Running Linux CLI and GUI Applications on Windows Using WSL 2

Introduction

With Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2), you can run Linux GUI applications directly on Windows 10. This post guides you through setting up and running these applications using a shortcut.

Link to parent tutorial

What is a Linux Desktop Environment?

A Desktop Environment in Linux provides a window manager and other essential components like a Windowing system and a Display server. This setup is crucial when developing software, as it supports tools like IDEs and web browsers.

What is WSL 2?

WSL 2 allows you to run a real Linux kernel inside a lightweight utility VM integrated with Windows. You can install and run your favorite Linux distributions and binaries on Windows.

Running Linux GUI Applications Using WSL 2

To run Linux GUI applications, you'll need a Windowing system and a Display server. Here are two methods:

1. Install a desktop environment (e.g., Gnome, KDE) and connect via RDP.
2. Install an X Server like VcXsrv and set it as a Display server for WSL 2.

Creating Shortcuts for Linux GUI Applications

You can create shortcuts to launch Linux GUI apps from the Windows Start menu:

1. Create a Batch Script

   @echo off
   for /f "tokens=3 delims=: " %%I in ('netsh interface IPv4 show addresses "vEthernet (WSL)" ^| findstr /C:"IP Address"') do set ip==%%I
   set ipAddress=%ip:~1%
   Powershell.exe wsl "DISPLAY='%ipAddress%':0" %1
   

   This script fetches the WSL host IP address, sets it in the DISPLAY variable, and runs the GUI application.

2. Create a Visual Basic Script

   Create a .vbs script for your application (e.g., firefox.vbs):

   Set oShell = CreateObject ("Wscript.Shell") 
   Dim strArgs
   strArgs = "cmd /c wsl-app-runner.bat firefox"
   oShell.Run strArgs, 0, false
   

3. Create a Shortcut

   Right-click the .vbs file to create a shortcut, rename it, and optionally change its icon.

4. Move the Shortcut

   Copy the shortcut to the Start menu directory: C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs.

Now, you can search and launch the application from the Start menu.

Repeat the process for additional applications. Below is an example of running gnome-system-monitor:

Conclusion

Integrating Linux GUI applications via WSL 2 into Windows 10 enhances productivity, allowing seamless operation of your favorite Linux tools like Firefox or IntelliJ Idea alongside Windows applications.