AlmaLinux Wiki

# Windows Subsystem for Linux

# About WSL

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is designed as integration between Windows and Linux. You can now run the AlmaLinux terminal environment on a Windows machine. It doesn't require a dual-boot or a VM.

# Supported versions:

You can get an image from the Microsoft Store:

or using the direct links:

AlmaLinux 8 Intel/AMD (x86_64) ARM64 (AArch64)
AlmaLinux 9 Intel/AMD (x86_64) ARM64 (AArch64)

# Installation steps

Follow these steps to get AlmaLinux for WSL.

  • To start with, let's check what is the Windows build number. Press Win + R. Run winver command and press OK or Enter. You'll get About Windows information saying Microsoft Windows version. If OS Build is 19041 or higher, continue. If not, please, check popular issues section.

  • Find PowerShell in the Windows search bar. Choose Run as administrator option. image

  • Run wsl --install command. This command will automatically install Virtual Machine Platform, Windows Subsystem for Linux and download WSL Kernel. It will also set your default WSL version to WSL2. image

  • After WSL installations are completed, you need to reboot the system.

  • Now open Microsoft Store and search for AlmaLinux 8 WSL or AlmaLinux 9 app. Press Get. Installation of the app will begin. image

  • When the installation is finished, you'll get a notification. You can launch AlmaLinux WSL app now.

  • A terminal will be opened with the AlmaLinux installation process. You'll need to create a username and password.

TIP

These username and password don't have to match with your Windows user credentials.

  • After installation is finished successfully, congratulations, you can now run AlmaLinux terminal on your Windows machine. image

  • If your Windows build version is older than 19041, you'll have to perform a few manual steps to setup WSL. Check the Microsoft Guide (opens new window) for the details.

  • If you get an error during AlmaLinux WSL installation, please, check in the BIOS menu that the Virtualization option is enabled.

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