Need Linux tools on a Windows PC without giving up Windows? Ubuntu runs a Linux command-line environment alongside Windows through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Use Ubuntu’s shell for Linux tools and applications, or install the desktop edition from a bootable USB drive.
What can Ubuntu do through WSL?
WSL lets Ubuntu run as a Linux environment inside Windows. Open its terminal to work with Linux command-line tools and applications while keeping Windows programs available. Ubuntu’s apt package manager handles installing and updating many Linux packages.
Windows drives are accessible from the Linux environment under /mnt, so files on the C: drive can be reached at /mnt/c. This provides a way to work with Windows files from Linux commands and scripts.
How do you run the Ubuntu desktop?
The desktop edition uses a different setup from WSL: download an ISO image, write it to a bootable USB drive, then start the PC from that drive. Ubuntu can also run from the USB drive for a trial, or be installed on the computer.
For a virtual machine, Ubuntu’s desktop can run in VirtualBox. That route keeps the Ubuntu session in a virtual machine window instead of booting the computer directly into the desktop.
What comes with Ubuntu Desktop?
Ubuntu Desktop includes a graphical desktop environment and apps for common tasks, including web browsing, documents, images, and video. The desktop download page also provides documentation and community support through Ubuntu Discourse and Ask Ubuntu.
- The ISO is available for Intel or AMD 64-bit and ARM 64-bit systems.
- Installation media can be made on a USB drive or DVD.
Pros
- Runs Linux commands and applications through WSL
- Ubuntu packages are managed with apt
- Desktop edition can be tried from a USB drive
Cons
- The full desktop edition needs its own partition or a virtual machine
- WSL gives a command-line environment; graphical Linux apps depend on newer WSL versions
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · ARM64 and x64
Can Ubuntu run alongside Windows?
Yes. WSL runs Ubuntu’s Linux environment within Windows, so Linux tools and applications can be used alongside Windows programs.
Can Ubuntu access files on the Windows drive?
Yes. In WSL, Windows drives are mounted under /mnt; the C: drive is accessible at /mnt/c.
Can I try Ubuntu Desktop without installing it?
Yes. Boot the computer from a USB drive containing Ubuntu Desktop and choose to run it from the drive.