You can run Arch Linux in Windows now – here’s how

Running Arch Linux directly inside Windows has never been easier. With Microsoft’s continued investment in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can now install and run an official Arch Linux image on top of WSL 2 in just a few commands. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from prerequisites to getting your first shell.

Why Run Arch Linux in Windows?

• Cutting-edge software. Arch Linux is a rolling-release distribution, meaning you always have the latest packages without needing a full upgrade cycle (wiki.archlinux.org).
• Native integration. WSL 2 provides a real Linux kernel in a lightweight VM, giving you full syscall compatibility and better performance than WSL 1 (en.wikipedia.org).
• Seamless workflows. Use your favorite Windows IDEs and tools alongside Arch’s pacman, systemd (via WSLg), and other GNU utilities without dual-booting or heavy virtualization.

Prerequisites

1. Windows 11 or Windows 10 (2004+) with the latest updates.
2. WSL 2 installed and set as your default WSL version.
3. Internet connection to download the Arch rootfs.

Note: You no longer need to enable the old “Windows Subsystem for Linux” optional component or install separate MSI packages for WSL or WSLg ﹣ the Microsoft Store version of WSL handles it all (wiki.archlinux.org).

Step 1: Enable and Update WSL

Open an elevated PowerShell (run as Administrator) and execute:

# Install or update WSL to the latest stable release
wsl --update
# (Optional) Switch to the pre-release channel for cutting-edge WSL features
# wsl --update --pre-release

If you haven’t installed WSL yet, you can do so with:

wsl --install

This command enables the required Windows features, installs the default distro, and sets WSL 2 as your default (wiki.archlinux.org).

Pro tip: After installing or updating WSL, reboot your machine to ensure all components (including WSLg for GUI apps) initialize correctly.

Step 2: Install Arch Linux

With WSL ready, installing Arch is a one-liner:

wsl --install archlinux

Behind the scenes, this command:

1. Downloads the official Arch Linux root filesystem image.
2. Registers a new WSL distribution named archlinux.
3. Sets up integration so you can launch it via the Start menu or wsl -d archlinux (wiki.archlinux.org).

If you want a custom distro name, add the --name flag:

wsl --install archlinux --name my-arch

Step 3: First Boot and Initial Setup

After installation completes:

1. Launch Arch by typing archlinux in the Start menu or:

wsl -d archlinux

1. You’ll land in a root shell. First, set your timezone, locale, and hostname:

# Set timezone (example: Manila)
ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Asia/Manila /etc/localtime
hwclock --systohc

# Enable en_US UTF-8 locale (edit /etc/locale.gen and uncomment)
echo "en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8" >> /etc/locale.gen
locale-gen
echo "LANG=en_US.UTF-8" > /etc/locale.conf

# Set hostname
echo "arch-wsl" > /etc/hostname

1. Update the system before installing anything new:

pacman -Syu

Tip: Because Arch WSL images are rebuilt monthly, it’s a good idea to run pacman -Syu right after installation to pull in the very latest packages (chicagovps.net).

Step 4: Create a Regular User

By default, you’re root. For safety and convenience, create a non-root user:

# Replace alice with your username
useradd -m -G wheel alice
passwd alice

# Allow sudo for wheel group
pacman -S sudo
echo "%wheel ALL=(ALL) ALL" >> /etc/sudoers

To make your user the default login, add to /etc/wsl.conf:

[user]
default = alice

Now, exiting and relaunching Arch will drop you directly into your new user’s shell.

(Optional) Step 5: Enable systemd and GUI Support

WSLg (GUI support) and full systemd integration arrive automatically with the Store-based WSL, but you may need to opt in:

1. In /etc/wsl.conf, add:

[boot] 
systemd = true

1. From PowerShell, restart your distro:

wsl --shutdown 
wsl -d archlinux

Your Arch shell now runs with systemd PID 1, letting you start services exactly like on a native install. GUI apps just work out of the box.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Locked out as root? From PowerShell, run wsl -u root to regain root access (wiki.archlinux.org).
• Multiple Arch installs? Rename the downloaded binary (e.g., arch-dev.exe) before running to register a second distro via the ArchWSL project (wsldl-pg.github.io).
• Graphics performance. Use VcXsrv or rely on WSLg for GUI apps.

Conclusion

Running Arch Linux on Windows with WSL 2 combines the power and customization of Arch with the convenience of Microsoft’s integrated Linux support. In under five minutes, you’ll have a bleeding-edge distro at your fingertips—no dual-booting or heavyweight VMs required. Try it today, and unlock a world of minimalism, speed, and control right inside Windows.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!