Can You Run Linux VM on Windows 10?

In the dynamic realm of computing, the coexistence of multiple operating systems on a single machine has become a common practice. Windows 10, being a widely used operating system, often prompts users to explore compatibility with other environments. One frequently asked question is whether it is possible to run a Linux Virtual Machine (VM) on Windows 10. The answer is a resounding yes, and in this article, we will delve into the steps and commands required to achieve this seamless integration.

Getting Started: Setting the Stage

Before delving into the technicalities, it's essential to ensure that your Windows 10 system is equipped with the necessary tools. The fundamental requirement is the presence of Hyper-V, Microsoft's virtualization platform. To check if Hyper-V is enabled on your system, open PowerShell as an administrator and execute the following command:

Get-WindowsFeature -Name Hyper-V-Tools | Select-Object InstallState

If the output is 'Installed,' you're good to go. If not, enable Hyper-V by executing:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All

Reboot your system to apply the changes.

Creating a Linux Virtual Machine: Step by Step

1. Open Hyper-V Manager:

   • Press Win + S, type "Hyper-V Manager," and hit Enter.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine:

   • In Hyper-V Manager, right-click on your host machine and select "New" > "Virtual Machine."
   • Follow the wizard to set up the VM, specifying details like name, location, and generation.

3. Assign Memory:

   • Allocate the desired amount of RAM for the VM.

4. Configure Networking:

   • Choose a connection for your VM, ensuring it has internet access.

5. Create a Virtual Hard Disk:

   • Specify the size and location of the virtual hard disk.

6. Install an Operating System:

   • Mount an ISO file of your preferred Linux distribution for installation.

7. Complete the Installation:

   • Follow the Linux installation process within the VM.

Running Linux Commands on Windows 10: Bridging the Gap

Once your Linux VM is up and running, you might want to interact with it using Linux commands. Thankfully, Windows 10 has embraced the WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), making this seamless. To launch a Linux terminal on your Windows machine, open PowerShell and type:

wsl

Now, you can execute Linux commands directly from the Windows command line.

More Examples: Unlocking the Potential

1. Accessing Files:
   • Use the cd command to navigate through directories, and leverage cp or mv to copy or move files.

cd /path/to/directory
cp file1.txt /destination

2. Installing Packages:
   • Utilize package managers like apt or yum to install software.

sudo apt-get install package_name

3. Network Operations:
   • Check your network configuration using ifconfig or manage services with systemctl.

ifconfig
sudo systemctl start service_name

A Unified Computing Experience

So, the marriage of Windows 10 and Linux in a virtualized environment is not only possible but also remarkably user-friendly. With the power of Hyper-V and WSL, users can seamlessly run Linux VMs on their Windows 10 machines, enjoying the best of both worlds. Whether you're a developer testing cross-platform compatibility or a curious enthusiast, this integration offers a versatile computing experience.