Install Ubuntu on Windows with WSL2: A Low-Code Friendly Guide

Why Low-Code Users Need WSL2

If you're running n8n, Flowise, or self-hosting any AI tooling — you need Docker. Docker on Windows runs best with WSL2 as its backend. Beyond that: Python, Node.js, and Git all run faster and more predictably in a real Linux environment.

WSL2 gives you a genuine Ubuntu terminal inside Windows — no dual-boot, no heavy virtual machine. Set it up once and it's always there. See how to build a data pipeline with n8n and Postgres to understand what WSL2 unlocks for your automation workflow.

Prerequisites

• Windows: Windows 10 Build 19041+ or Windows 11 (recommended)
• RAM: Minimum 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
• Virtualization: Must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI

Quick check: Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Performance tab → CPU → look for Virtualization: Enabled. If it shows "Disabled", enter BIOS and enable VT-x (Intel) or AMD-V before proceeding.

Install — One Command

Open PowerShell as Administrator (right-click Start → "Windows PowerShell (Admin)"):

wsl --install

This automatically enables WSL and Virtual Machine Platform, installs the latest Linux kernel, sets WSL 2 as default, and downloads Ubuntu. Restart when prompted — Ubuntu opens on reboot and asks you to create a username/password.

To install a specific version:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04

Required Configuration — Don't Skip

1. RAM Limit with .wslconfig

By default, WSL2 can consume up to 50% of system RAM. Create C:\Users\your-name\.wslconfig:

[wsl2]
memory=8GB        # ~50% of total RAM
processors=4      # CPU cores to allocate
swap=2GB

[experimental]
autoMemoryReclaim=gradual   # Automatically returns RAM to Windows
sparseVhd=true              # Virtual disk shrinks when files are deleted

Adjust based on your machine:

2. Enable systemd

Inside Ubuntu:

sudo nano /etc/wsl.conf

Add:

[boot]
systemd=true

[automount]
enabled=true
options="metadata"

Run wsl --shutdown and wait 8–10 seconds before reopening. systemd is required for Docker, snap packages, and background services to function correctly.

3. Update the System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y git curl wget build-essential ca-certificates

The Golden Rule: File System Performance

Storing projects in /mnt/c/Users/... and running Linux tools on them is 10x slower.

Access Linux files from Windows Explorer: \\wsl$\Ubuntu\home\your-name\

From Ubuntu terminal: explorer.exe . — opens the current folder in File Explorer.

Essential Tools for Low-Code

Windows Terminal — replaces the default Ubuntu window. Install from Microsoft Store. Set Ubuntu as the default profile. Starting directory: \\wsl$\Ubuntu\home\your-name

VS Code Remote Development — install VS Code on Windows, then install the "Remote Development" extension by Microsoft. From Ubuntu terminal in your project folder:

code .

VS Code connects into WSL2 and displays a green badge in the bottom-left corner.

Node.js via nvm (more flexible than apt):

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
source ~/.bashrc
nvm install --lts

Python:

sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip python3-venv

Docker (for n8n, Flowise, Appsmith... — requires systemd enabled):

sudo apt install -y docker.io docker-compose
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Quick Checklist

• Virtualization: Enabled in Task Manager → CPU
• wsl --install as Admin → restart
• Create username/password on first Ubuntu launch
• sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
• Install Windows Terminal from Microsoft Store
• Create .wslconfig with appropriate RAM limits
• Enable systemd in /etc/wsl.conf → wsl --shutdown
• Install VS Code + Remote Development extension
• Always keep projects in /home/your-name/projects/