To install Ubuntu on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), simply use wsl --install in PowerShell Administrator on Windows 11 or any version of Windows 10 that meets the technical requirements. With WSL 2, you can use the Linux terminal, Python, Git, databases, and Jupyter without the need for dual boot. For SEOs, digital marketers, and data analysts, WSL makes data processing experiments on a Windows laptop more practical.
This article updates the author’s original tutorial on learning Jupyter Notebook, Python, and ETL. Screenshots of the installation from that time are retained; modern commands are explained based on Microsoft Learn so readers don’t have to copy old configurations that have changed. For new use cases, prioritize Windows 11, which is still supported.
What is WSL and when should you use it?
WSL allows Linux distributions like Ubuntu to run side-by-side with Windows. WSL 2 uses the Linux kernel in a Windows-managed virtual environment, rather than a Linux installation that overwrites the Windows partition. You can still run browsers, Office, and Windows applications while using Bash, Python, or Linux packages for learning to become a data analyst and web programming languages projects.
| Method | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| WSL 2 | Linux–Windows integration, relatively easy setup | Uses virtualization and system resources |
| Dual boot | Standalone Linux system on hardware | Requires partitioning and alternating restarts |
| Regular virtual machine | Greater configuration isolation | VM management tends to be more manual |
| XAMPP | Fast for local PHP/Apache on Windows | Not a full Linux environment |
If you just want to run WordPress locally, XAMPP Windows installation may be simpler. However, if you want to master open source software, dynamic web applications, and Python-based automation, Ubuntu WSL is a suitable learning path.
1. Check Windows and virtualization prerequisites
Microsoft states that the one-step installation command requires Windows 10 version 2004/build 19041 or later, or Windows 11. Since regular Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, use a version that still has security protections according to your device’s policies. Check your system version via winver and ensure CPU virtualization is enabled. Work laptops may restrict WSL policies; ask your IT administrator for permission if necessary.
2. How to install WSL and Ubuntu from PowerShell
Run a standard installation
Open PowerShell with Run as administrator, then run:
wsl --installThis command enables the necessary WSL and virtualization components and installs the default Ubuntu. Restart your computer if prompted. To see a list of distributions, use:
wsl --list --online
wsl --install -d UbuntuThe second distro installation command is only necessary if you haven’t installed Ubuntu or want to explicitly select it; don’t run it repeatedly without checking the system status. Microsoft provides an option --web-download if the Store download is problematic.
Set Ubuntu username and password
When Ubuntu is first launched, create a strong Linux username and password. The password won’t appear when you type it into the terminal; this is normal behavior. Ubuntu accounts are separate from Windows accounts. For corporate computers, follow IT policies before installing. crawling data tools or run scripts from the internet.
3. Check the installed WSL version and distribution.
wsl --status
wsl --version
wsl --list --verboseIf the installed distro is still WSL 1 and the device is eligible, change the specific distro using wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2. It is recommended to back up the project first, especially if the distro already contains a database. wsl --update can update WSL, while wsl --shutdown stop the instance. Do not use wsl --unregister unless you really want to delete all distro data.
4. Update Ubuntu packages and save the project in the correct location.
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
mkdir -p ~/projects/analisis-data
cd ~/projects/analisis-dataMicrosoft recommends that projects worked on using Linux tools be stored in a Linux filesystem, for example a folder ~/projects, not below /mnt/c/. The reason is file access performance; mixing Windows and Linux paths can slow down even small operations. You can open the Linux folder from File Explorer using explorer.exe ..
Jobs that require learn MySQL database can be done on a local database server, but do not expose experimental services to the internet without configuring firewalls and access controls.
5. Install Python and JupyterLab in isolation
To learn about data, use a Python virtual environment to prevent project packages from breaking your system’s Python. Install the necessary built-in packages from the official Ubuntu repositories:
sudo apt install python3 python3-venv python3-pip -y
python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m pip install jupyterlab pandas matplotlib
jupyter labJupyterLab typically displays a localhost address with an access token in the terminal. Open the link in your local browser; do not share the token and do not run public notebooks without authentication. In the workflow data-driven marketing And digital marketing analytics, Jupyter is useful for dataset exploration, not a substitute for data validation and quality control.
6. Example project: digital marketing data analysis
Design questions before opening the notebook
Start with a simple question: which pages are getting clicks but low conversion rates? Use an anonymized CSV, check for missing values, and then group by channel and date. Apply the concept basic data queries And data visualization to present findings. If you want to compare seasonal trends, Google Trends research And Google Keyword Planner provide examples of external data, but do not mix different source data scales without explanation.
Use Python responsibly
Customer datasets or analytics accounts contain sensitive information. Anonymize private fields, store credentials in environment variables or a secret manager, and do not upload internal files to public notebooks. Legal checks are also essential before proceeding. crawling data. Don’t run commands from forums or GitHub without understanding their effects.
7. Troubleshooting WSL that often appears
| Symptom | Potential causes | Initial fix |
|---|---|---|
| wsl command not recognized | Windows is taking too long/features are not yet active | Check the build and Microsoft guide |
| Virtual machine cannot run | Virtualization/system components disabled | Check BIOS, Windows features, IT policies |
| Download stopped | Microsoft Store or network | Try the official web download option |
| Python pip refuses global install | Environment managed by OS | Use venv, not force global |
| Slow notebook | Project files are in /mnt/c or limited RAM | Save in Linux home and check resources |
If your goal is to set up a website, understand technical SEO And web application performance so that local workflows are not equated with production infrastructure. After learning, use the dashboard and data to learn how website traffic related to visitor experience.
Screenshot archive and the author’s first experience installing WSL
The author initially chose WSL because he uses Windows daily and wanted to practice Jupyter Notebook, ETL, data engineering, and marketing analysis. The following four original images remain for documentation, but the button positions and distro appearance may differ in version 2026.
See four initial installation screenshots
FAQ on installing Ubuntu on WSL
1. What is WSL?
A Windows feature for using Linux distributions and command-line tools without dual booting.
2. Is WSL free?
WSL components and the Ubuntu distribution can be used without additional licensing fees according to their respective terms.
3. Can it be installed on Windows 11?
Yes, Windows 11 is a supported environment for WSL.
4. What’s the easiest way to install Ubuntu?
Run wsl –install from PowerShell administrator and then follow the distro setup.
5. What’s the difference between WSL 1 and WSL 2?
WSL 2 uses the Linux kernel with virtualization and broader compatibility.
6. How do I see installed distros?
Use wsl –list –verbose in PowerShell.
7. Does WSL require a restart?
The initial installation of components may require a Windows restart.
8. Where should I store Python projects?
In the Linux filesystem such as the home directory when using Linux tools.
9. Can I install Jupyter on WSL?
Yes, with Python venv and pip for JupyterLab.
10. Is WSL suitable for production servers?
It’s better suited for development; production requires its own architecture and hardening.
11. Is wsl –unregister safe?
Not for data you want to keep, as it deletes all data from the selected distribution.
12. How to keep Python packages safe?
Use virtual environments, official package sources, and update dependencies regularly.
External references
- Microsoft Learn — Install WSL
- Microsoft — WSL commands
- Microsoft — WSL development environment
- Jupyter — install
