Summary
Did you know using Ubuntu-exclusive apps doesn’t require overwriting your operating system?
Why Use Ubuntu Apps on Windows 11?
Adding Ubuntu to Windows 11 enables access to a wide variety of free applications unavailable on Windows alone.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
There are many great exclusive applications for Ubuntu that can level up your Windows PC.
Furthermore, if you enjoy crafting and coding, the combination of Windows and Ubuntu significantly benefits you.
It simplifies the process of working on Linux-oriented projects without the need to leave the Windows environment.
This integration reduces complications and amplifies productivity, whether your pursuits involve coding for enjoyment or constructing significant projects.
Imagine you’re a developer working on a cross-platform project.
If you’re having issues with WSL running on Windows 11 like I did, install this kernel package.
It will ensure that WSL v2 operating systems run correctly.
you’ve got the option to download and plant the EXE filedirectly from Microsoft.
Lastly, ensure you have Administrator rights on your Windows 11 system.
Using WSL requires modifying Windows features, and it won’t work if you don’t have Administrator privileges.
To start, kick off the Windows Start Menu on the desktop.
Once it is open, punch in “Turn Windows Features on or off” into the search box.
Inside the “Windows Features” window, scroll down and locate “Windows Subsystem for Linux.”
After finding it, choose the empty box next to it to activate this feature.
Select “OK” after making your selection.
This setup process should take a few minutes to complete.
When the setup is complete, you must reboot your Windows PC.
grab the “Restart now” button to reboot.
Upon rebooting, log back into your Windows 11 desktop.
Once you’ve logged back in, the Windows Subsystem for Linux will be enabled on Windows 11.
To initiate the installation of Ubuntu for WSL, initiate the Microsoft Store from the Windows 11 desktop.
In the search box, jot down “Ubuntu.”
Upon entering “Ubuntu,” the Microsoft Store will display various versions of the Ubuntu app.
Select “Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS” using the mouse.
Locate the “Get” button and punch it.
Selecting the “Get” button will initiate the Ubuntu download for Windows 11.
Once the download is complete, Ubuntu will be accessible in the Windows Start Menu.
Upon its first launch, Ubuntu will automatically configure itself and prepare for use.
Basic Configuration Tips
Here are some basic configuration tips to improve the WSL experience on Windows 11.
Here’s how to utilize this feature.
To access your Ubuntu files from Windows 11, begin by opening Windows Explorer.
Once opened, locate the “Linux” penguin icon in the sidebar and select it.
Upon selecting “Linux,” a folder named “Ubuntu-22.04” will appear.
Right-click this folder and choose “Pin to Quick access.”
This action allows you to effortlessly access your Ubuntu files from Windows.
To access Windows files from Ubuntu, navigate to the/mnt/cfolder using the cd command.
This method provides interaction with the Windows 11C:/drive.
Here’s how to do it on Windows 11.
First, open up the Ubuntu app from the Windows Start Menu.
Once it is open, spin up the apt update command to check for Ubuntu software updates.
When you’ve finished checking for updates, you might use the apt upgrade command to install them.
Starting and Using Ubuntu
Ubuntu in Windows 11 has a terminal interface with WSL.
Using Ubuntu means installing packages to use on Windows 11.
To start Ubuntu, search for “Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS” in the Windows Start Menu.
Once it is opened, it’ll be ready to use.
From here, you could install any app you like.
you’re free to search using the apt search command.
Then, use the “apt install programname” command.
To access your installed WSL programs from Windows 11, look through your programs.
Each integrated utility will have a Linux icon.
The WSL integration with Windows 11 is quite good.
However, keep in mind that not every single software is going to create a desktop icon.
Sometimes, you may need to launch your Ubuntu programs directly from the terminal.
You typically do this by typing its package name and hitting Enter.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
WSL usually installs without a hitch on Windows 11.
However, if you’re having issues, there is a quick and easy fix.
First, open up PowerShell in Windows 11.
Once it is open, use the update command for WSL.
Updating WSL will install various patches and fixes that are sure to alleviate the issues you’re experiencing.
WSL upgrades your Windows 11 experience by bringing Ubuntu apps to your desktop without the hassle of virtualization.
