Published Dec 12, 2022, 4:45 PM EST
J.T. has more than 20 years of experience in the tech industry and specializes in technical support and educating users. He has made a career of helping people understand technology to improve both their professional and personal lives. He is a strong proponent of free software and free choice. He's well versed in Java, Python, SQL, and Linux.
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Ubuntu Preview for the Windows Subsystem for Linux lets you check out fresh daily builds of Ubuntu. Previously, Windows users could only install the latest long-term support version.
Now, whether you’re a developer who needs to make sure your code works with the latest builds or just a curious explorer who wants to be the first to experience the next big thing, Ubuntu Preview puts you on the cutting edge of upcoming releases.
Install Windows Subsystem for Linux
Before you can install Ubuntu Preview, you’ll need to have Windows Subsystem for Linux installed and enabled. If you don’t have WSL installed, you can find it in the Microsoft Store.
Just click on Get and everything should install automatically. If you have any trouble with the initial installation, or if you get errors later when trying to install Ubuntu Preview, check our guide on installing the Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store to be sure everything has been correctly installed and enabled.
Get Ubuntu Preview From the Microsoft Store
There are a few different versions of Ubuntu available in the Microsoft Store. The one you want is called Ubuntu (Preview).
Simply open the Microsoft Store and search for Ubuntu. After the standard LTS entries, you should see the preview version. Click to go to the Ubuntu (Preview) store page and start the download.
From here, just click on Get, and Windows should automatically download and install Ubuntu Preview for WSL. Depending on your connection and system speed, it could take a few minutes for the installation to complete.
Launching Ubuntu Preview for WSL for the First Time
After installation, you’ll be able to launch Ubuntu Preview from the Windows start menu. If you prefer, you can also start it by typing ubuntupreview at the Command Prompt.
The first time you launch Ubuntu, it will go through its setup process to complete the installation. Again, if you get any errors when trying to launch Ubuntu, check the guide mentioned above to make sure you have WSL correctly installed.
On the first run, the Ubuntu system will unpack itself and get ready for the initial setup. It will take you through a handful of welcome screens as the process runs. This may take a few minutes to complete. When the unpacking finishes, you’ll be taken through short initial setup dialogs.
In addition to a few quick questions about your preferences, the system will ask you to create a default user account. Just follow the prompts and your Ubuntu Preview system will be ready to go in a few moments.
How to Update Ubuntu Preview for WSL After Installation
If you’re running Ubuntu Preview to see the latest daily builds, it would only make sense that you’ll want to update your new installation to the most recent developer release.
Conveniently, when installation is complete, Ubuntu will tell you to enter two commands to get your new system fully up to date with the latest available build. Enter both these commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeWhen asked, enter the password you set for your default user during the setup process. It will most likely take several minutes for both commands to complete.
When the update process finishes, you’ll simply need to close and restart the WSL. You will then be running the latest developer release of Ubuntu for Windows Subsystem for Linux.
While Ubuntu Preview is perfect for curious users and software developers who need to stay ahead of new releases, you should always keep in mind that it is part of the development branch of Ubuntu and inherently unstable. Things can and will break and change without notice. You shouldn't use it as a production environment.
Since the developer branch of Ubuntu is updated daily, you can run the above update and upgrade commands each day to get the most recent system packages.
There’s More to Explore in Ubuntu
If you enjoy tinkering and toying with the latest versions of Ubuntu, there is plenty more for you to explore. There are several Linux distributions available for the Windows Subsystem for Linux and more are planned. You can even try out some unique Linux desktop environments.