3 Ways to Install Linux on a Windows Machine

Installing an Operating system on another operating system might be a difficult task. This blog serves as a detailed installation guide for linux on a windows machine. It provides three different methods to install linux on windows. Choose the best option that suits your needs and machine.

Why Use Linux on a Windows?

• Access powerful command-line tools
  
• Practice shell scripting or DevOps tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform
  
• Lightweight and resource-efficient environment
  
• Better compatibility with open-source software

Method 1: Install Linux Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Best For:

• Developers and casual users
  
• Quick access to Linux tools without leaving Windows

Steps:

Enable WSL Feature: Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
bash
CopyEdit
wsl --install

1. Restart Your PC (if prompted)
   
2. Choose a Linux Distribution: Once rebooted, select a distro (e.g., Ubuntu) or manually install from Microsoft Store:
   
   • Open Microsoft Store
     
   • Search for “Ubuntu” or your preferred distro
     
   • Click “Install”
     
3. Set Up Your User Account: After launch, set a username and password.
   
4. Start Using Linux: Open the distro via the Start menu and you’re inside a full Linux terminal.

Method 2: Dual-Boot Linux and Windows

Best For:

• Power users who want full Linux performance
  
• Users who need access to both operating systems

Warning:

Back up all important data before proceeding.

Steps:

1. Create a Bootable USB:
   
   • Download your preferred Linux ISO (e.g., Ubuntu)
     
   • Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive
     
2. Create Space for Linux:
   
   • Use Disk Management to shrink your Windows partition
     
3. Boot from USB:
   
   • Reboot and enter BIOS (usually F2, F12, or DEL key)
     
   • Set USB as the primary boot device
     
4. Install Linux:
   
   • Follow the installation wizard
     
   • Choose the “Install alongside Windows” option if available
     
5. Boot Menu:
   
   • On startup, choose between Linux or Windows using the boot menu (GRUB)
     

Method 3: Use a Virtual Machine (VM)

Best For:

• Testing and learning without changing your actual system
  
• Running multiple OSs side-by-side

Steps:

1. Install a VM Tool:
   
   • virtualbox
     
   • VMware Workstation Player
     
2. Download a Linux ISO
   
3. Create a New VM:
   
   • Allocate memory and disk space
     
   • Mount the ISO and start installation
     
4. Install and Use Linux Inside the VM

Getting Started With Guvi

Once you successfully install Linux on a windows system, start learning Linux by enrolling in Guvi’s course on Introduction to Linux Shell Scripting with Bash. This covers various Linux concepts from beginner to advanced level along with professional certification.

Conclusion

To wrap up, you can incorporate three different ways to install Linux on a windows machine. If you want to use the Linux command prompt then you can install WSL as the Linux acts as a subsystem. If you want a dual operating system, you can dual-boot the Linux in windows. Or, the best and easiest step is to install a virtual box and start using Linux. 

Based on your needs and your system’s capabilities, you can choose the method and start using Linux on a windows machine today!