High / mid · Windows track

WSL and Hyper-V (High Level)

What Linux on Windows and virtual machines are for, without a semester.

High level map first. Install features only when a real project needs them.

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) lets many Linux tools run beside Windows. Hyper-V (on supported editions) runs full virtual machines. You do not need both on day one.

When WSL helps

You follow a tutorial that assumes bash, or you want Linux developer tools without dual boot. Turn features on from an elevated shell only after you know why.

wsl --status
wsl --list --verbose

When Hyper-V helps

You need an isolated OS for testing, or a lab that should not touch your main desktop. It needs CPU virtualization support and usually Pro/Education editions.

Field House rule: optional features are optional. Enable them for a job, not for a feeling of completeness.

General Windows literacy from Phyllux Tech Field House. Not remote support. Do not run scripts you do not understand. Never disable Defender for speed.

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