---
tags:
  - linux
  - windows
  - installation
  - guide
---

# Linux Installation Guide

This detailed guide covers the end-to-end process of installing Linux on a Windows environment, ensuring system integrity and optimization through our custom toolset.

## 1. System Audit

First, verify that your Windows edition supports the required virtualization subsystems.

*   **Reference:** [[../Windows-Features|Windows Feature Auditor]]
*   **Objective:** Confirm `Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux` is supported.

## 2. System Backup

Before applying system-level changes, secure your current configuration.

*   **Reference:** [[../Backup-DevSettings|Backup Dev Settings]]
*   **Objective:** Create a registry snapshot of your current developer defaults.

## 3. Environment Optimization

Prepare the Windows host by enabling the Hypervisor and WSL engines.

*   **Reference:** [[../Set-DevOptimized|Set Dev Optimized]]
*   **Action:** Run the script and perform a **System Restart** to finalize the feature installation.

## 4. Linux Deployment

With the environment prepared (The "Garage" is built), you can now install the operating system (The "Car").

1.  Open **PowerShell** as Administrator.
2.  Command: `wsl --install`
3.  Follow the prompts to set your **UNIX Username** and **Password**.

## 5. Reversion Strategy

To uninstall Linux and disable the virtualization features:

*   **Reference:** [[../Reset-DevDefaults|Reset Dev Defaults]]
*   **Action:** This script will disable WSL and the Virtual Machine Platform, returning Windows to stock settings.