In latest years, Microsoft has modified its perspective in the direction of the open supply working system Linux. A slimmed-down model might be discovered, for instance, within the Windows subsystem for Linux. This compatibility layer permits Linux executables to be run in ELF format. But now Microsoft’s gone a step additional and explains intimately on its official assist web page how customers can install a fully-fledged Linux on their Windows computer.

Microsoft describes Linux as an working system much like Windows, however “open source and fully customizable.” According to the directions, Linux might be put in in 4 steps. The first step is to pick out an set up technique. Here, customers can select between the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) talked about above, a digital machine (VM), a neighborhood set up in your laptop, or within the cloud.

Next comes the choice of an appropriate Linux distribution. Microsoft helps right here by taking into consideration earlier expertise, the efficiency of your laptop, and the provision of detailed documentation. Then the specified Linux distro is put in on a flash drive with at least 16GB of storage space; instruments for this are additionally specified. Microsoft additionally explains the right way to get began with Linux package deal managers and software program.

Why are these directions coming now?

It might be no coincidence that Microsoft is now publishing an in depth information to putting in Linux. Until now, customers with Windows 7 or Windows 8 might improve to Windows 10 or Windows 11 free of charge utilizing their current license. Now, nonetheless, Windows 7 or Windows 8 keys can no longer be used to activate the newer variations. Accordingly, the one choice is to purchase a brand new license. An different may very well be Linux, which, in distinction to Windows 7 and Windows 8, will proceed to be supplied with safety updates.

Further studying: 22 awesome open source programs that do everything you need

This article was translated from German to English and initially appeared on pcwelt.de.