using “cd” command. For example,
/mnt/c/Users/osradar/Music
It’ll bring you to the “Music” folder.
Suppose, you’re willing to mount a drive in Linux. First, connect the device to your PC and check out the drive letter. For example, assume the drive letter is “F”. For mounting a drive in the WSL, use this command:
sudo mkdir /mnt/s
Now, mount the drive:
mount -f drvfs S: /mnt/s
If you’re a Linux expert, you already know what to do with. Managing server or a remote desktop was never easier. You can also install Linux software to test them out or for other purposes. If you’re a Linux noob, don’t forget to check the basic Linux commands.
If you’re using dual boot, you can get the best Linux distros of 2018 in your collection!
