Windows Server Installation Guide

The Windows Subsystem for Linux is available for installation on Windows Server 2019 (version 1709) and later. This guide will walk through the steps of enabling WSL on your machine.

Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux

Before you can run Linux distros on Windows, you must enable the «Windows Subsystem for Linux» optional feature and reboot.

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

Download a Linux distribution

Follow these instructions to download your favorite Linux distribution.

Extract and install a Linux distribution

Now that you’ve downloaded a Linux distribution, in order to extract its contents and manually install, follow these steps:

Extract the .appx package’s contents, using PowerShell:

Run the distribution launcher application in the target folder. The launcher is typically named .exe (for example, ubuntu.exe ).

Installation failed with error 0x8007007e: If you receive this error, then your system doesn’t support WSL. Ensure that you’re running Windows build 16215 or later. Check your build. Also check to confirm that WSL is enabled and your computer was restarted after the feature was enabled.

3.Add your distro path to the Windows environment PATH ( C:\Users\Administrator\Ubuntu in this example), using PowerShell:

You can now launch your distribution from any path by typing .exe . For example: ubuntu.exe .

Now that it is installed, you must initialize your new distribution instance before using it.

Скачивание пакетов дистрибутива подсистемы Windows для Linux вручную Manually download Windows Subsystem for Linux distro packages

Существует несколько сценариев, в которых вы не сможете (или не захотите) устанавливать дистрибутивы WSL Linux с помощью Microsoft Store. There are several scenarios in which you may not be able (or want) to, install WSL Linux distros via the Microsoft Store. В частности, вы можете использовать номер SKU классической ОС Windows Server или Long-Term Servicing (LTSC), который не поддерживает Microsoft Store, или политики корпоративной сети и административные параметры, запрещающие использовать Microsoft Store в вашей среде. Specifically, you may be running a Windows Server or Long-Term Servicing (LTSC) desktop OS SKU that doesn’t support Microsoft Store, or your corporate network policies and/or admins to not permit Microsoft Store usage in your environment.

В таких случаях, когда подсистема WSL доступна, как скачать и установить дистрибутивы Linux в WSL, если нет доступа к магазину? In these cases, while WSL itself is available, how do you download and install Linux distros in WSL if you can’t access the store?

Примечание. Среды оболочки командной строки, в том числе дистрибутивы Linux/WSL, Cmd и PowerShell не могут выполняться в S-режиме Windows 10. Note: Command-line shell environments including Cmd, PowerShell, and Linux/WSL distros are not permitted to run on Windows 10 S Mode. Это ограничение существует, чтобы обеспечить целостность и безопасность, которые предоставляет S-режим. Дополнительные сведения см. в этой записи блога. This restriction exists in order to ensure the integrity and safety goals that S Mode delivers: Read this post for more information.

Скачивание дистрибутивов Downloading distributions

Если приложение Microsoft Store недоступно, вы можете скачать и вручную установить дистрибутивы Linux, щелкнув следующие ссылки: If the Microsoft Store app is not available, you can download and manually install Linux distros by clicking these links:

Это приведет к скачиванию пакетов .appx в выбранную папку. This will cause the .appx packages to download to a folder of your choosing. Следуйте инструкциям по установке скачанных дистрибутивов. Follow the installation instructions to install your downloaded distro(s).

Скачивание дистрибутивов с помощью командной строки Downloading distros via the command line

При желании вы также можете скачать предпочтительные дистрибутивы с помощью командной строки. If you prefer, you can also download your preferred distro(s) via the command line:

Скачивание с помощью PowerShell Download using PowerShell

Чтобы скачать дистрибутивы с помощью PowerShell, используйте командлет Invoke-WebRequest. To download distros using PowerShell, use the Invoke-WebRequest cmdlet. Ниже приведены инструкции по скачиванию Ubuntu 16.04. Here’s a sample instruction to download Ubuntu 16.04.

Если загрузка занимает много времени, выключите индикатор выполнения, задав $ProgressPreference = ‘SilentlyContinue’ . If the download is taking a long time, turn off the progress bar by setting $ProgressPreference = ‘SilentlyContinue’

Скачивание с помощью cURL Download using curl

Обновление Windows 10 Spring 2018 (или более поздней версии) содержит популярную служебную программу командной строки cURL, с помощью которой можно вызывать веб-запросы (например, команды HTTP GET, POST, PUT и т. д.) из командной строки. Windows 10 Spring 2018 Update (or later) includes the popular curl command-line utility with which you can invoke web requests (i.e. HTTP GET, POST, PUT, etc. commands) from the command line. Вы можете использовать curl.exe , чтобы скачать приведенные выше дистрибутивы: You can use curl.exe to download the above distros:

В приведенном выше примере выполняется curl.exe (а не только curl ), чтобы убедиться, что в PowerShell вызывается реальный исполняемый файл cURL, а не его псевдоним для Invoke-WebRequest. In the above example, curl.exe is executed (not just curl ) to ensure that, in PowerShell, the real curl executable is invoked, not the PowerShell curl alias for Invoke-WebRequest

Примечание. Использование curl может быть предпочтительным, если необходимо вызвать или создать сценарий для скачивания с помощью командлетов командной строки и сценариев .bat / .cmd . Note: Using curl might be preferable if you have to invoke/script download steps using Cmd shell and/or .bat / .cmd scripts.

Установка дистрибутива Installing your distro

Если вы используете Windows 10, вы можете установить дистрибутив с помощью PowerShell. If you’re using Windows 10 you can install your distro with PowerShell. Просто перейдите в папку, содержащую скачанный выше дистрибутив, и в этом каталоге выполните следующую команду, в которой app_name — это имя APPX-файла дистрибутива. Simply navigate to folder containing the distro downloaded from above, and in that directory run the following command where app_name is the name of your distro .appx file.

Если вы используете Windows Server или у вас возникли проблемы с выполнением приведенной выше команды, можно найти альтернативные инструкции по установке на странице документации Windows Server, чтобы установить файл .appx , изменив его на ZIP-файл. If you are using Windows server, or run into problems running the command above you can find the alternate install instructions on the Windows Server documentation page to install the .appx file by changing it to a zip file.

После установки дистрибутива следуйте обычным инструкциям по * обновлению WSL 1 до WSL 2 или создайте новую учетную запись пользователя и пароль. Once your distribution is installed, follow the normal instructions to * Update from WSL 1 to WSL 2 or create a new user account and password.

5 of the Best Linux Distros for Windows Users in 2021

If you’re new to Linux or are switching to Linux from Windows, you’ll want an OS that is GUI-focused like Windows. There are many different distributions of Linux, and some aim to replicate the look and feel of Windows. This helps during the transition from Windows, since you don’t have to fight with an unfamiliar interface. With Linux boasting improved hardware support, long term stability, and a more comprehensive range of software applications, there is no better time to try it!

In this roundup, we introduce you to the best Linux distributions for Windows users looking to switch to Linux.

1. Kubuntu

We have to admit that we like Ubuntu but understand that its default Gnome desktop might look too strange if you’re switching from Windows. Unlike other Linux variants, Ubuntu prioritizes simplicity, and this approach isn’t restricted to its desktop. It percolates through its every bit.

Kubuntu is the same OS as Ubuntu but with a KDE Desktop Environment. It offers a more classic experience, much closer to what you know from Windows. Combine this familiar desktop with one of the most user-friendly OS on the planet, and Kubuntu wins the cake.

2. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu but differs in that its developers haven’t included – and have even undone – some of Canonical’s choices. You can choose between three official flavors, each built around a different Desktop Environment: Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE.

Cinnamon is the primary flavor and offers a modern desktop that’s built on classic paradigms. Although it takes advantage of the GPU and presents effects (like transparency and shadows), it also doesn’t detour from what most desktop users would expect. It’s familiar, but looks slick, and is also very user friendly.

MATE offers a more classic desktop experience compared to Cinnamon. Both desktop environments provide similar functionality and come with equivalent software choices. The difference between them is primarily in their structure and design. It’s easier to explain it if we use Windows, again, for reference. MATE feels like a modern and polished Windows XP desktop, straight to the point. Cinnamon is closer to the Windows Vista experience, with a higher priority on visuals.

3. Robolinux

Robolinux is an interesting distro that is gunning for Windows users in a big way. Most folks are aware that Linux users can run Windows programs in WINE. If you’re migrating to Linux from Windows and want to bring all of your programs, files, and settings with you, Robolinux can help.

Robolinux includes Stealth VM, a virtual machine that it claims can run any Windows program without any lag. In addition, Robolinux has a tool that allows you to clone your entire Windows C drive. This means you can migrate all your preexisting programs and data. While Robolinux is free, the developer is asking for donations for the cloning tool.

4. Solus

Solus is another excellent Linux distro that is best for beginners and Windows users alike. It features a beautiful user interface that is intuitive for beginners and children. It also carries most of the Windows DNA, making it a perfect replacement for Windows. For example, it has a Software Center that allows you to manage all your installed apps and is more or less like the Windows control panel.

It also ships with a host of preinstalled apps, including Mozilla Firefox; Files, which resembles Files Explorer in Windows 10 for managing documents; and GNOME MPV for controlling media playback. Solus is also highly customizable, with every tweak designed to deliver a cohesive computing experience.

5. Zorin OS

If you love Windows 7, Zorin OS will replicate that Windows experience for you. It not only features a desktop interface that looks and feels familiar, but it’s also beautiful and easy to use. However, it doesn’t limit you to that interface. If you would love something different but with the same feel, Zorin OS offers several options to choose from.

You can choose a GNOME 3 layout or go for a Windows XP-like interface if you want to keep it closer to Windows. Zorin OS has been built from scratch to provide a seamless migration experience for Windows users. In fact, it’s the only distro on our list that includes Wine. This compatibility layer allows users to install Windows apps on Linux.

Wrapping Up

Each of the distributions we saw here carries some of the classic Windows 95 desktop DNA in their Desktop Environment. They’re all different enough to stand apart as unique experiences but similar enough to feel familiar to Windows users. If you are indifferent to the OS interface, you may want to create your own Linux distro or check out some of the best Linux distros out there.

Related:

OK’s real life started at around 10, when he got his first computer — a Commodore 128. Since then, he’s been melting keycaps by typing 24/7, trying to spread The Word Of Tech to anyone interested enough to listen. Or, rather, read.

9 comments

I would personally recommend Ubuntu Mate, unless you loved Windows 8 and then Stadard Ubuntu with Gnome would be a good fit.

As long as the Linux developers kowtow and cater to the Windows refugees, Linux will remain a second-rate O/S. The refugees demand that Linux not only have the look-and-feel of Windows but also the exact same functionality. IOW, they want Linux to be Windows but not from Redmond. Linux IS NOT Windows and will never be because of technical and legal reasons.

“If you’re new to Linux”
For someone new to computers, the learning curve of Linux and Windows is about the same. It is the “switchers” who find Linux “hard” to learn. Linux is not hard to learn. It is the “Windows way of doing things” and “Windows habits” that are hard to UN-learn.

“you’ll want an OS that is GUI-focused like Windows”
You and other tech writers are talking out of both sides of your mouths. On the one hand you tout GUI-focused distros and assure users that they do not need to learn CLI to use Linux. On the other hand you insist that to use Linux properly and efficiently one must learn CLI and command line applications and you crank out endless articles on the subject. So which is it, the former or the latter? Or does it depend on the day of the week and the article being written?

BTW – there are enough inherent differences (naming conventions, filesystem, etc) between Linux and Windows that even if the Linux interface were an exact copy of Windows’, Linux would still be uncomfortable for Windows refugees to learn.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. What attracted me to Linux WAS the fact that I found a few distros that worked exactly like Windows. I could switch and still get my work done ’cause the learning curve was quite low. Everything was where I needed it to be (where it was in Windows). I think the fact that some devs cater to the “Windows refugees” is great and helps expose Linux to the Windows crowd.
Also, it helps to remember that ALL desktops started out looking like Windows (though Windows was not the first to use that design). As time passed, some desktops veered off to pursue other designs (Gnome), some stayed with the “traditional” design. Because of my age and the way I work, my preference is the traditional desktop design – due to muscle memory and such.
Now, having said all that, and having been on Linux for a few years, now, I HAVE branched out to the more “difficult” Linux distros for the fun of it. (So the Windows-like distros could be considered “gateway distros” that lead folks to the stronger stuff.)

Linux Lite OS is in my opinion, the best distro for new Windows users and for any Linux user wanting a light, stable OS.