A new Windows setup may leave you looking for a way to use Ubuntu without replacing Windows. WSL runs Linux distributions alongside Windows, and Ubuntu is one distribution you can install there.
I’ll show you how to install WSL with Ubuntu and check which WSL version the distribution uses.
TL;DR
On a supported Windows build, open PowerShell as an administrator and install WSL with its default Ubuntu distribution:
wsl --install
Restart Windows if the installer asks you to.
Launch Ubuntu and create its Linux username and password.
Check the installed distribution and WSL version with wsl -l -v.
What is Ubuntu on WSL?
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) runs Linux distributions alongside Windows. Ubuntu is the distribution you install inside WSL.
Recent WSL installations use WSL2 by default. It runs a Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine accessible through the wsl command.
| Guidance | Windows requirement |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu’s current WSL2 guide | Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 21H2 or later on a physical computer |
| Microsoft’s wsl –install command | Windows 10 version 2004, build 19041, or later |
Use Ubuntu’s newer recommendation as the safer baseline because it applies to its WSL2 setup specifically.
wsl -l -v
After Ubuntu starts, use its shell in Windows Terminal. For file edits, compare these terminal-based text editors.
How to install Ubuntu on WSL step by step
Use Microsoft’s terminal installer because it enables WSL and installs Ubuntu in one command.
Step 1: Install WSL and Ubuntu
Open PowerShell with administrator privileges, then run the command below. Windows may ask you to restart before the distribution can start.
wsl --install
This installs the default Ubuntu distribution. To select a release from WSL’s available list, use its displayed distribution name with the install command’s -d option.
wsl --list --online
wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04
Use a name that appears in your own list, since available Ubuntu releases can change. For an existing WSL installation, skip the first command and install the requested Ubuntu distribution.
Step 2: Finish Ubuntu’s first launch
Open Ubuntu from the Start menu after installation and let its initial setup complete. The first launch asks you to create a Linux username and password for this Ubuntu instance.
This Linux account is separate from your Windows sign-in. Password characters stay hidden as you type. Ubuntu asks for this password when a command needs administrator privileges through sudo.
If you want to rename that Linux account later, follow the guide to change a username on Ubuntu.
Enter the Linux username, then set its password. This screen shows account creation, not a completed installation.
Step 3: Confirm the distribution is running
Run this in PowerShell to see your installed distributions and whether each uses WSL1 or WSL2.
wsl -l -v
Find Ubuntu in the list and check the VERSION column. To open that distribution from PowerShell, run wsl -d Ubuntu. If the name differs, use the exact name shown in the list.
Once the shell opens, check the Ubuntu release from inside the distro with lsb_release -a. The Ubuntu version-checking guide explains other ways to identify the installed release.
What if WSL installation does not start?
Installation problems often mean WSL is already present, Windows needs the manual route, or virtualization is disabled. Check before changing features.
| State | Next check |
|---|---|
| Install command shows help | List distros and install Ubuntu by name |
| Windows requests a restart | Restart, then open Ubuntu |
| WSL2 fails to start | Check virtualization and Virtual Machine Platform |
If the install command prints help instead of installing, WSL may already be present. List available distributions, then install Ubuntu by its listed name. Listing first is safer because it identifies existing distributions before changing the setup.
wsl --list --online
If Windows requests a restart, restart before retrying the Ubuntu launch. WSL2 also depends on hardware virtualization and the Virtual Machine Platform.
If virtualization is disabled, check the device’s firmware settings. If the Windows feature is missing, follow Microsoft’s manual WSL installation steps for the Windows version and CPU architecture.
The dialog marks both features for the manual route. Microsoft’s guide covers the remaining steps.
Check the Ubuntu release with lsb_release -a, or use the version-checking guide. Then see how to list Ubuntu packages or install a DEB file.
Conclusion: Ubuntu runs alongside Windows
Install Ubuntu from PowerShell, finish its Linux account, then confirm the distro with wsl -l -v. For requirements, see Microsoft’s WSL installation guide and Canonical’s Ubuntu on WSL guide.
FAQ
These answers cover the common choices after the initial install.
Does wsl –install install Ubuntu?
Yes. On a supported Windows build, wsl –install enables the required WSL components and installs the default Ubuntu distribution. Restart if prompted, then open Ubuntu to finish its first-run setup.
How do I check whether Ubuntu uses WSL 2?
Run wsl -l -v in PowerShell. Find Ubuntu and read the VERSION column, which shows whether that distribution runs as WSL 1 or WSL 2.
Can I install Ubuntu if WSL is already installed?
Yes. Run wsl –list –online to see available distribution names, then install one with wsl –install -d followed by the listed name.