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Learn WSL

Step-by-step guide to install, configure, and use WSL and WSLg.

1.1 Enable Windows Features

Enable the following features in the Windows Feature app: - Windows Subsystem for Linux - Virtual Machine Platform

1.2 Install WSL

Open CMD as an administrator and type:

wsl --install

1.3 Restart Your PC

Restart your computer to apply changes.

1.4 Install Applications from Microsoft Store

Go to the Microsoft Store and install: - Windows Subsystem for Linux - Your preferred Linux Distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Debian, Oracle, Arch, etc.)

1.5 Set Up the Linux Distribution

Open the Linux app and complete the installation process for your chosen Linux distribution.

1.6 Final Restart

Restart your PC to finalize the setup.

1.7 Installation Complete

Your WSL installation is now complete.

2. Extra WSL Commands to Get Started

2.1 Update WSL

To update the WSL version:

wsl --update

2.2 WSL Version Information

To get information about WSL, WSLg, and the kernel version:

wsl --version

2.3 List Installed Distributions

To get a list of all installed distributions:

wsl --list
wsl --all
wsl --running
wsl --quiet
wsl --verbose
wsl --online

2.4 Set Default Distribution

To set the default Linux distribution:

wsl --set-default <Distro>

3. WSLg Installation

3.1 Update and Upgrade Linux Distribution

Open your Linux distribution and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

3.2 Install Win-KeX

Install Win-KeX for GUI support:

sudo apt install kali-win-kex

3.3 Configure Win-KeX

Follow the prompts to fill in the required information.

3.4 Start GUI

To start the GUI, type in the terminal:

kex

4. Additional Info on WSLg

Modes

  • Window Mode (default)
  • Enhanced Session Mode: --esm - Launch Win-KeX desktop in a dedicated window using Windows native RDP.
  • Seamless Mode: --sl - Integrate Win-KeX into the Windows desktop seamlessly.
  • Window Mode: --win - Launch Win-KeX desktop in a dedicated window.

Commands

  • Start Win-KeX server and client
  • Start Win-KeX server: --start
  • Start Win-KeX client: --start-client
  • Launch in Windows Terminal: --wtstart
  • Stop Win-KeX server: --stop
  • Check Win-KeX server status: --status
  • Stop server and kill processes: --kill
  • Set server password: --passwd
  • Start/Stop Windows sound server: --start-sound / --stop-sound
  • Manage WSLg unix socket: --wslg-restore / --wslg-remove / --wslg-status
  • Display Win-KeX version: --version
  • Display help: --help

Optional Parameters

  • Use container IP address: --ip or -i
  • Optimized for multiscreen: --multiscreen or -m
  • Sound support: --sound or -s
  • Disable Windows OpenGL: --nowgl or -n
  • Disable client reconnecting: --norc or -r
  • Wait longer for desktop in SL mode: --wait or -w
  • Verbose output: --verbose

Examples

  • Start Win-KeX server in window mode and launch Win-KeX client with sound support:

    kex -s

  • Start Win-KeX in seamless mode and launch Win-KeX client with sound support:

    kex --sl -s

  • Start Win-KeX in Enhanced Session Mode with ARM workaround and launch Win-KeX client with sound support:

    kex --esm -i -s

  • Start Win-KeX server as root in window mode and launch Win-KeX client:

    sudo kex
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