Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can run Arch Linux on Windows through the official Arch WSL image, without replacing Windows or restarting to switch operating systems. In PowerShell, use wsl --install archlinux on a machine with WSL 2 available. This installs an Arch environment inside Windows; it is not the same as installing Arch directly on your PC’s hardware.
Install Arch Linux on Windows with WSL 2
Arch Linux provides an official WSL image. The Arch downloads page gives this direct installation command for PowerShell: wsl --install archlinux. See the Arch Linux downloads page for the Arch-specific option.
- Check your Windows version. Microsoft’s one-command WSL setup requires Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later, or Windows 11. See Microsoft’s Install WSL documentation.
- Open PowerShell. If WSL is not set up yet, run
wsl --install. Microsoft says this enables the WSL and Virtual Machine Platform components, installs the latest Linux kernel, sets WSL 2 as the default, and installs Ubuntu by default. - Install Arch. Once WSL is available, run
wsl --install archlinuxin PowerShell and follow any prompts shown. - Create or confirm a Linux user. WSL Linux accounts are separate from Windows accounts. If you use the manual import route described below, the distribution starts as root unless you configure a different account.
If WSL is already installed and you need to check available distributions, Microsoft documents listing them with wsl --list --online before choosing one. For Arch’s direct installation command and WSL image, prefer the Arch project’s own download instructions.
Install from an Arch WSL image file instead
ArchWiki documents a manual route using the official .wsl image: download the image, then install it from PowerShell with wsl --install --from-file <path>, replacing <path> with the image’s location. See ArchWiki’s Install Arch Linux on WSL page for the image and procedure.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
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Microsoft also documents wsl --import for importing a custom distribution from a TAR file. Imported distributions start as root, and the method for creating or selecting a non-root account depends on the distribution. That TAR import workflow is distinct from installing Arch’s provided .wsl image.
What WSL gives you—and what it does not
Microsoft describes WSL as a way to install Linux distributions and use Linux applications, utilities, and Bash command-line tools directly on Windows, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dual-boot setup. ArchWiki identifies the Arch image as an official offering of the archlinux-wsl project. The ArchWiki page says WSL 1 is not supported, so use WSL 2 for this image.
Rank #2
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WSL runs an Arch Linux environment alongside Windows. It does not turn the PC into a bare-metal Arch installation, and it does not establish that every Arch application or hardware-dependent workflow will work in WSL. The documentation describes WSL generally rather than providing a complete compatibility list for Arch software or hardware tasks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose between WSL, a virtual machine, and installing Arch on hardware
The right method depends on whether you want Linux integrated with Windows, isolated in a virtual machine, or running directly on the computer’s hardware. Microsoft outlines these distinctions in its comparison of WSL, virtual machines, and dual boot.
Rank #3
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| Option | How it runs | Best fit | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSL 2 | Linux runs within Windows through WSL. | Linux command-line work and development alongside Windows. | It is not the same as installing Linux directly on hardware; application and hardware-workflow compatibility is not guaranteed by the general WSL documentation. |
| Virtual machine | Linux runs in a virtual machine. | When you want a separate virtualized Linux environment. | It uses a traditional virtual-machine setup rather than WSL’s integrated Windows approach. |
| Bare-metal or dual-boot Linux | Linux runs directly on the computer’s hardware; dual boot requires partitioning and a restart to switch between operating systems. | When you specifically want Linux installed on the hardware. | Partitioning and switching operating systems require more commitment than using WSL. Microsoft advises BitLocker users to retrieve and store recovery keys before a dual-boot or live-boot installation. |
If your goal is to learn Arch or use its command-line environment while keeping Windows as your active desktop, start with the official WSL 2 image. Choose a VM or hardware installation only when you need that different setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
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- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
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