IT-Services::WSL Windows - Subsystem for Linux

Step 1: Installation of WSL

• Ask for installation via support@mi.fu-berlin.de with your computer name and reason and scenario for usage
• If OK, you will get a new entry in Software Center for self-service-installation
• Open Software Center and search "Linux"
• Before running the installer save all your unsaved data and close all applications ( automatic reboot!)
• Click on "Windows Subsystem for Linux" and "Install"
• Wait for installation and reboot to finish
• After installation wait 5-10 minutes before step 2

Step 2: Installation of a Linux distribution

• Open Windows Powershell or command prompt from the startmenu
• Type wsl --list --online to get the available distributions
• Install the chosen distribution (we recommend Debian) by running the command wsl --install --distribution >distribution name<
  • e.g. wsl --install --distribution Debian
• You will be asked to create a default user at the end of installation. Please choose a complex password!
• You can find the distribution in windows startmenu

Step 3: automate update

Create a Windows Basic Task for update

• Start / Task Scheduler # enter your own FU-password
• Action / Create Basic Task...
• Settings:

  Name: WSL-Linux-Update
  Daily
  Program/Script: wsl
  Add arguments: -d debian -u root -e bash -c "apt update && apt -y upgrade"

More Details on how to create a scheduled task: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-create-automated-task-using-task-scheduler-windows-10

Step 4: Configuration

• Install needed applications:
  • Debian example:

    apt update
    apt search firef
    apt install firefox-esr

Step 5: Use

Terminal

• start
• type or select Debian # or other installed Linux

for GUI applications

• one application
  • start VcXsrv-XLaunch on Windows

  • export DISPLAY=:0    # inside Linux-Terminal
    xterm                # start your X-Application e.g. xterm, gedit or ...

• full desktop
  • start VcXsrv-XLaunch on Windows

  • apt install task-lxde-desktop
    export DISPLAY=:0
    lxsession

Viele hardwarenahe Programme im WSL laufen nicht. Z.b. Chrome startet nicht und Firefox mit Youtube-Inhalten stürzt sehr häufig ab.

Import/Export (Backup)

• Export distribution: wsl --export >distribution name< >filename.tar<
• Import distribution: wsl --import >distribution name< >installation path< >tar-file path<