Situatie
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a powerful feature introduced by Microsoft that allows you to run Linux applications directly on Windows. This is particularly useful for developers, security professionals, and IT administrators who need the capabilities of both operating systems. WSL comes in two main versions: WSL 1 and WSL 2, each with its own advantages.
WSL 1: Compatibility Layer
WSL 1 provides a compatibility layer that enables running Linux binary executables natively on Windows by translating Linux system calls into Windows system calls.
Advantages of WSL 1:
- Ease of setup and use.
- Low resource consumption compared to traditional virtual machines.
- Native file system integration with Windows, allowing quick access to files and directories.
WSL 2: Real Linux Kernel
WSL 2 is an upgrade over WSL 1, utilizing a real Linux kernel running in a lightweight virtual machine. This results in enhanced performance and full system call compatibility.
Advantages of WSL 2:
- Improved performance due to the real Linux kernel.
- Full system call compatibility, enabling more complex applications and services.
- Regular kernel updates, ensuring up-to-date features and security patches.
Installation Steps for Kali Linux on WSL
Here is a step-by-step guide to installing Kali Linux on your Windows machine using WSL:
- Enable the WSL feature via PowerShell: Open PowerShell as an administrator and enter the following command to install WSL and set WSL 2 as the default version:wsl –install
This command enables the necessary optional components, downloads the latest Linux kernel, sets WSL 2 as the default, and installs a default Linux distribution (usually Ubuntu).
- Install Kali Linux from the Microsoft Store: Since you prefer Kali Linux, you need to manually install it from the Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Kali Linux.
- Click Install to download and install the distribution.
- Launch Kali Linux and complete the initial setup: After installation, launch Kali Linux from the Start menu. The first time you open it, you’ll be prompted to complete the initial setup, which includes creating a new user account and setting a password.
Getting Started with Kali Linux on WSL
Once Kali Linux is installed and set up, you can start using Linux commands and tools directly from your Windows environment. Here are a few basic commands to get you started:
- Update package lists: sudo apt update
- Upgrade all installed packages: sudo apt upgrade
- Install a new package (e.g., Git): sudo apt install git
- Navigate the file system: ls cd /mnt/c/Users/YourUsername/Documents
- Edit files using a text editor (e.g., Nano): nano hello-world.txt
Switching Between WSL 1 and WSL 2
If you need to switch between WSL 1 and WSL 2, you can do so using the following commands:
- Set WSL 2 as the default version: wsl –set-default-version 2
- Convert an existing distribution to WSL 2: wsl –set-version kali-linux 2
- Convert an existing distribution to WSL 1: wsl –set-version kali-linux 1
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