How to Install and Run Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on Windows 11 using WSL

Windows 11 makes it easier than ever to run Linux side by side with your Windows environment. Thanks to WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), you can install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS in just a few steps—no dual-booting, no virtual machines, no fuss. Here’s how to get it up and running fast.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 11
• Administrator access
• An internet connection

Step 1: Enable WSL

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run this command:

wsl --install

This command enables all the necessary features and installs the latest WSL version (WSL 2 by default). It also installs Ubuntu automatically unless specified otherwise.

If you want Ubuntu 20.04 LTS specifically, skip the automatic install by using:

wsl --install --no-distribution

Then install Ubuntu 20.04 manually (see Step 3).

Once it’s done, restart your computer.

Step 2: Set WSL Version to 2 (If Needed)

To make sure WSL 2 is being used, run:

wsl --set-default-version 2

WSL 2 is faster, more compatible, and supports more Linux features than WSL 1.

Step 3: Install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS from the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store
2. Search for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
3. Click Install

After it finishes downloading, launch it. You’ll be prompted to set a username and password for the Linux environment.

Step 4: Run Ubuntu

After the initial setup, you can launch Ubuntu from the Start Menu or by typing wsl or ubuntu2004 in PowerShell or the command prompt.

To run it directly from PowerShell:

wsl -d Ubuntu-20.04

Now you’re in. You’ve got a full Ubuntu terminal running on Windows 11.

Step 5: Update Your Linux Environment

It’s always smart to update the package list and install the latest updates:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

You’re now ready to install development tools, set up SSH, run Docker (with WSL integration), and build Linux-based software directly on your Windows machine.

Bonus: Useful WSL Commands

Here are a few handy commands for working with WSL:

• List installed distros: wsl -l -v
• Set default distro: wsl --set-default <distro-name>
• Stop WSL: wsl --shutdown
• Remove a distro: wsl --unregister <distro-name>

Final Thoughts

WSL 2 turns Windows 11 into a powerful development environment for Linux users. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is a stable, long-term support release that pairs perfectly with WSL. Whether you’re coding, managing servers, or just exploring Linux, this setup gives you the best of both worlds—without the hassle.

Got questions or want a follow-up post on customizing your WSL setup? Drop a comment below.