Dimitri John Ledkov
on 11 July 2017
Windows 10 loves Ubuntu
Ubuntu 16.04 is now available as an app from the Windows Store for users running Windows Insider builds. The newly improved app is created by Canonical in collaboration with the Microsoft WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) team as a result of the work announced at Microsoft Build 2017 Conference, after the first unveiling at Build 2016 Conference. The installation experience has been greatly improved and using Ubuntu on Windows should be now easier than before.
To use this app, you need to be enrolled in the Windows Insiders programme and upgrade to the latest preview build of Windows. You can join the programme here. Insider builds have an optional feature that allows you to run Ubuntu binaries, natively. This can be activated by searching for “Turn Windows features on or off” and opting-in “Windows Subsystem for Linux”. And then install Ubuntu from the Windows Store.
Upon first launch of the app, a per-user copy of Ubuntu will be configured, including setting up unix account and the sudo password. Subsequently, you can pin Ubuntu to the Start menu or the taskbar for quick access to Ubuntu. In addition to launching the Ubuntu tile, you will also have access to run `ubuntu` from any cmd.exe terminal prompts as well.
If you get stuck, fear not, and join the community of WSL users. Use AskUbuntu , or Github, or StackOverflow Please enjoy running Ubuntu bash terminal, apt, git, ssh and many other tools and technologies from the comfort of your Windows 10 desktop.
