Windows 10 Installation Guide

Prerequisites

Your PC must be running a 64-bit version of Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later (build 1607+).

To find your PC’s architecture and Windows build number, open
Settings > System > About

Look for the OS Build and System Type fields.

Install the Windows Subsystem for Linux

Enable the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” optional feature and reboot.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

   Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux
   

2. Restart your computer when prompted.

For Windows Insiders: Install Linux distribution of choice

This section is for Windows Insiders (build 16215 or later). Follow these steps to Check your build. For earlier versions of Windows 10, follow these instructions using lxrun.

1. Open the Windows Store and choose your favorite Linux distribution.
   Here are links directly to the store installers:
   • Ubuntu
   • OpenSUSE
   • SLES

     

2. Select “Get”
   

   Troubleshooting: Installation failed with error 0x80070003
   The Windows Subsystem for Linux only runs on your system drive (usually this is your C: drive). Make sure that new apps are stored on your system drive.
   Open Settings -> Storage -> More Storage Settings: Change where new content is saved

3. Once the download has completed, select “Launch”.
   This will open a console window. Wait for installation to complete then you will be prompted to create your UNIX user account.

   Troubleshooting: Installation failed with error 0x8007007e
   This error occurs when your system doesn’t support Linux from the store. Make sure that:

   • You’re running Windows build 16215 or later. Check your build.
   • The Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component is enabled. Instructions here.

4. Create your UNIX username and password. This user account can be different from, and has no relationship to, your Windows username and password. Read more.

You’re done! Now you can use your Linux environment.

For Anniversary Update and Creators Update: Install using lxrun

lxrun installs Ubuntu user-mode by default on top of the Windows subsystem for Linux.

Since moving to the store, we have stopped keeping this user-mode image up to date. When you’re done, run apt-get update.

1. Turn on Developer Mode

   Open Settings -> Update and Security -> For developers

   Select the Developer Mode radio button
   

2. Open a command prompt. Run bash
   

   After you have accepted the License, the Ubuntu user-mode image will be downloaded and extracted. A “Bash on Ubuntu on Windows” shortcut will be added to your start menu.

3. Launch a new Ubuntu shell by either:
   • Running bash from a command-prompt
   • Clicking the start menu shortcut
4. Create a UNIX user

   The first time you install the Windows subsystem for Linux, you will be prompted to create a UNIX username and password.
   

   This UNIX username and password can be different from, and has no relationship to, your Windows username and password. Learn more about your UNIX account..

After installation your Linux distribution will be located at: %localappdata%\lxss\.

Avoid creating and/or modifying files in %localappdata%\lxss\ using Windows tools and apps!If you do, it is likely that your Linux files will be corrupted and data loss may occur. Avoid this issue by using a directory located under /mnt/.

Read this blog post for more information.

You’re done! Go use your new Linux environment!