Ubuntu on WSL
Install a complete Ubuntu terminal environment in minutes on Windows with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Access the Linux terminal on Windows, develop cross-platform applications, and manage IT infrastructure without leaving Windows.
Download from the Microsoft StoreDeploying WSL at your company?
We help companies achieve a seamless integration with their WSL deployments. Contact us to learn more about how we support enterprises on the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
What you never thought was possible on Windows
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Editors
Run your choice of Linux text editors, including vim, emacs, and nano
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Servers
Spin up Node.js, install your dependencies with npm, and start testing your web app
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Development
Install compilers and libraries from the Ubuntu repository, maintained by Canonical
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Shells
Use your choice of Linux shells, such as bash, zsh and fish
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Containers
Work with LXD and Docker containers on Windows
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Scripting
Automate Linux and Windows tasks with advanced bash scripting
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Network hardening
Leverage Linux security tools to test and harden your network
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Data
Crunch big numbers with tools for R and Python
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Kubernetes
Build, test, and deploy Kubernetes clusters on Windows
Why Ubuntu WSL?
The Best of Ubuntu
WSL gives you access to a full Ubuntu terminal environment. Develop cross-platform applications and manage IT infrastructure without leaving Windows.
Data Science
NVIDIA Data Science Stack lets you maximise the performance of your Data Science and Machine Learning projects on top of native Windows NVIDIA drivers.
Web Development
Develop in WSL using native Windows IDEs including VS Code and IntelliJ. Use containers to improve your workflow and benefit from full NodeJS and Ruby support.
Develop Graphical Applications
Develop and preview web and graphical applications on Linux using WSLg. Create multiplatform graphical applications using popular open source development frameworks like Flutter or React Native.
Cross Platform Development
Create and test your CI/CD pipelines locally on an Ubuntu WSL instance. When ready, publish to a cloud production environment running Ubuntu VMs.
Discover how to easily access “Kubernetes on Windows with WSL2” in our webinar
Security
Achieve the same first-class, out-of-the-box, compliant security that is synonymous with Ubuntu. With long-term support releases, you'll have five years of security patches and updates.
Manage IT Infrastructure
From the same workstation, manage mixed Linux and Windows infrastructure both on-prem and across public clouds.
Learn from our community members and experts at the WSLConf ›
Enterprise support
Ubuntu is certified on WSL through close collaboration with Microsoft. Enterprise support is provided for Ubuntu from Azure to Windows workstations creating a seamless operating environment.
WSL 1 vs WSL 2
WSL 1
- Powered by a Linux binary translation layer.
- Supported on all versions of Windows 10 since Fall Creators Update.
- Supported on all editions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Server.
WSL 2
- Powered by a Linux kernel running on Hyper-V technology.
- Features significant speed and networking improvements.
- Available to everyone, on all editions of Windows 10, as of the May 2020 update from Microsoft.