Windows 11 introduces an exciting new feature that allows you to run Linux GUI (Graphical User Interface) applications directly on your system through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
This enhancement means that Linux desktop applications can seamlessly run alongside native Windows apps, making it easier than ever for developers, sysadmins, or anyone interested in Linux tools to have a smooth experience without needing a virtual machine or dual-boot setup.
How to Install Linux GUI Apps on Windows 11
In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to install Linux GUI apps on Windows 11 using WSL, making your Linux applications as accessible as any Windows program.
1. Install WSL
Before you can install Linux GUI apps, you need to enable WSL. It allows users to run a full Linux environment, including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications, directly on their Windows machine. With the latest WSL 2 update, users can also run Linux GUI applications seamlessly.
1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Now, simply type the following command to install WSL:
wsl --install
3. This command installs everything required to run WSL on your Windows 11 system, including Linux GUI apps. By default, this will install the Ubuntu Linux distribution. If you want to install another distors then run these command:
wsl --list --onlinewsl --install -d debian
4. After running the installation command, the system will prompt you to restart your computer to complete the installation. Go ahead and restart your computer to apply the changes.
2. Install and Run Linux GUI Apps
During the setup process, WSL also installs all the components necessary to run Linux GUI applications on Windows 11. To install a Linux GUI app, follow these steps:
1. Open the Start menu and launch your installed Linux distribution (like Ubuntu or Debian).
2. Update your package list by typing and hit the Enter key.
sudo apt-get update3. Now, enter the password to begin the installation process.
4. After that, run this commamd to install linux app on Windows 11 using WSL. Here, replace package-name with the linux app name.
sudo apt-get install package-name -yFor example, to install VLC, run:
sudo apt-get install vlc -y
5. Once installed, you can either type the application name in the terminal to launch it or find it in the Start menu, where it will appear alongside your Windows apps.
The application will open in its own window, and it will behave just like it would on a native Linux machine.
How to Uninstall Linux GUI app on Windows 11
If you no longer need the Linux app installed using WSL, you can remove it to save system resources. To uninstall a Linux GUI app on Windows 11, use these steps:
1. Click on the Start button in the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type the name of the Linux GUI app you want to uninstall in the search bar.
3. Right-click on the app and choose the Uninstall option.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered how to install WSL on Windows 11 with just one command and how to install and run Linux GUI applications. With WSL on Windows 11, you can now easily run Linux tools, editors, and applications natively on your Windows machine, making your workflow more efficient.
Remember, you can choose to install different Linux distributions and update your WSL kernel with simple commands. The flexibility of WSL combined with Linux GUI apps support makes Windows 11 a powerful tool for developers, sysadmins, and anyone working across both operating systems.
