How to Install Debian with WSL on Windows 11

This tutorial shows you how to install and run Debian Linux on Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2). It’s easier than you might think.

Back in 2017, Windows released Windows Subsystem for Linux. This tool lets you run a Linux environment directly in Windows without needing a separate virtual machine or dual-boot setup.

WSL2 is the newer version. It’s faster and works better with Linux programs. It uses a new architecture that makes running Linux on Windows much smoother.

Why Would You Want This?

Installing Debian with WSL on Windows 11 gives you access to Linux without leaving Windows. You can use Linux command-line tools like bash, ssh, git, and apt. This is helpful for developers who need Linux tools or anyone wanting to try Linux without switching operating systems.

What You Need Before Starting

Make sure your computer meets these requirements:

• Windows 10 May 2020 (2004) or newer, or Windows 11
• A computer that supports Hyper-V Virtualization

Step 1: Enable WSL in Windows

⚠️ Admin Privileges Required

First, you need to open PowerShell as an administrator. Click on Start and type “PowerShell”.

Right-click Windows PowerShell and choose “Run as administrator”.

When the window opens, copy and paste this command:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Press Enter. You should see a success message that looks like this:

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.19041.844
Image Version: 10.0.19042.844
Enabling feature(s)
[==========================100.0%==========================]
The operation completed successfully.

Step 2: Enable Virtual Machine Platform

⚠️ Admin Privileges Required

WSL2 needs the Virtual Machine Platform enabled. This is different from Hyper-V. In the same PowerShell window, run this command:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

If you’re using Windows 10 version earlier than 2004, use this command instead:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform -NoRestart

Important: After running these commands, restart your computer. The changes won’t work until you do.

Step 3: Set WSL2 as Default

⚠️ Admin Privileges Required

After your computer restarts, open PowerShell as administrator again. Run this command:

wsl --set-default-version 2

If you get an error about a missing Linux kernel, download it from here: https://wslstorestorage.blob.core.windows.net/wslblob/wsl_update_x64.msi

Run the installer, then try the command above again.

Step 4: Download and Install Debian

Now that WSL2 is ready, you can install Debian. Open the Windows Store using this link: Get Debian – Microsoft Store

Debian on Windows lets you use the Debian Terminal and run Linux command-line tools like bash, ssh, git, and apt.

Click the “Get” button to download and install Debian.

After installation finishes, you’ll see a “Launch” button.

Step 5: Create Your Debian Account

Click “Launch” to start Debian for the first time. The system will ask you to create a user account. This may take a few minutes.

You’ll see a message like this:

Installing, this may take a few minutes…
Please create a default UNIX user account. The username does not need to match your Windows username.
For more information visit: https://aka.ms/wslusers
Enter new UNIX username: user001
New password:
Retype new password:
passwd: password updated successfully
Installation successful!
user001@DESKTOP-ABC1234:~$

Choose a username and password. Remember them—you’ll use them to log into Debian.

Step 6: Launch Debian Anytime

Now Debian is installed. To open it later, search for “Debian” from the Windows Start menu. You can also pin it to your taskbar for quick access.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into problems, try these commands in PowerShell:

wsl --set-default-version 1

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto start

Summary

You now know how to install WSL2 and Debian on Windows. Here’s what you did:

• Enabled Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) using PowerShell
• Enabled the Virtual Machine Platform for WSL2
• Set WSL2 as your default WSL version
• Downloaded and installed Debian from the Windows Store
• Created your Debian user account
• Launched Debian and pinned it to your taskbar

You now have a full Linux environment running on Windows without needing a virtual machine or dual-boot setup. You can use all your favorite Linux command-line tools directly from Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions