Install ubuntu on windows 10

Microsoft announced the ability to run native Bash and GNU/Linux command-line tools directly on the new Windows Subsystem. If you are a developer and you want to Install Linux Bash Shell on Windows 10 then instead of using third-party software like Cygwin or Babun, you can enable ‘Linux Subsystem for Windows’ and use Ubuntu Application on your Windows 10 computer. Here in this post we discuss how to configure ubuntu bash on windows 10.

This feature is only valid for users running Windows 10. You can’t enable this feature in previous Windows versions like Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1. If you want to install Linux Bash Shell on any of those Windows versions then I would recommend you to install Cygwin on your computer.

Installing ubuntu bash on windows 10

To enable or install ubuntu bash on windows 10 first click on the start menu and select settings. Now click on Update & security and click on for Developers. Select Radio Button Developer mode.
enable developer modeThis will pop up a message :
Turning on Developer mode including installing and running apps from outside the windows store, could expose your device and personal data to security risks or harm your device. Turn on developer mode?   click yes to enable. close the window.
Also Read: Developer mode package failed to install Error

Enable Bash Feature

Now move to the start menu, type “Turn Windows Features on or off”: Click turn windows features on or off this will open the windows features window. Now Scroll down and check the “Windows Subsystem for Linux (Beta)” feature: As shown below image
Click ok this will take some time to download and install the feature.  After this, it will prompt to restart windows.

Click restart to take effect the changes.

Configure Bash on windows 10

Once your computer is restarted go to Start Menu and search ‘bash.’ Bash will show up.

Click on it to start Linux Bash Shell. It will ask you to accept terms and conditions. Press ‘y’ on your keyboard to accept the terms and conditions. Or you can open the PowerShell/command prompt and run “Bash” and follow the simple prompts to accept Canonical’s license and kick off the download of the Ubuntu image. It will start download from the Microsoft store. wait until the complete download.

After the download has been completed, it will take some time to extract and install then you will see a message installation is successful. enter a Unix use name and then set a password as shown picture below.

you’ll be able to start “Bash on Ubuntu on Windows” from the Start menu:

here are a few basic commands on both Bash and Windows:

Change Directory: cd in Bash, cd or chdir in DOS

List Contents of Directory: ls in Bash, dir in DOS

Move or Rename a File: mv in Bash, move and rename in DOS

Copy a File: cp in Bash, copy in DOS

Delete a File: rm in Bash, del or erase in DOS

Create a Directory: mkdir in Bash, mkdir in DOS

Use a Text Editor: vi or nano in Bash, edit in DOS

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.