His friends Windows 10 Subsystem for Linux (WSL) can now enjoy the Arch Linux distribution since is now available in the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft seems to be focusing more and more on integrating Linux into the operating system Windows 10. For example, the company announced WSL2 last week in Build 2019 and brings a real Linux kernel that will allow compatibility in more Linux applications.
The company also announced a new application Windows Terminal which is expected to be released this summer and will have an interface with tabs, from where you can run many different shells and the traditional PowerShell, CMD of Windows.
Distributions will also be able to quickly create their own WSL distributions, giving Windows users the opportunity to become more familiar with Linux.
Before you can install the Arch Linux distribution via WSL, you must first install the Windows 10 Subsystem for Linux. To do this, go to the Windows Function Control Panel and select Windows 10 Subsystem for Linux as shown below.
Once WSL is installed, you can visit the Microsoft Store and search for WSL Arch Linux. To install it, just click the Get button and you will download and install it from the Store. When done, you can click the Launch button.
Once the distribution is launched for the first time, you will need to set your location and Arch Linux will start downloading the appropriate files. When you're done, create a username and password to log into Arch Linux.
From there, you will be able to use it pacman package manager to install more applications.
For Windows users who have never tried Linux or Arch Linux, using WSL is a great way to learn new things. You never know, you might like it so much that you leave Windows…
Just like me…
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Finally, too late!