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How to Install Linux Bash on Windows 10

Using Linux Bash on Windows 10 is an easy thing to do

2 min. read

Updated onDecember 15, 2023

updated onDecember 15, 2023

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Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, already confirmed that “Microsoft lovesLinux“. The company introduced some benefits forLinuxdevelopers using Windows 10.

Developers are now able to install the Linux Bash shell on their computers and work on theirLinuxprojects in Microsoft’s environment.

What is Linux Bash?

In case you’re not familiar with the Bash shell, it’s a simple command line tool, that has been used byLinuxdevelopers for a long time.

Bash runs on Windows 10 natively, as a part of the Windows Subsystem for Linux. That means you don’t need any emulators or third-party applications to run it.

However, even though theLinuxBash is fully compatible with Windows 10, it is not ‘visible’ by default, as users need to enable it first.

So, if you’re interested in runningLinuxcommands on your Windows 10 machine, we’ve prepared this guide to show you how toinstalltheLinuxBash on your Windows 10 computer.

How can I install Linux Bash on Windows 10?

How can I install Linux Bash on Windows 10?

The easiest way to install Linux Bash on Windows 10 is withCommand Prompt. You’ll need to run the latest version of x64 Windows 10.

Before anything else, prepare your PC forLinuxBashinstall, and then download andinstallit through cmd.

As we already mentioned above, you need to run at least Windows 10 version 1607 to be able to run Bash on your computer, becauseprevious versions of Windows 10are not compatible with this tool.

Secondly, you need to run a x64 system, as theLinuxBash doesn’t work on x32 versions of Windows 10.

If you can meet all these prerequisites, you can now freely install theLinuxBash on your Windows 10 computer. But before you actually install Bash on your computer, you need to prepare it. And here’s how to do that:

1. Press theWindows+Ikeys on your keyboard to open the Windows 10 Settings app.

  1. Go toUpdate & security>For Developers.

  2. UnderUse developer features, select theDeveloper modeoption.

4.On the message box, clickYesto turn on developer mode.

  1. Restart your computer.

  2. Once your computer reboots, open Control Panel.

  3. Click onPrograms >Turn Windows features on or off.

8.Check theWindows Subsystem for Linux(Beta) option, and click OK.

  1. Once the components are installed on your computer, restart it once again, to complete the process.

  2. Once you’ve prepared your computer for the Linux Bash, you can finally enable this feature.

To start off, click on theStartbutton, do a search forbash.exe, and then pressEnter.

  1. In the command prompt, type y and pressEnter. This command will automatically download and install Bash from the Windows Store.

  2. After that, you need to create a new defaultUNIX user account. This account doesn’t have to be the same as your Windows account.

Enter the username in the required field and pressEnter. You can’t use the username “admin”.

  1. Close thebash.execommand prompt.

  2. Once you’ve done all this, Bash will beinstalledon your computer, and you’ll be able to run it from the Start Menu, or Desktop, just like any other app.

We must tell you that you won’t be able to perform all actions and access all features of Bash for Windows 10. Unlike the original Bash forLinux, the Windows Subsystem forLinuxcan’t run graphical apps. Developers can only use it as a text-based tool.

This is not the final version of Bash on Windows 10, as Microsoft is still working on future improvements. We should see even more features, and options in Bash on Windows 10 with the upcoming system updates or Windows 10 builds.

If you’re a fan of Bash, then this is great news and you can now enjoy its features on Windows 10with more on the way.

What’s your favorite thing aboutLinuxBash? Leave the answer along with any other questions you may have in the comments section below.

More about the topics:Install guides,Windows 10 Guides,Windows Linux subsystem

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.

When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.

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Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.