Accessing Ubuntu on Windows Server 2022 with WSL2

Accessing Ubuntu on Windows Server 2022 (Build 23H2/22631) with WSL2

Windows Server 2022 (Build 23H2/22631) now supports the Ubuntu 22.04 distribution running on WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2). This article will provide a detailed guide on how to access and manage files on the Ubuntu distribution using the WSL2 feature.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure that the following prerequisites are met:

• A system running Windows Server 2022 (Build 23H2/22631)
• The WSL2 feature is installed and enabled
• The Ubuntu 22.04 distribution is installed and running on WSL2

Accessing Ubuntu Filesystem

To access the Ubuntu filesystem from Windows, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer on Windows.
2. In the address bar, type \\wsl$\Ubuntu and press Enter.
3. The Ubuntu filesystem will be mounted as a network location, allowing you to access and manage files using Windows Explorer.

Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

You can also access the Ubuntu filesystem using the Command Prompt or PowerShell. Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
2. Type wsl and press Enter to launch the Ubuntu distribution.
3. Use standard Linux commands such as ls, cd, and nano to navigate and manage files within the Ubuntu filesystem.

Copying Files Between Windows and Ubuntu

To copy files between Windows and Ubuntu, you can use the following methods:

• Use the drag-and-drop feature in File Explorer to move files between the Windows and Ubuntu filesystems.
• Use the cp command in the Ubuntu terminal to copy files between directories within the Ubuntu filesystem.
• Use the scp command in the Ubuntu terminal to copy files between the Ubuntu filesystem and a remote server.

Accessing the Ubuntu filesystem on Windows Server 2022 (Build 23H2/22631) with WSL2 is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily manage files and transfer data between Windows and Ubuntu. This integration of WSL2 and Ubuntu provides a powerful tool for developers and administrators working in a Windows environment.

References

• Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
• Ubuntu on WSL
• Install WSL2 on Windows 10