Step-by-Step Guide- How to Install a VM on WSL2 for Enhanced Linux Experience

How to Install a VM on WSL2

In today’s digital age, virtual machines (VMs) have become an essential tool for developers and system administrators. They allow users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine, providing flexibility and convenience. With the introduction of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2), running Linux-based VMs on Windows has become even more seamless. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing a VM on WSL2.

1. Check System Requirements

Before installing a VM on WSL2, it is essential to ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

– Windows 10 or Windows 11 with WSL2 enabled
– At least 4GB of RAM (8GB or more is recommended)
– Virtualization enabled in your system’s BIOS or UEFI

2. Enable WSL2

To enable WSL2, follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run the following command: `wsl –set-version 2`
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

3. Install a Linux Distribution

After enabling WSL2, you need to install a Linux distribution. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run the following command: `wsl –install`
3. Choose a Linux distribution from the list and select “Install.”

4. Configure WSL2

Once the Linux distribution is installed, you need to configure it for optimal performance. Follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run the following command: `wsl –update`
3. Open the installed Linux distribution from the Start menu.
4. Update the package manager and install necessary packages:
“`
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
“`

5. Install a Virtualization Tool

To run a VM on WSL2, you need a virtualization tool. We recommend using VirtualBox, as it is free and easy to use. Here’s how to install it:

1. Open the Linux distribution you installed.
2. Open a terminal.
3. Run the following command to install VirtualBox:
“`
sudo apt install virtualbox
“`

6. Create a VM

Now that you have VirtualBox installed, you can create a new VM. Follow these steps:

1. Open VirtualBox from the Start menu.
2. Click on “New” to create a new VM.
3. Enter a name for your VM, select the type (Linux), and choose the version of your Linux distribution.
4. Set the amount of memory for your VM (at least 2GB).
5. Create a new hard disk for your VM. You can choose between a dynamically allocated or fixed-size hard disk.
6. Click “Create” to finish setting up your VM.

7. Install a Guest Operating System

Now that your VM is set up, you need to install a guest operating system. Follow these steps:

1. Select your VM from the list in VirtualBox.
2. Click on “Settings.”
3. Go to the “System” tab and set the CPU and memory settings according to your VM’s specifications.
4. Go to the “Storage” tab and add a new virtual CD/DVD drive.
5. Click on the “Empty” drive and select “Choose Virtual Optical Disk File.”
6. Select the ISO file of the guest operating system you want to install.
7. Start your VM and follow the on-screen instructions to install the guest operating system.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed a VM on WSL2. Enjoy running multiple operating systems on your Windows machine.