How to Run Linux GUI Apps Natively on Windows 11 using WSL

For years, developers and system administrators using Windows had to rely on resource-heavy virtual machines or complicated dual-boot setups to access Linux tools. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) changed that, offering a seamless command-line experience. However, the introduction of WSL 2 and WSLg (Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI) has bridged the gap entirely. You can now run Linux GUI apps on Windows 11 natively, complete with audio and hardware acceleration support.

In this guide, we will explore how to install and configure WSL to run graphical Linux applications directly on your Windows 11 desktop, creating a unified development environment.

Prerequisites for Running Linux GUI Apps on Windows 11

Before installing WSLg, ensure your system meets the necessary requirements:

• Windows 11: WSLg is built into Windows 11 (Build 22000 or higher). While it is available on some Windows 10 versions, Windows 11 provides the most stable and integrated experience.
• Virtualization Enabled: Ensure Hardware Virtualization is enabled in your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Updated Drivers: To take advantage of hardware-accelerated OpenGL rendering, install the latest graphics drivers for your GPU (Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA).

Step 1: Install or Update WSL

If you have never used WSL on your machine, installation is incredibly straightforward. Microsoft has condensed the process into a single command.

1. Right-click the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   wsl --install

3. This command automatically downloads the required Linux kernel, enables the necessary Windows features, installs WSL 2, and sets Ubuntu as the default Linux distribution.
4. Restart your computer when prompted.

If you already have WSL installed, you must ensure you are running the latest version that includes WSLg support. Open an administrative PowerShell and run:

wsl --update

After updating, restart WSL using the command wsl --shutdown.

Step 2: Set Up Your Linux Distribution

After your PC restarts from a fresh installation, a terminal window will appear asking you to create a UNIX user account and password. This account is separate from your Windows login.

Once your Ubuntu (or chosen distribution) environment is set up, it is crucial to update the package lists to ensure you download the latest versions of your Linux apps. Run the following commands in the Linux terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Install a Linux GUI Application

With WSL 2 and WSLg running, you can now install any graphical Linux application just as you would on a native Linux machine. Let us test the environment by installing GIMP, a popular open-source image editor.

1. In your WSL terminal, enter the installation command:

   sudo apt install gimp -y

2. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 4: Launch the Linux GUI App

There are two primary ways to launch your newly installed Linux GUI applications on Windows 11:

Method 1: From the Linux Terminal

You can launch the application directly from the command line by typing its name. For example:

gimp

The Linux version of GIMP will open in its own window on your Windows desktop. You will notice a small Linux penguin icon overlaid on the app’s taskbar icon, distinguishing it from native Windows apps.

Method 2: From the Windows Start Menu

WSLg automatically registers Linux GUI apps with the Windows Start menu. You can simply press the Windows key, type “GIMP”, and you will see the application listed under an “Ubuntu” folder. Clicking it will launch the app seamlessly, without needing to open the terminal first.

Troubleshooting Common WSLg Issues

If your Linux GUI apps are failing to launch or are rendering poorly, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• App Fails to Open: Ensure you are running WSL 2, not WSL 1. You can check your version by running wsl -l -v in PowerShell. If your distribution is on version 1, upgrade it using wsl --set-version <DistroName> 2.
• Display Scaling Issues: If Linux apps appear blurry on high-DPI displays, right-click the shortcut in the Start menu, go to Properties > Compatibility > Change high DPI settings, and let the application override scaling behavior.
• No Audio: WSLg supports audio out of the box using PulseAudio. If sound is not working, try restarting WSL entirely with wsl --shutdown.

By utilising WSLg, developers can test Linux applications, use robust Linux-only IDEs, and leverage powerful Unix tools without ever leaving the comfort of Windows 11.