6 Operating Systems and Desktop GUIs For Windows Subsystem for Linux

Thinking about installing Linux on Windows with Windows Subsystem for Linux? The choice is limited, but you'll find these Linux distros run with WSL.

If you're interested in installing Linux on a Windows computer, you've probably heard about Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). But which versions of Linux does it run? Here we look at the Linux-based operating systems you can run natively in Windows 10 with WSL, as well as consider how to choose a Linux desktop environment.

What Is Windows Subsystem for Linux?

A feature of Windows 10, Windows Subsystem for Linux is a compatibility layer that lets you run Linux software in a Windows environment. Available for Windows 10 Home and above, WSL can be added to your system manually or by joining the Windows Insider program for previewing new software.

Installing WSL Gives You a Linux Terminal for Windows

If you install WSL you get to enjoy a Linux terminal in Windows 10. This has considerable advantages, from running Linux software to providing a simply learning environment for getting to grips with Linux.

Read More: How to Run a Terminal With Windows Subsystem for Linux

Of course, that isn't the only way you can get a Linux terminal on Windows. If you have a remote Linux box running (perhaps a Raspberry Pi), you might use PuTTY or Windows PowerShell, or any other suitable SSH tool for remote access.

However, Windows Subsystem for Linux is the best way to install Linux on Windows if you don't have a suitable secondary machine.

Related: How to Use SSH in Windows 10

6 Linux Operating Systems You Can Install With WSL on Windows 10

With WSL installed on your computer, you're ready to select a Linux operating system to install on it. These are available from the Windows Store and require WSL as a prerequisite, so ensure you've fully installed it before installing a Linux OS. The following six Linux operating systems can be installed on WSL.

1. Install Ubuntu on Windows 10 With WSL

Perhaps the most well-known Linux operating system, installing Ubuntu on Windows 10 is simple with WSL.

Several versions are available, each with various utilities preinstalled. If the tools you're looking for are unavailable, they can probably be installed. Your choice of Ubuntu operating systems for WSL is:

Download: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS

Download: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

Download: Ubuntu (rolling)

The rolling version is regularly updated, but doesn't have the benefit of the long-term support (LTS) that the older versions offer.

2. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15

Also known as SLE, this server version of SUSE is suitable for a variety of server-based purposes on your Windows PC. It features several server applications, including PostgreSQL, Samba, and others. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 is ideal as a testing environment and as a full SLE server when running in Windows Subsystem for Linux.

The version of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 for WSL is SP1.

Download: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15

3. Debian

Another of the most popular Linux distros available, this download adds Debian as an app to your Windows 10 PC running WSL. It delivers a complete Debian command line environment, giving you access to all the familiar Debian tools. Need additional software? Just install it!

Download: Debian

4. Kali Linux

A Linux distro aimed at penetration testing, Kali Linux for WSL lets you analyze systems, switches, and other network hardware without having to install Kali Linux on a separate system. This is clearly a massive advantage to anyone whose daily work involves pen testing networked hardware.

Download: Kali Linux

Note that running Kali Linux with WSL can trigger antivirus warnings in Windows 10. Ensure the software is fully permitted access via your security software for the best results.

An advantage to using Kali Linux is that it now ships with a desktop environment built in. Win-KEX works in the same way as other desktops environments in WSL (see below) but saves you installing the extra software.

5. openSUSE Leap 15.2

A less popular Linux desktop operating system, openSUSE on WSL provides a Linux environment aimed at users wanting a more reliable experience. Like the other examples here, it provides native command line tools for system admins, and can closely mirror a Linux server environment without relying on a virtual machine.

Download: openSUSE Leap 15.2

6. Fedora Remix for WSL

If your preference for Linux on Windows 10 is more aligned with the Fedora family, you're in luck. Fedora Remix for WSL is a dedicated release of the open-source operating system.

Note, however, that it is released as a remix of the upstream Fedora Linux distribution for WSL. As such, this is a third-party release that is not endorsed bythe Fedora Project or Red Hat, Inc.

Download: Fedora ($9.99)

Unlike other operating systems listed here, Fedora Remix for WSL is a premium product, available with a small one-off fee.

Can You Install a Linux Desktop in WSL?

With a Linux operating system installed in WSL, you will have full access to the Linux terminal environment.

However, there is no desktop by default. The way around this is to install a desktop environment and use a Windows X server to access it through VNC. While something of a bump in the road to Linux integration on Windows, this is a straightforward process.

Read More: How to Run a Linux Desktop Using the Windows Subsystem for Linux

Most Linux desktop environments can run with WSL-based Linux installations. The example above shows LXDE running on Ubuntu in Windows 10 thanks to WSL.

Once set up, you'll be able to enjoy your preferred Linux desktop environment in a window on your Windows 10 desktop.

Install Your Favorite Distro Linux on Windows 10 With WSL

With six Linux operating systems to choose from in the Microsoft Store, there is plenty to choose from. You have a choice of desktop operating systems, Linux servers, and penetration testing OSs thanks to WSL.

While the operating systems all install without a desktop environment, you can nevertheless add one. This can then be accessed via VNC, providing the illusion of a physical Linux desktop running in WSL.

Not happy with the choices on offer with WSL? Perhaps it's time to consider installing Linux in a virtual machine.

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