Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Run Linux distributions on Windows without dual-boot or virtual machines.

💻 What is WSL?

WSL allows running real Linux environments inside Windows.
No need for virtual machines — very fast and lightweight.
Supports running command-line tools, development environments, and even GUI apps (on Windows 11).

📋 Prerequisites

Windows 10 (version 2004, Build 19041 or later) or Windows 11
Administrator access to enable features
Internet connection to download Linux distributions
Ensure hardware virtualization is enabled in BIOS

⚙️ Install WSL

Open PowerShell as Administrator
Run:
```
wsl --install
```
Restart your computer
By default, Ubuntu will be installed. You can install others later.

📦 Install Specific Linux Distributions

View available distributions:
```
wsl --list --online
```
Install a specific distribution (example: Debian):
```
wsl --install -d Debian
```
List installed distributions:
```
wsl --list --verbose
```
Set default distribution:
```
wsl --set-default Ubuntu
```

🚀 Using WSL

Launch from Start Menu (e.g. "Ubuntu")
Or from PowerShell / Command Prompt:
```
wsl
```
Access Windows files from WSL:
```
/mnt/c/Users/YourName
```
Access WSL files from Windows:
```
\\wsl$\Ubuntu
```

⚖️ WSL 1 vs WSL 2

WSL 1: Compatible, faster file access, no real Linux kernel
WSL 2: Real Linux kernel, better performance, supports Docker & GUI apps
Check version:
```
wsl --list --verbose
```
Set version:
```
wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2
```

🛠 Useful Commands

Shutdown all running distros:
```
wsl --shutdown
```
Upgrade WSL:
```
wsl --update
```
Upgrade kernel manually (if needed):
```
wsl --update --web-download
```
Unregister a distro:
```
wsl --unregister DistroName
```

🖥 GUI App Support (Windows 11)

WSL 2 supports GUI Linux apps natively
Simply install with your package manager (e.g. apt)
Run GUI apps like gedit, firefox, etc. directly from the WSL terminal

⚡ Best Practices

Store project files inside WSL filesystem (not in /mnt/c) for better performance
Use sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade regularly
Back up important files from your Linux home folder

🧯 Troubleshooting

If wsl command is not found → Update Windows
If WSL install stuck → Enable virtualization from BIOS
If WSL is slow → Use WSL 2 and keep files inside Linux file system
If networking fails → Restart LxssManager service or run wsl --shutdown