Why WSL Changed My Entire Windows Development Workflow

As a lifelong UNIX and Linux-first developer, being handed a Windows machine used to mean one thing. I was installing Ubuntu as fast as possible. My muscle memory and workflow live inside the Linux ecosystem. My terminal is home.

So when I sat down at a Windows 10 workstation years ago, I assumed I would spin up a VM and move on. Instead, I decided to give the Windows Subsystem for Linux a real try. Back then it was WSL1. Now, in 2025, WSL2 has matured into a legitimately capable development environment. For web developers, sysadmins, or CLI-heavy engineers, it is surprisingly strong.

Why WSL Is Worth Using

Modern WSL2 provides features that used to require dual booting or a dedicated Linux laptop.

  • A full Linux kernel
  • Faster filesystem performance than WSL1
  • Strong support for Node, Python, Ruby, PHP, and other development stacks
  • Seamless use of SSH and secure keys
  • Deep Docker Desktop integration through the WSL backend
  • Optional GPU acceleration for compute workloads
  • Excellent VS Code integration with the Remote WSL extension

For backend, cloud, or local development work, it is no longer a compromise. It is an efficient and productive environment.

Installing WSL on Windows

Microsoft simplified the entire setup. Instead of enabling optional features and downloading distributions manually, everything now starts with a single PowerShell command.

wsl --install

This command:

  • Enables WSL
  • Installs WSL2 as the default version
  • Installs a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu
  • Configures the environment automatically

After a reboot, you have a working Linux environment that behaves like a native Ubuntu machine.

To pick a specific distribution:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

Working Inside WSL

Once installed, access your Linux environment with:

ubuntu

You are dropped into a real Linux shell with apt, systemd, and full package management. Install whatever you would normally install on a Linux workstation.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential git nginx nodejs

It is your environment, your dotfiles, and your workflow.

Using VS Code with WSL

The Remote WSL extension lets VS Code connect directly into your Linux environment.

  • Extensions run inside WSL
  • Debugging works inside WSL
  • Integrated terminals run inside WSL
  • Docker containers can build and run using the WSL backend

It creates a full Linux workflow without leaving Windows.

Running Linux GUI Apps in WSL2

Windows now supports Linux GUI applications natively.

sudo apt install gedit
gedit

GUI apps appear as normal Windows windows.

Would I Replace My Linux Machines With Windows and WSL

Probably not. But Windows plus WSL has become a real option for developers working with:

  • Corporate environments
  • Windows only tooling
  • Dotnet development
  • GPU compute tasks
  • Cross platform testing
  • Mixed Linux and Windows ecosystems

WSL2 is fast, familiar, and capable. It has earned a place in my workflow.

Want Help Setting Up a Modern Development Workflow

WSL, Docker, VS Code, Git workflows, and cross platform environments can be confusing the first time. If you want a streamlined development setup or help building a maintainable tech stack, I can help.

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