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How To: Install PixInsight and StarNet on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
Updated 6 December 2022

0. Compatibility

0. Compatibility

Windows Subsystem for Linux version 2 (WSL2) is supported on Windows 11 or Windows 10, Version 1903, Build 18362 or later. This tutorial is for x64 machines. Check your Windows version by selecting the Windows logo key + R, type winver, select OK. (Or enter the ver command in Windows Command Prompt). WSL2 is not supported at all by Windows builds earlier than 18362.

1. Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2)

There are two ways to install a Linux distribution into WSL: via command line, or through the Microsoft Store. We will be using the command line method.

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  • Firstly, ensure that CPU virtualization is enabled on your device via system BIOS. You may have to enter your system BIOS and enable virtualization. Normally, it is found under CPU settings, as AMD-V, VT-x, SVM, IVT, or Vanderpool. 

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  • Ensure that Hyper-V is enabled. Search "Turn Windows Features On or Off" under the Windows Search Menu, then ensure that the box for Hyper-V is checked.

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  • Download the WSL2 Linux Kernel Update Package. Visit https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel and download the package, which can be found under "Step 4" of the page.

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  • Open a command prompt in Administrator mode by searching for cmd in the Windows Search menu, then clicking "Run As Administrator". Your command prompt should display C:\Windows\System32 as the current working directory.

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  • Install Ubuntu onto WSL. Enter the command wsl --install -d Ubuntu into the command prompt. This command tells Windows to install the Ubuntu distribution of Linux to WSL. This make take a while, and you may have to restart your computer after WSL is installed. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to set up Ubuntu.

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  • Ensure that your Ubuntu distro is running WSL2. Return to the Command Prompt, then enter the command wsl -l -v into the command prompt. This command tells Windows to list the version of WSL that your installed distribution is running. Your Ubuntu distribution should show up as version 2. If not, close your WSL instance by entering the command wsl --shutdown. Then, enter the command wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2 to set your WSL version to Version 2. When the version is correct, you may re-enter WSL by entering the command wsl ~, which starts WSL in the WSL home directory.

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  • Update the Advanced Package Tool (apt) by entering the following commands in sequence. After the first command, you will be asked to enter your password, which will not be visible on screen. Follow the instructions after each command to confirm:

    • sudo apt update​

    • sudo apt full-upgrade

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  • Open your WSL home directory in Windows Explorer by entering the command explorer.exe . into WSL to open your WSL home directory in Windows explorer. Alternatively, at the bottom of the Navigation Pane in Windows Explorer, navigate to Linux > Ubuntu > home > [username].

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Congratulations! Your Linux distro on WSL2 is ready to use!

1. Installing the StarNet v2 Tool for Linux

There are two ways to install a Linux distribution into WSL: via command line, or through the Microsoft Store. We will be using the command line method.

​

  • Firstly, ensure that CPU virtualization is enabled on your device. You may have to enter your system BIOS and enable virtualization. Normally, it is found under CPU settings, as AMD-V, VT-x, SVM, IVT, or Vanderpool.

​

  • Search "Turn Windows Features On or Off" under the Windows Search Menu. Ensure that Hyper-V is enabled.

​

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  • Open a command prompt in Administrator mode by searching for cmd in the Windows Search menu, then clicking "Run As Administrator". Your command prompt should display C:\Windows\System32 as the current working directory.

​

  • Enter the command wsl --install -d Ubuntu into the command prompt. This command tells Windows to install the Ubuntu distribution of Linux to WSL. This make take a while, and you may have to restart your computer after WSL is installed. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to set up Ubuntu.

​

  • Return to the Command Prompt. Enter the command wsl -l -v into the command prompt. This command tells Windows to list the version of WSL that your installed distribution is running. Your Ubuntu distribution should show up as version 2. If not, close your WSL instance by entering the command wsl --shutdown. Then, enter the command wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2 to set your WSL version to Version 2. When the version is correct, you may re-enter WSL by entering the command wsl ~, which starts WSL in the WSL home directory.

  • Enter the following commands in sequence to update the Advanced Package Tool (apt). After the first command, you will be asked to enter your password, which will not be visible on screen. Follow the instructions after each command to confirm the update:

    • sudo apt update​

    • sudo apt full-upgrade

  • Enter the command explorer.exe . into WSL to open your WSL home directory in Windows explorer. Alternatively, at the bottom of the Navigation Pane in Windows Explorer, navigate to Linux > Ubuntu > home > [username].

​

Congratulations! Your Linux distro on WSL2 is ready to use!

0. Compatibility

Thanks for reading this tutorial, and clear skies to everyone! If you have any comments or questions please don't hesitate to let me know!​​- WL

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