How to Install Linux on Windows 11 with WSL2 in 2026

What Is WSL2?

WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) lets you run a real Linux kernel directly inside Windows 11. You get a genuine Linux terminal, access to apt and other package managers, and full compatibility with Linux tools — all without rebooting or giving up disk space to a dual-boot partition.

Step 1 — Enable WSL2 with One Command

Open PowerShell as Administrator (right-click Start → Windows Terminal (Admin)) and run:

wsl --install

This single command enables the WSL feature, installs the Linux kernel, sets WSL2 as the default, and installs Ubuntu automatically. Restart your PC when prompted.

Step 2 — Choose a Different Distro (Optional)

Ubuntu is a great default for beginners. To see other available distros:

wsl --list --online

Install a specific one with:

wsl --install -d Debian

Popular choices in 2026: Ubuntu 24.04 (most tutorials), Debian (lightweight), Fedora (via a community script).

Step 3 — First Launch and Setup

After restarting, search for Ubuntu (or your chosen distro) in the Start menu and open it. On first launch it will finish installing and ask you to create a Linux username and password. This is separate from your Windows account.

Enter new UNIX username: yourname
New password: ****

Step 4 — Update Your New Linux Install

As soon as you are at the Linux prompt, update everything:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 5 — Navigating Between Windows and Linux Files

Your Windows drives are mounted inside WSL at /mnt/c/, /mnt/d/, etc. From Linux you can read and write Windows files. In File Explorer, your Linux filesystem appears under Linux in the left sidebar.

Useful First Commands

• pwd — print current directory
• ls -la — list files with details
• cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName — navigate to your Windows home
• explorer.exe . — open current Linux folder in File Explorer

WSL2 is the easiest way to get started with Linux in 2026 — you can be up and running in under five minutes.