Enable Linux Bash Shell in Windows 10

Recently, it was brought to my attention that Microsoft had planned to implement a Linux Bash Shell into its latest version of Windows – Windows 10.  Of course, I started looking into this news immediately.  Truth be told, many developers prefer the Linux command-line environment; it increases efficiency with simple automation and up until now – wasn’t available on Windows machines.  Well, times are a changing and I am going to show you how to start bashing away in the latest version of Windows.

It should be noted that this particular feature isn’t fully available yet, it will be included later on a more stable version of Windows 10.  I know, I know…“Well how are you going to show us how to try it out now?” 

Well, since you asked – there is a way to explore newly designed features within Windows 10 made available by Microsoft’s Windows Insider Preview program.  This is a program that allows interested parties to preview and evaluate upcoming releases of the new operating system, prior to any official release. 

It is strongly recommended that one be comfortable with troubleshooting problems, as well as installing and configuring Windows from scratch should the need arise.  Sometimes preview-editions can contain bugs that cause certain functions on your machine to stop working.  For this reason, it is also recommended to back your information up and/or use a spare machine that contains less vital data when trying out these pre-release editions.    

Prerequisites:

  • Latest version of Windows 10 (Free upgrade on newer machines)
  • Join the Windows Insider Program

Joining the Windows Insider Program:

Step 1: Switch to the Fast Ring – This will give you access to the latest Windows test-builds.  To do this navigate to: Start Menu > Settings > Updates and Security > Advanced Options

Switch to the Fast Ring

Step 2:  Near the bottom of the 'Advanced options' window is written 'Choose your Insider level'. Below this text is a blue bar with a slider on it. Pull this slider to the right edge of the bar. This should select the 'Fast Ring'. NOTE: You must be signed into your Microsoft account or you will not see this slider.  If you do not have a Microsoft account, you will need to create one.

Once you have completed these steps, and after a period of several hours (check for updates frequently – it took them about 2 hrs to show up for me) Microsoft will switch you to the Fast Ring and Windows Update will begin downloading the latest Windows 10 build, which includes access to the Bash feature. 

Step 3: Turn on Developer Mode – Once your machine has updated navigate to: Start Menu > Settings > Updates and Security.  From this page, click on the ‘For Developers’ options located in the left-sidebar. 

Turn on Developer Mode

Click the 'Developer mode' radio button and click 'Yes' on the pop-up window titled 'Use developer features'.  After enabling Developer Mode, reboot your machine.

Use Developer Features

Windows Subsystem for Linux:

Step 4: Enable ‘Windows Subsystem for Linux’: Right-click the Start Menu > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On/Off (left-sidebar) OR Search for "Windows Features" in the Taskbar and select "Turn Windows features on or off."

Turn Windows Features ON/OFF

Step 5: Scroll down to the bottom of the 'Windows Features' window and tick the checkbox labeled 'Windows Subsystem for Linux'.

Select 'Windows Subsystem for Linux'

Step 6: Install Bash on Ubuntu - Click the search box on the Taskbar and type 'cmd'. Open the Command Prompt.

Open Command Prompt

Step 7: Type 'bash' into the command line, hit return, and Windows will begin installing Bash on Ubuntu. Accept the terms of service and it will download Ubuntu - which may take some time depending on the speed of your internet connection.   Following the install, you will be dropped into your first-ever Bash, running Ubuntu 14.04 on the Windows Subsystem for Linux!

Install Bash

At this point, you can operate just as you normally would.  I am currently using Build 14332 and have enjoyed using this feature thus far.  Microsoft has really bridged a significant gap in the development world with this feature.  I am looking forward to seeing what other cool features Windows 10 will include.