How to add a GUI package manager to Ubuntu on the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Synaptic Package Manager on WSL Source: Windows Central

Now that the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) can hands utilise GUI apps in Windows 11, you might be looking to branch out a little from the control line. If y'all're still fairly new to Linux, too, you might notice a GUI a lilliputian more welcoming and comfortable to employ if you're a long-fourth dimension Windows user.

The easiest and almost efficient manner to install packages and applications on WSL is even so via the command line, simply what about just browsing? In Ubuntu, yous tin search from the command line with apt search but information technology's hardly a expert style to merely poke effectually and only really works if you know roughly what you're looking for.

So, permit'south install a GUI package managing director. Here's how to practice it.

How to install a GUI package director in Ubuntu on WSL

Synaptic Package Manager on WSL Source: Windows Fundamental

This is specific to Ubuntu-based distros you have installed on WSL. Whether that'south the official versions from the Microsoft Shop, the latest rolling release installed from an image file, or even something else similar Linux Mint, which you lot may have installed yourself.

We're going to be installing the Synaptic Package Managing director, and it's as like shooting fish in a barrel every bit entering a single control:

            sudo apt install synaptic

The Synaptic Package Director will now install, and to launch it you merely demand to enter:

            sudo synaptic

Y'all can launch it without sudo privileges, just you lot won't actually exist able to employ it since you lot still need the right permissions to install packages to Linux.

How to employ the Synaptic Package Director on Ubuntu for WSL

Synaptic Package Manager on WSL Source: Windows Fundamental

In one case you've launched the Synaptic Package Manager, navigating information technology is fairly straightforward. Information technology is of import, however, to remember that this isn't an app shop, then don't exist expecting the same sort of user experience.

You have search, yous have categories, and you tin become screenshots for applications, then the principal features of an app store are covered off, but you'll find more than than but apps inside. Any package you can install from apt can exist found in Synaptic.

Synaptic Package Manager on WSL Source: Windows Central

To install something, first, you check the box adjacent to the package, so click Mark for installation. Practice this with as many packages as you find, then when you're fix to really install everything, hit the Apply push. Follow whatever prompts, accept, and you're done. A progress bar will prove you how things are, well, progressing, and that's about all in that location is to information technology.

Synaptic Package Manager isn't necessarily the best manner to install things on Ubuntu for WSL, simply it can be useful and it's certainly a squeamish comfort coating to those who may adopt not to utilise the terminal all the time.

An internet connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

UH OH

An cyberspace connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

Microsoft has announced that later this yr, users volition be required to connect to the cyberspace and sign-in with a Microsoft Account during the out of box setup experience on Windows 11 Pro. Microsoft has already been enforcing this requirement on Windows eleven Home since launch terminal October, and Windows eleven Pro is at present expected to follow adapt shortly.