Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run a Linux environment directly on Windows without the need for a virtual machine. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up WSL and enabling systemd.

Enabling systemd in WSL2 provides a more complete Linux environment, closer to a traditional Linux system. It allows for better service management, improved compatibility with certain applications, and enables features like systemctl commands. This setup is particularly useful for developers who need a more robust Linux environment within Windows.

1. Enable WSL and Virtual Machine Platform: In PowerShell (Admin):

   dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
   dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
   

2. Restart your computer, set WSL 2 as default and install Ubuntu:

   wsl --set-default-version 2
   wsl --install -d Ubuntu
   

3. Launch WSL, set up your account when prompted & update packages:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
   

4. Enable systemd:

   Edit /etc/wsl.conf:

   sudo nano /etc/wsl.conf
   

   Add:

   [boot]
   systemd=true
   

5. Restart WSL:

   exit
   wsl --shutdown
   wsl
   

6. Verify systemd is running:

   ps --no-headers -o comm 1
   

   This should output “systemd”