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If you forgot the password for your Linux distribution: You will be asked to enter your current password, then asked to enter your new password, and then to confirm your new password. To change or reset your password, open the Linux distribution and enter the command: passwd. Encountering a username error? StackExchange: What characters should I use or not use in usernames on Linux?
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Linux distributions installed with WSL are a per-user installation and can't be shared with other Windows user accounts. You will have to configure a Linux user account every time you add a distribution, reinstall, or reset. This account will be considered the Linux administrator, with the ability to run sudo (Super User Do) administrative commands.Įach Linux distribution running on WSL has its own Linux user accounts and passwords. Once you create a User Name and Password, the account will be your default user for the distribution and automatically sign-in on launch. You won't see what you are typing, this is completely normal. Please note that whilst entering the Password, nothing will appear on screen. This User Name and Password is specific to each separate Linux distribution that you install and has no bearing on your Windows user name. You will be asked to create a User Name and Password for your Linux distribution. Once the process of installing your Linux distribution with WSL is complete, open the distribution (Ubuntu by default) using the Start menu. You will need to restart your machine during this installation process.Ĭheck the troubleshooting installation article if you run into any issues. Downloads and installs the Ubuntu Linux distribution (reboot may be required).Downloads and installs the latest Linux kernel.Enables the optional WSL and Virtual Machine Platform components.The -install command performs the following actions: Open PowerShell (or Windows Command Prompt) and enter: wsl -install If you prefer to install a Linux distribution other than Ubuntu, or would prefer to complete these steps manually, see the WSL installation page for more details. You can update using the Settings menu or Windows Update Assistant.
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To check your version and build number, select Windows logo key + R, type winver, select OK.
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To use the simplified -install command, you must be running a recent build of Windows (Build 20262+). Windows Subsystem for Linux comes with the Windows operating system, but you must enable it and install a Linux distribution before you can begin using it. Learn how to run the command to install the default Bash shell that uses Ubuntu or can be set to install other Linux distributions, use basic WSL commands, set up Visual Studio Code or Visual Studio, Git, Windows Credential Manager, databases like MongoDB, Postgres, or MySQL, set up GPU acceleration, run GUI apps, and more. A step-by-step guide to the best practices for setting up a WSL development environment.
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