For many years, Windows users seeking to explore the world of Linux tools and services found themselves limited to the cumbersome process of running virtual machines within Type-2 hypervisors. The landscape shifted dramatically with the introduction of the original Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which simplified the integration of the open-source operating system’s applications into Microsoft’s flagship OS. The evolution continued with WSL2, which utilizes the Virtual Machine Platform component of Hyper-V to create a lightweight virtual machine that is seamlessly integrated into the Windows environment.
Whether you are an enthusiast eager to embark on innovative projects or a dedicated coder reluctant to abandon Windows, WSL2 presents a compelling alternative to dual-boot setups or traditional virtual machines like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Pro. As a Linux aficionado, I can attest to the transformative impact WSL2 has had on my Windows experience, especially when paired with a selection of remarkable applications.
Runtipi/CasaOS
Containerization has become central to many self-hosting projects, allowing users to run services in isolated environments. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a Docker expert to deploy free and open-source software (FOSS) applications on local hardware. User-friendly web interfaces offered by containerization platforms make it easy to host various tools without the hassle of complex YAML files or command-line interfaces. Runtipi and CasaOS, in particular, can be installed on top of your host OS—specifically on Linux distributions.
With WSL2 enabling access to the Linux terminal from your Windows machine, setting up Runtipi or CasaOS becomes a straightforward task. A few simple commands can launch your self-hosting journey in mere minutes.
VS Code
Renowned for its lightweight design and plethora of quality-of-life features, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) stands out as one of the best code editors for both casual users and professional developers. For those confined to Windows yet wishing to test their meticulously crafted code on Linux distributions without resorting to virtual private servers or dual-booting, WSL2 is a game-changer.
Moreover, VS Code offers a WSL extension that allows users to execute code within their preferred Linux distribution directly from the application. This eliminates the need to transfer code to a separate Linux machine for execution, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to experiment with Linux-based code while using Windows 11.
Gigolo
While the SMB protocol remains a popular choice for file transfers and management on home networks, it is not the only option available. The introduction of WebDAV, AFP, and NFS shares complicates the landscape, particularly for those managing multiple filesystems within a home lab. Enter Gigolo—a minimalist yet highly effective frontend designed for connecting, mounting, and managing an array of network shares and filesystems. Although primarily available on Linux, WSL2 allows for its seamless integration into your Windows 11 application suite.
Ansible Orchestrator
For those engaged in DIY projects, the process of provisioning virtual machines and containers can become tedious, especially when utilizing the same distribution and package collection across various endeavors. Automation tools like Ansible can alleviate this burden by handling the more repetitive tasks associated with home server experiments.
By leveraging WSL2, Windows 11 users can transform their PCs into automation-centric orchestration servers, enabling the creation and execution of Ansible Playbooks with ease.
Rsync
Regular backups are essential for maintaining the integrity of your computing workstation, safeguarding against accidental deletions, hardware failures, or ransomware attacks. While Windows 11 offers several backup options, many are limited in their free versions and require subscriptions for full functionality. Thankfully, WSL2 facilitates the installation of Rsync on Windows machines, a powerful utility capable of synchronizing files across multiple devices.
Rsync not only allows for comprehensive backups but also employs solid compression and only transfers modified files, significantly reducing the time required for syncing essential documents.
Podman Desktop
While containerization platforms are convenient for light self-hosting workloads, there are instances where they may fall short. For those delving into the intricacies of containers, images, and network stacks, exploring container runtimes like Podman and Docker becomes essential. Utilizing WSL2 as the virtualization provider, Windows users can set up GUI-based Desktop variants of these utilities. Podman Desktop, in particular, is recommended for its daemonless design, pod support, and a variety of useful extensions, including compatibility with Docker runtimes.
The All-Powerful Linux Terminal
Windows PowerShell has undergone significant enhancements, yet for Linux developers, familiarizing oneself with the Bash shell’s commands and utilities remains invaluable. WSL2 provides an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in Linux projects directly from a Windows 11 environment. The versatility of WSL allows users to run various Linux distributions, such as Kali Linux for penetration testing or Debian for a stable experience, making it a robust addition to any Windows 11 user’s toolkit.
