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How to Use Linux Commands in Windows?

If you are a developer, system administrator, or even a beginner learning servers, you may have noticed one common thing: most tutorials use Linux commands

But what if you are using Windows?

Good news!

You don’t need to install Linux separately to use Linux commands anymore. Windows now provides multiple built-in ways to run Linux commands directly on your system.

In this article, you will learn simple and practical methods to use Linux commands in Windows, step by step, without any confusion!

Why Use Linux Commands on Windows?

Before jumping into methods, let’s quickly understand why people want Linux commands on Windows:

  •  Beginners learning Linux who are following tutorials written for Linux systems.
  •  Developers & DevOps learners working with Git, Docker, cloud servers, or CI/CD tools.
  •  Hosting & server users managing VPS or dedicated servers running Linux.
  •  Students and professionals who use Windows daily but need Linux commands for work.
  •  Users are trying to avoid dual-booting or using virtual machines.

Also Read: How to Kill a Process in Linux?

Methods to Use Linux Commands in Windows

➢ Method 1: Use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) – Recommended

WSL is the best and official way to run Linux commands directly on Windows without any virtual machine & dual boot.

Step-by-Step Process:

  •  Open ‘Command Prompt’ or ‘PowerShell’ as Administrator.
  • > In that, you have to install WSL by typing the Command below
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wsl –install

This will:

  •  Enable WSL.
  •  Install Ubuntu by default.
  •  Set everything automatically.
  •  Once done, a restart is required to complete the setup.
  •  Now, you have to open Ubuntu from the ‘Start’ Menu
  •  Set username and password
  •  It’s Done! You can now run Linux commands like:
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ls
pwd
cd
mkdir
sudo apt update

Also Read: How to Rename a Folder in Linux​?

Method 2: Use Linux Commands via Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal gives a clean interface to switch between:

  •  Command Prompt
  •  PowerShell
  •  Ubuntu (WSL)

Steps you have follow:

  •  Firstly, open ‘Windows Terminal.’
  •  In that, click the ‘Dropdown Arrow.’
  •  Select ‘Ubuntu’

That’s it! You are now inside a Linux shell and can run commands normally.

Also Read: How to Check Memory in Linux?

Method 3: Use Git Bash (For Basic Linux Commands)

If you only need basic Linux commands, Git Bash is a lightweight option.

When to use Git Bash?

  •  For Git-related work.
  •  For basic commands like ls, cat, and touch.
  •  Not recommended for full Linux learning.

Steps to follow:

  •  Download & Install ‘Git for Windows.’
  •  Open Git Bash

You can now use commands like:

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ls
cd
touch file.txt
rm file.txt

Also Read: How to Check CPU Usage in Linux?

Method 4: Use Linux Commands in Docker (Advanced Users)

If you are working with containers, Docker lets you run Linux commands inside containers.

Example:

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docker run -it ubuntu bash

This method is best for:

  •  DevOps engineers.
  •  Container-based development.
  •  Production-like environments.

Also Read: How to Check OS Version in Linux​?

Which Method Should You Choose?

Use Case

Best Option

Full Linux experience

WSL

Beginner learning Linux

WSL

Git & basic commands

Git Bash

DevOps & containers

Docker

Conclusion

Using Linux commands on Windows is no longer difficult. With tools like Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can enjoy the power of Linux without leaving your Windows system.

Whether you are learning Linux, managing servers, or following technical tutorials, running Linux commands on Windows makes your work faster, easier, and more flexible.

If you work regularly with hosting, VPS, or cloud servers, learning Linux commands on Windows is a smart move that saves time and boosts productivity.

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