How to Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux

This updated guide examines How to Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Part 1of 4:

Checking Your Computer for Compatibility

1. Open the Settings app. Press the Startbutton and then the Settings gear on the lower-left corner of the menu.
2. Click theSystemcategory.
3. SelectAboutfrom the left pane. This will list a bunch of information about your computer.
4. Ensure that your "OS Build" is above 14393.0. ^[1]
5. Ensure that your "System type" is "64-bit operating system". ^[1]

Part 2of 4:

Enabling Developer Mode

1. Click theHomebutton at the top-left of the Settings app.
2. Click onUpdate & security.
3. Click onFor Developerson the left pane. It's second from the bottom of the list.
4. Click on the radio button next to "'Developer Mode".
5. Confirm the warning. Windows 10 will display a warning for all of the implications that should be considered before turning Developer Mode on. Carefully read through all of these warnings and then press theYesbutton.

Part 3of 4:

Turning on Windows Subsystem for Linux

1. Navigate to the "Turn Windows Features On or Off" window. It can easily be accessed by typing inturn windowsin the search bar.
2. Wait for the list to load.
3. Check the boxnext to "Windows Subsystem for Linux (Beta)". Scroll down to the bottom of the list to find it.
4. Click on theOKbutton. Windows 10 will now start to download a bunch of files.
5. When prompted, restart the computer. Your computer will display a screen indicating that it's updating. This is actually Windows 10 setting up the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Part 4of 4:

Post-Installation Setup

1. Open Bash. This is easily done by searching forbashin the search bar.
2. Enter a username and password. Upon opening for the first time, Windows Bash will prompt you to create a username and password.
   • Note that the username and password do not have to be the same as the username the password used to log into your Windows 10 account.