Install Linux Bash / Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) – Windows 10

The Windows anniversary update is finally out, this is good news. This means the new Windows Subsystem for Linux aka BASH is now available for non-Windows Insider users.

Before you start, you need to make sure that you are updated to Build 1607, you are not then run the Windows Update, if you still don’t get the update then you’ll have to wait a little longer.

Next, enable Developer Mode. Hit the Start button and type developer and click on For Developer Settings, then click Developer Mode

Next, hit the Start button again and type features and click on Turn Windows Features On or Off. 

In the window that pops up, scroll down until you see Windows Subsystem for Linux. Click the checkmark next to it and hit OK. It’ll then ask you to reboot.

[Old Method / Possible Deprecated] Once your back from the reboot open Command Prompt as Admin and type in bash then hit enter. The first time you do this it’ll confirm whether you’ll allow it to download the Ubuntu image, you need to select Yes as WSL will not function without it.

[New Method] Open Windows Store and search for WSL, you’ll see a banner for WSL, click Get the apps button

Click on the distribution you wish to install

Hit GET and it’ll start to download and then install

Finally, in the Start menu search for bash and launch the program you get

That’s all!