(How to Run Linux on Windows) Linux is a flexible open-source OS that is quite popular among developers, geeks, and anyone who wants to use OS other than Windows. On the bright side, you do not have to go out and buy another machine to try out Linux; you can install it right on your Windows PC in several ways. This guide will explain how to use Linux on Windows – the four most commonly used methods.
Why Run Linux on Windows?
Linux has many advantages in programming, such as the availability of a script language, bash for programming, better workplaces, and better open-source programs. This means that by installing Linux on Windows, you can access the power of the Linux operating system without letting go of the Windows operating system.
Ways to install and operate Linux alongside with or instead of Windows
1. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is how it is done
WSL is a Subsystem in Windows that can make you manage a Linux distribution right on a Windows PC without Virtual Machines or installation of parallel Windows.
Steps to Set Up WSL
Enable WSL:
Open PowerShell as Administrator.
Run the command:
Restart your PC if prompted.
Choose a Linux Distribution:
Open the Microsoft Store.
Search for popular distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali Linux.
Click “Get” to install your preferred Linux distribution.
Set Up Your Linux Environment:
Run the installed Linux app to start its functioning.
After the landing, there is a brief discussion of how to provide a username and password as dictated by the screen instructions.
Start Using Linux:
Limited edition: you can now execute Linux commands from your terminal!
2. Using Virtual Machines (VMs)
Guest operating systems involve the use of virtualization software; you could be using Linux on top of Windows, Various software: are; VirtualBox and VMware.
Steps to Set Up a Linux VM
Download and Install VirtualBox:
Download the Windows Binary here on the VirtualBox website and get the installation file.
Read the installation guidelines that come with the software.
Download a Linux ISO:
Go to the main site of your selected Linux distribution (for instance Ubuntu).
Right-click the ISO file and choose the version you want.
Create a Virtual Machine:
Start the VirtualBox application and then press the “New” button on the toolbar.
Then set basic properties of the VM such as its name “Ubuntu”, type Linux, size of the RAM, etc.
Create a Virtual Machine:
Start the VirtualBox application and then press the “New” button on the toolbar.
Then set basic properties of the VM such as its name “Ubuntu”, type Linux, size of the RAM, etc.
Install Linux:
Boot the VM and this time make sure that the downloaded ISO file is the boot disk.
The installation process of Linux is quite easy a start, just follow whatever instructions will be displayed on your screen.
Run Linux:
Once installed, you can begin your virtual machine at any time to use Linux whenever you want.
3. Dual-Boot Setup
Multi-booting enables one to install Linux side by side with Windows and therefore, one has the option of which to start.
How to Make a Computer to Boot with Linux then Windows
Create a Backup:
Make sure that all your valuable information is backed up in the process in case anything goes wrong.
Prepare Your Disk:
To accomplish this, you need to use the Disk Management tool in Windows to shrink a currently existing partition and thus create free space for Linux.
Download a Linux ISO:
Download the Linux ISO file from the official site.
Create a Bootable USB Drive:
Simple instances of such tools are Rufus through which an ISO Linux is placed in a bootable USB.
Install Linux:
Plug the USB drive and then boot from it, and install the OS as usual.
When installing Linux, check the box that says: Install Linux side by side with Windows.
Choose Your OS:
During its installation, it will create a bootloader menu that enables the user to choose between Windows and Linux.
How to Use Linux for Windows
Start Small: For Linux newbies, please avoid dual booting and install either WSL on Windows or a virtual machine.
Choose the Right Distribution: Some of the easily distinguishable OSs for beginners are Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora among others.
Use Community Resources: Linux has an extensive massive community that is always ready to help. One may go to the forums, tutorials, and documentation section for help.
Conclusion
The ability of using Linux on Windows makes a great many opportunities for development, experience, and work available. If you are OK with running Linux on Windows over WSL, if you want the openness of VMs, or if you want the performance of dual boot, you are covered.
Welcome, come join me and check out Linux and let your first hand venture into the world of the Microsoft Windows limited OS!