How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 11

In an era where the lines between operating systems are becoming increasingly blurred, the idea of running Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution, on a Windows 11 machine might seem like a paradox. However, with the advent of WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), the integration of Ubuntu on Windows 11 has become not only possible but surprisingly straightforward. This article will guide you through the process, providing step-by-step instructions and essential commands to seamlessly install Ubuntu on your Windows 11 system.

1. Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL):
   To kick off the installation process, you need to enable WSL on your Windows 11 machine. This can be done through the Windows Features menu. Press the Windows key, type "Windows Features," and select "Turn Windows features on or off." Scroll down, find "Windows Subsystem for Linux," check the box, and click "OK." Reboot your system when prompted.

2. Install Ubuntu from Microsoft Store:
   After enabling WSL, head to the Microsoft Store and search for "Ubuntu." Choose the version you'd like to install (e.g., Ubuntu 20.04 LTS), and click on the "Install" button. The download may take some time, so be patient.

3. Set Up Ubuntu:
   Once the installation is complete, launch the Ubuntu application from the Start menu. The system will initiate the setup process, prompting you to create a new user account and set a password. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

4. Update and Upgrade:
   Open the Ubuntu terminal and run the following commands to ensure your system is up to date:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade
   

   This will update the package lists and upgrade the installed packages to the latest versions.

5. Explore WSL Commands:
   Familiarize yourself with some essential WSL commands that bridge the gap between Windows and Ubuntu. For instance:

   • To navigate to the Windows filesystem: cd /mnt/c/
   • To launch Windows applications: notepad.exe

6. Integration with VS Code:
   For developers, integrating Ubuntu with Visual Studio Code can enhance the development experience. Install the "Remote - WSL" extension in VS Code to seamlessly edit, run, and debug code in Ubuntu from within the VS Code interface.

7. Accessing Ubuntu Files from Windows:
   Explore the Windows filesystem to locate your Ubuntu files. By default, they are stored in the hidden folder C:\Users\<your_username>\AppData\Local\Packages\CanonicalGroupLimited.UbuntuonWindows_79rhkp1fndgsc\LocalState ootfs\.