On Windows 10, you can now install and run Linux GUI apps (almost natively) through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and these instructions will show you how.
Although you have been able to run Linux apps on Windows 10 via WSL for a long time, the system was limited to command-line tools and applications. However, starting with build 21364 and higher releases and through an update to the WSL integration, Microsoft is finally bringing GUI (graphical user interface) support to run your favorite Linux applications with the mouse and keyboard.
The new feature is meant to develop and test your applications on Linux without needing a virtual machine, but you can use it for anything you need. The implementation even includes support for speakers and microphones, so if you install a media app, the peripherals will pass through and appear in the app. GPU accelerated 3D graphics are also supported to run any app that needs to do complex 3D rendering leveraging OpenGL.
When using this feature, there is no need to start an X server manually since WSL automatically starts a “companion system distro,” which includes a Wayland, X server, pulse audio server, and all the required components. Then after you close the app and the WSL session, the system distro will end automatically.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to get started downloading and installing graphical Linux applications on Windows 10.
How to install Linux GUI apps via WSL on Windows 10
Use the following steps to install and run a Linux GUI app on Windows 10:
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Open Start on Windows 10.
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Search for Ubuntu (or another distro) and click the top result to open the Linux distro.
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Type the following command to install a Linux GUI app and press Enter:
sudo apt-get install APP-NAME
In the command, replace APP-NAME with the graphical app you want to install.
This example installs the gedit text editor app:
sudo apt-get install gedit
WSL console -
Confirm your Linux account password and press Enter (if applicable).
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Type the Y key to confirm the action (if applicable).
Once you complete the steps, the app will install and register in the Start menu, which means that you can launch the app by running the name of the app in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) console or from the Start menu.
The above instructions outline the steps to install a simple app from known repositories, but depending on the app, the steps may be different. The good news is that the installation process is the same as any other Linux application, so you can follow the developer steps to install virtually any application, such as VLC, Audacity, web admin, etc.
If you launch the Linux GUI app from the Windows 10 Start menu, you will find the entries in the “Recently added” list, or you can also find them inside the (distro name) folder below the Linux distro entry.
As you launch the app, the virtual machine will spin, and it will run (in a few seconds) without the need to have the WSL console open. You will also notice that the taskbar will show the icon with a Linux logo, indicating that you are not running a Windows 10 application.
The experience using a graphical Linux app on Windows 10 feels native, but it’s not. The app renders with all the Linux visual styles for the frame, menus, and other elements, and there is even a shadow around the frame, and every window works independently.
However, it is a remote desktop connection, which Microsoft is likely leveraging with the RemoteApp feature built into the operating system.
How to install or update WSL on Windows 10
The ability to run Linux GUI apps requires the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 integration, which means that you need to have the latest version of the feature and distribution to install and run your applications.
If you have WSL2 already installed, then you will need to update the feature.
Before installing or updating WSL2, the device will need to be running build 21364 or higher. If you are not, use these steps first to enroll the computer in the Windows Insider Program to upgrade the system to the latest build in the Dev Channel, and then continue with the steps below.
Install WSL2 on Windows 10
These instructions will show you how to install WSL2 and the Ubuntu Linux distribution to get started running GUI apps.
Use the following steps to install WSL2 and set up Ubuntu Linux:
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to install the WSL 2 and press Enter:
wsl --install
Command Prompt WSL command
Once you complete the steps, the required Linux components will install automatically, and the command will also download the latest version of the Ubuntu Linux distro.
After the installation, you only need to open the distro from the Start menu and continue with the on-screen directions to complete the setup.
If you want to install a different distro to run apps instead of Ubuntu, you can use these instructions.
Update WSL2 on Windows 10
If you already have the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 installed, you want to make sure the latest updates are installed to run GUI apps.
Use the following steps to update WSL2:
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to update the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 and press Enter:
wsl --update
Command Prompt console with WSL command
After you complete the steps, the latest version of WSL will download automatically. Then you can use the above instructions to install Linux GUI apps.
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