Ubuntu LTS for PC

Ubuntu LTS for PC, developed by Canonical Ltd., is one of the most popular Linux distributions currently used across the world, known for its stability, security, and developer-friendly ecosystem. LTS stands for long-term support.



It's official Ubuntu terminal app on the Microsoft Store brings a full-fledged Linux environment to Windows via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2), allowing seamless integration of Ubuntu’s command-line tools directly into Windows.

This app provides a complete Ubuntu terminal experience, enabling users to run native Linux commands (such as bash, ssh, git, apt, npm, pip, and others) while maintaining full access to Windows files and applications.

It also comes with a GUI environment and long-term feature/stability/security support, ensuring that everyone from novices to seasoned professionals can rely on this tool for their software development projects.

Designed for developers, sysadmins, and power users, this app comes with full support for Docker container management, GPU acceleration, cloud development workflows, and security updates directly from Canonical.

It is an excellent choice for those who need a Linux development environment without dual-booting or virtual machines.

The app is 100% free and can be installed in minutes by simply visiting its official Windows Store page.

Main Features

• Full Ubuntu Linux Terminal - Access a complete Ubuntu environment within Windows.
• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) Integration - Runs natively on Windows without a VM!
• Docker Container Support - Efficiently manage and deploy containers, ensuring full compatibility with Linux software.
• GPU Acceleration - Empowers users to incorporate machine learning and CUDA in their software.
• Cloud Development Ready - Supports AWS, Azure, and GCP CLI tools.
• Package Management - Install thousands of Linux packages with ease.
• SSH & Remote Development - Securely connect to remote servers directly from inside Windows OS.
• File System Integration - Access Windows files from Linux and vice versa.
• Regular Security Updates - Backed by Ubuntu LTS with five years of support.

Installation and Setup

To get this app up and running on any modern Windows 10/11 PC, users simply need to visit the Windows Store and click on the download button.

Windows will automatically prompt the user to install WSL 2 if not already enabled, requiring a system restart. It is important to note that WSL 2 may require users to activate specific BIOS virtualization settings.

Once set up, users can initialize Ubuntu with a default username and password, after which the terminal is ready for use.

No additional configuration is needed unless specific development tools are required, in which case, Canonical provides detailed documentation.

How to Use

After installation is completed, users are free to launch Ubuntu from the Start Menu or via WSL in Command Prompt or PowerShell.

The terminal behaves like a standard Linux shell, allowing users to run commands and manage software development with WSL. Developers can install additional packages, manage containers, or even run GUI applications (with X Server forwarding).

Since WSL 2 integrates with Windows, users can freely access their Windows files from “/mnt/c/” and use Linux tools alongside Windows applications seamlessly.

User Interface

The Ubuntu terminal uses a minimalist command-line interface (CLI), similar to a standard Linux terminal.

It also comes with a GUI that empowers users to more easily manage their daily workflows.

FAQ

What is Ubuntu LTS for Desktop?
It is a full Ubuntu Linux terminal/GUI environment for Windows, empowering the development of cross-platform applications directly inside the Windows OS environment.

Is it safe?
Yes. This is an official Canonical release with regular security updates.

How easily can it be installed?
Extremely easy. Users can simply visit Microsoft Store, start the installation procedure, and follow the WSL setup prompts.

Is this dev environment fully compatible with Ubuntu app development?
It behaves like a native Ubuntu system.

Can it be used for web, cloud, and cross-platform development?
100% yes.

Does it require Windows Subsystem for Linux?
Yes. Its presence is mandatory.

What Windows OS versions are supported?
Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Does this dev environment receive updates?
Yes. Five years of official support via the LTS service.

Is it free?
Yes, for both personal and commercial use.

Alternatives

Debian on WSL - A popular lightweight Linux distro available for use inside Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Fedora Remix for WSL - A Red Hat-based alternative to Ubuntu and Debian Linux distros.

Git Bash - A Windows-only terminal app with basic Linux-like commands.

Pricing

100% free for use, with no licensing restrictions.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 (version 16215.0 or higher), Windows 11 (64-bit), installed and fully configured WSL
• Storage: 2 GB of free space (more for development tools)
• RAM: 4 GB (8 GB is recommended)

PROS

• Full Ubuntu Linux terminal inside Windows.
• No OS dual-booting or standalone VM necessary.
• Seamless Docker and cloud development support.
• GPU acceleration for AI/ML workflows.
• Windows file system integration.
• Regular security updates.
• Free and open-source with no licensing costs.

CONS

• By default, it focuses on CLI-only operations.
• Requires WSL 2, which may need BIOS virtualization settings.
• Not as performant as native Linux for heavy workloads.

Conclusion

The official Ubuntu terminal on the Microsoft Store is an essential tool for developers who need a Linux environment within Windows, erasing the need for dual-booting operating systems or managing standalone VM instances.

With full WSL 2 integration, Docker support, GPU acceleration, and long-term updates, it provides a powerful, free, and secure way to run Linux commands without leaving Windows. It also comes with GUI support and a fully featured dev environment for cloud, DevOps, and backend development.

Its versatility and reliability make it one of the best Linux terminal offerings on the market.