Bash on Windows

After very long and quite boring day, I just finished upgrading to Windows 10 build 14393.10 and the first thing I had to try was the new bash on windows feature, that is the Bash on Ubuntu on Windows thingy… Microsoft and their product names! Jeez!

And I must admit it’s an orgasmic experience to have access to bash without having to start a Linux virtual machine. I applaud both Microsoft and Canonical for providing such a wonderful feature. Thank you.

Installing Bash on Ubuntu on Windows

First of all, you’ll need to update your copy of Windows to build 14393.10
Once updated (which can take a while), you will need to enable Developer mode:

  • Start the Settings application (which now can be also be launched by right-clicking the Task Bar).
  • Switch to the Update & Security section.
  • From the (new) left-hand side menu, select the For developers entry.
  • Select the Developer mode option.
    You will then be required to restart.
  • When the system restarts, right-click the Start button select Programs and Features.
  • From the left-hand side panel, click the Turn Windows features on or off link.
  • Within the Windows Features dialog, locate the Windows Subsystem for Linux (beta) entry and select it.
  • Click OK.
    You will then be required to restart again.
  • After restarting, click the Start button and type “bash” (without the double quotes), and press ENTER to run it.
  • The first time, you will be asked to accept the license agreement and it will then proceed to download the Bash on Ubuntu on Windows package.
  • Finally, after the package is installed, you will be asked to create an account. Provide a valid Linux user name (and password) and you’ll be done!