Your submission was sent successfully! Close

You have successfully unsubscribed! Close

Thank you for signing up for our newsletter!
In these regular emails you will find the latest updates about Ubuntu and upcoming events where you can meet our team.Close

Windows 10 loves Ubuntu

This article was last updated 4 years ago.


Ubuntu 16.04 is now available as an app from the Windows Store for users running Windows Insider builds. The newly improved app is created by Canonical in collaboration with the Microsoft WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) team as a result of the work announced at Microsoft Build 2017 Conference, after the first unveiling at Build 2016 Conference. The installation experience has been greatly improved and using Ubuntu on Windows should be now easier than before.

To use this app, you need to be enrolled in the Windows Insiders programme and upgrade to the latest preview build of Windows. You can join the programme here. Insider builds have an optional feature that allows you to run Ubuntu binaries, natively. This can be activated by searching for “Turn Windows features on or off” and opting-in “Windows Subsystem for Linux”. And then install Ubuntu from the Windows Store.

Get it on Windows 10. 

Upon first launch of the app, a per-user copy of Ubuntu will be configured, including setting up unix account and the sudo password. Subsequently, you can pin Ubuntu to the Start menu or the taskbar for quick access to Ubuntu. In addition to launching the Ubuntu tile, you will also have access to run `ubuntu` from any cmd.exe terminal prompts as well.

If you get stuck, fear not, and join the community of WSL users. Use AskUbuntu , or Github, or StackOverflow Please enjoy running Ubuntu bash terminal, apt, git, ssh and many other tools and technologies from the comfort of your Windows 10 desktop.

Ubuntu desktop

Learn how the Ubuntu desktop operating system powers millions of PCs and laptops around the world.

Newsletter signup

Get the latest Ubuntu news and updates in your inbox.

By submitting this form, I confirm that I have read and agree to Canonical's Privacy Policy.

Related posts

Canonical releases Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat

Canonical’s 10th Long Term Supported release sets a new standard in performance engineering, enterprise security and developer experience.

Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS: Noble Numbat deep dive

Learn how Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS is built to empower open source developers and deliver innovation for the next 12 years.

What’s new in security for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS?

We’re excited about the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release, Noble Numbat. Like all Ubuntu releases, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with 5 years of free security...