How to Install Ubuntu in WSL Using GUI [3 Steps]

WSL or Windows Subsystem for Linux provides a way to run Linux commands and tools in Windows. Moreover, users, especially developers, like Ubuntu for its exceptional features, and large and active community. In these two articles, I have shown how to install Ubuntu in WSL 1 and how to install Ubuntu in WSL 2 from the terminal. Apparently, some prefer GUI (Graphical User Interface) as it is more visually intuitive. In this article, I will show how to install Ubuntu in WSL using GUI.

Key Takeaways

  • Enabling WSL in Windows using GUI.
  • Installing Ubuntu from Microsoft Store.
  • Setting Up Ubuntu in Windows.

Requirements

  • Windows Operating System.
  • Stable internet connection.

Process Flow Chart

[OS Used Throughout the Tutorial: Windows 11]Process flow chart for "wsl ubuntu gui"

3 Steps to Install Ubuntu in WSL Using GUI

Here I have divided the whole process of installing Ubuntu in WSL using GUI in three steps. Now I will provide a detailed description of each step.

Step 01: Enable WSL in Windows

In the beginning, I will show you how to enable the WSL feature in Windows. Follow the steps below with me to do that:

Steps to Follow >

❶ At first, press WINDOWS KEY + R to open the Run dialog box.

❷ Write “control” or “control panel” or “Control Panel” and then click on “OK”.Opening Control Panel from Dialog BoxThis will open the Control Panel in your Windows.

❸ Now click on “Programs and Features”.Clicking on "Programs and Features"❹ Again, click on the “Turn on Windows features on or off”.Clicking on "Turn Windows features on or off"❺ Next, check “Virtual Machine Platform” and “Windows Subsystem for Linux” and click on “OK”.Enabling WSL featureThis process may take a while to complete. Don’t worry.

❻ Finally, restart your computer.Restarting Windows

Note: Remember your computer can take some time to restart.

Step 02: Install Ubuntu in WSL

In this step, you will learn how to install Ubuntu on your Windows.

Steps to Follow >

➊ First, go to “Microsoft Store”.

➋ Search “Ubuntu” and select your preferable Ubuntu version.

❸ Finally, click on “Install”.Installing Ubuntu in WSL using GUIThis process can consume a lot of time depending on your internet speed. At the end of the process, Ubuntu will be successfully installed in your system. Here, I have installed “Ubuntu 22.04.02 LTS”.

Step 03: Set Up Ubuntu

Previously, you have installed Ubuntu in your Windows. Now you will know how to set up Ubuntu and make it ready for use.

Steps to Follow >

❶ Find Ubuntu in your Windows like below and open it.Opening Ubuntu❷ Then give a username and press ENTER.

❸ Write a password and hit ENTER.

❹ Rewrite the password and press ENTER again.Setting up UbuntuNow you will be able to run Linux commands in your Ubuntu.

Conclusion

In this article, I have shown how to install Ubuntu in WSL using GUI in a simple and comprehensive way. Hopefully, it was helpful. If you have any queries, let me know in the comment section.

People Also Ask

Does Linux have a GUI?
Linux has many different GUIs to choose from, depending on your preferences and needs. Some of the most popular GUIs are GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon, Awesome and Regolith.
What are the two most popular GUI in Linux?
GNOME and KDE Plasma are two of the most popular Linux GUIs. GNOME aims to keep things simple and minimal, whereas KDE Plasma offers more customization and functionality.
Does Unix have a GUI?
Unix has several different GUIs to choose from depending on the Unix variant and user’s preferences. Some of the most common Unix GUIs are X Window System, CDE, GNOME and KDE with each having its own design philosophy, features, and performance.
Is Linux a CLI or GUI?
Linux can be both a CLI and a GUI. A CLI is a way of interacting with a computer system using text commands, whereas GUI provides a way to communicate with a system using graphical elements.

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Walid Al Asad

Hello Everyone! I am Walid Al Asad. Currently, I am working at a tech company named Softeko as a Linux Content Developer Executive. I live in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have completed my BSc. in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). You can find me on LinkedIn, and ResearchGate. Read Full Bio

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