Run Linux on Windows

What is the Windows Subsystem for Linux?

The Windows Subsystem for Linux lets developers run a GNU/Linux environment — including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications — directly on Windows, unmodified, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dualboot setup.

What you can do:

• Choose your favorite GNU/Linux distributions from the Microsoft Store.
• Run common command-line tools such as grep, sed, awk, or other ELF-64 binaries.
• Run Bash shell scripts and GNU/Linux command-line applications including:
  • Tools: vim, emacs, tmux
  • Languages: NodeJS, Javascript, Python, Ruby, C/C++, C# & F#, Rust, Go, etc.
  • Services: SSHD, MySQL, Apache, lighttpd, MongoDB, PostgreSQL.
• Install additional software using your own GNU/Linux distribution package manager.
• Invoke Windows applications using a Unix-like command-line shell.
• Invoke GNU/Linux applications on Windows.

Source Link

Why should you install Linux on your windows machine using WSL today?

Install WSL on Windows 10

A shortened guide has been created below. For the full manual installation steps, view the official Windows documentation HERE.

Step 3 – Enable Virtual Machine features

PowerShell
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Restart your machine.

Step 4 – Download the Linux kernel and update

Update package for Linux kernel

Run the update package after the file has downloaded.

Step 5 – Set WSL 2 as default

PowerShell
wsl --set-default-version 2

Step 6 – Install your Linux distribution

Installing Kali Linux

Access Kali

Open Windows search and type: Kali Linux. Open the application which will launch a Kali Linux Terminal window where you will be able to enter the following commands.

Remote Desktop Access

Open remote desktop and enter the IP Address found in the Kali terminal.

Enter IP Address and click on the Connect button.

Enter your username and password and select OK.

The Kali Linux GUI will now be displayed via Remote Desktop. Kali is now ready for use as if it were installed as the base operating system for your computer.

Special Thanks to Network Chuck who introduced me to Kali. His video guide is an excellent resource should you need more information or would like to see this done in action. Video Imbedded down below:

Installing Ubuntu