Notes for Windows users - Revision history

Pelibby16 at 21:19, 22 January 2026

2026-01-22T21:19:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:19, 22 January 2026
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	From Windows 10 and above, you should be able to connect to our servers through OpenSSH in a PowerShell/Windows Command Prompt.		From Windows 10 and above, you should be able to connect to our servers through OpenSSH in a PowerShell/Windows Command Prompt.

			== Git ==
			Git is not pre-installed on most Windows machines, so you may have to download and install it here: https://git-scm.com/install/windows

			== WSL ==
	PowerShell commands are very different from Linux commands, so if you want to practice Linux commands or have a Linux environment for personal usage on a Windows laptop, you can [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install follow this instruction to install Linux with WSL]. If you encounter errors, start by following the instructions in the documentation that the error messages link to. By default, the Linux distribution will be Ubuntu. If you want to use other distributions, please use the '-d' flag with the install command:		PowerShell commands are very different from Linux commands, so if you want to practice Linux commands or have a Linux environment for personal usage on a Windows laptop, you can [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install follow this instruction to install Linux with WSL]. If you encounter errors, start by following the instructions in the documentation that the error messages link to. By default, the Linux distribution will be Ubuntu. If you want to use other distributions, please use the '-d' flag with the install command:
	<pre>wsl --install -d <Distribution Name></pre>		<pre>wsl --install -d <Distribution Name></pre>
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	If you are using PowerShell and git commands aren't working, you can [https://github.com/git-guides/install-git follow this guide] to check for Git or install it if need.		If you are using PowerShell and git commands aren't working, you can [https://github.com/git-guides/install-git follow this guide] to check for Git or install it if need.

	~~Tested and working 2025~~

	=Archival=		=Archival=

Ttphan21: Reorganize this page

2025-04-19T21:24:06Z

Reorganize this page

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:24, 19 April 2025
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	Windows ~~is not a UNIX or UNIX-like operating system~~, ~~so there are extra steps~~ to ~~interfacing~~ a Windows ~~computer with our servers~~.		From Windows 10 and above, you should be able to connect to our servers through OpenSSH in a PowerShell/Windows Command Prompt.

	~~You~~ have a ~~few options~~ for ~~software~~ to ~~enable this kind of connection~~. ~~The best way to do things if~~ you ~~just need SSH is~~ to ~~simply open Windows Terminal/PowerShell~~. ~~This now includes OpenSSH by~~ default, ~~so you can run~~ the ~~same commands to connect to our servers as Unix users~~. ~~The other instructions below are included for reference if~~ you want ~~or need~~ to ~~connect in some~~ other ~~way for some reason.~~		PowerShell commands are very different from Linux commands, so if you want to practice Linux commands or have a Linux environment for personal usage on a Windows laptop, you can [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install follow this instruction to install Linux with WSL]. If you encounter errors, start by following the instructions in the documentation that the error messages link to. By default, the Linux distribution will be Ubuntu. If you want to use other distributions, please use the '-d' flag with the install command:
			<pre>wsl --install -d <Distribution Name></pre>

	~~If you are using PowerShell and git commands aren't working~~, ~~you may need~~ to ~~install/reinstall git~~. ~~Use~~		After installing WSL, we recommend [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/setup/environment follow these instructions] to set up the environment.

	~~winget~~ install -~~-id~~ Git.~~Git -e --source winget~~		If you are using PowerShell and git commands aren't working, you can [https://github.com/git-guides/install-git follow this guide] to check for Git or install it if need.

	~~= WSL =~~		Tested and working 2025

	[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install Follow these instructions first]; if that doesn't work, check below. If you encounter errors, start by following the instructions in the documentation that the error messages link to.		=Archival=

	~~The preferred~~ option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or later. Here are the instructions:		Another option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or later. Here are the instructions:
	# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.		# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.
	# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell (Terminal) in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.		# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell (Terminal) in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.
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	* If you're in a Linux environment, the Windows "\" becomes a Linux "/".		* If you're in a Linux environment, the Windows "\" becomes a Linux "/".

	= Alternatives =		Alternatives: MobaXterm and [https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty] are other options (Keyword spam: PC, shell, WSL)

	~~MobaXterm and [https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty] are other options.~~		X applications on Windows: You may only need X forwarding, not a full local Linux command line. If that's you, see [[X Applications\|our page about X apps]] for this setup.

	~~(Keyword spam: PC, shell, WSL)~~

	= X applications on Windows =

	You may only need X forwarding, not a full local Linux command line. If that's you, see [[X Applications\|our page about X apps]] for this setup.

	~~Tested and working 2023~~

Barbeda at 21:59, 27 August 2023

2023-08-27T21:59:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 27 August 2023
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	You have a few options for software to enable this kind of connection. The best way to do things if you just need SSH is to simply open Windows Terminal/PowerShell. This now includes OpenSSH by default, so you can run the same commands to connect to our servers as Unix users. The other instructions below are included for reference if you want or need to connect in some other way for some reason.		You have a few options for software to enable this kind of connection. The best way to do things if you just need SSH is to simply open Windows Terminal/PowerShell. This now includes OpenSSH by default, so you can run the same commands to connect to our servers as Unix users. The other instructions below are included for reference if you want or need to connect in some other way for some reason.

			If you are using PowerShell and git commands aren't working, you may need to install/reinstall git. Use

			winget install --id Git.Git -e --source winget

	= WSL =		= WSL =

Barbeda at 17:52, 23 August 2023

2023-08-23T17:52:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 23 August 2023
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	Windows is not a UNIX or UNIX-like operating system, so there are extra steps to interfacing a Windows computer with our servers.		Windows is not a UNIX or UNIX-like operating system, so there are extra steps to interfacing a Windows computer with our servers.

	You have a few options for software to enable this kind of connection.		You have a few options for software to enable this kind of connection. The best way to do things if you just need SSH is to simply open Windows Terminal/PowerShell. This now includes OpenSSH by default, so you can run the same commands to connect to our servers as Unix users. The other instructions below are included for reference if you want or need to connect in some other way for some reason.

	= WSL =		= WSL =
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	MobaXterm and [https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty] are other options.		MobaXterm and [https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty] are other options.

	~~Windows now includes OpenSSH installed by default, so you can just use Command Prompt or PowerShell and run the same commands to connect to our servers as Unix users.~~

	(Keyword spam: PC, shell, WSL)		(Keyword spam: PC, shell, WSL)

Barbeda at 22:51, 22 August 2023

2023-08-22T22:51:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:51, 22 August 2023
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	= WSL =		= WSL =

			[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install Follow these instructions first]; if that doesn't work, check below. If you encounter errors, start by following the instructions in the documentation that the error messages link to.

	The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or later. Here are the instructions:		The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or later. Here are the instructions:

Barbeda: Updating to make compatible with Windows 11.

2023-08-22T21:59:03Z

Updating to make compatible with Windows 11.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 22 August 2023
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	The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or later. Here are the instructions:		The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or later. Here are the instructions:
	# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.		# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.
	# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.		# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell (Terminal) in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.
	# Go to Microsoft Store and install Ubuntu (just plain Ubuntu).		# Go to Microsoft Store and install Ubuntu (just plain Ubuntu).
	## When you enter your password, it will not show asterisks or dots. It will appear that you are not typing. In fact, you are. Enter your password carefully (twice) and it will behave as expected.		## When you enter your password, it will not show asterisks or dots. It will appear that you are not typing. In fact, you are. Enter your password carefully (twice) and it will behave as expected.

Barbeda at 21:56, 22 August 2023

2023-08-22T21:56:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 22 August 2023
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	= WSL =		= WSL =

	The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or ~~higher. Since this is Windows 10-only, we encourage students who want to use Windows to run Windows 10 rather than an earlier version~~. Here are the instructions:		The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or later. Here are the instructions:
	# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.		# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.
	# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.		# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.

Barbeda at 21:56, 22 August 2023

2023-08-22T21:56:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 22 August 2023
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	= WSL =		= WSL =

	The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10. Since this is Windows 10-only, we encourage students who want to use Windows to run Windows 10 rather than an earlier version. Here are the instructions:		The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10 or higher. Since this is Windows 10-only, we encourage students who want to use Windows to run Windows 10 rather than an earlier version. Here are the instructions:
	# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.		# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.
	# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.		# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.

Ttphan21 at 21:16, 1 February 2023

2023-02-01T21:16:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 1 February 2023
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	You may only need X forwarding, not a full local Linux command line. If that's you, see [[X Applications\|our page about X apps]] for this setup.		You may only need X forwarding, not a full local Linux command line. If that's you, see [[X Applications\|our page about X apps]] for this setup.

			Tested and working 2023

Craigje at 13:50, 15 May 2020

2020-05-15T13:50:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 15 May 2020
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	You have a few options for software to enable this kind of connection.		You have a few options for software to enable this kind of connection.
	* The ~~strongly~~ preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10. Since this is Windows 10-only, we encourage students who want to use Windows to run Windows 10 rather than an earlier version. Here are the instructions:
			= WSL =

			The preferred option is to install Ubuntu subsystem for Windows on Windows 10. Since this is Windows 10-only, we encourage students who want to use Windows to run Windows 10 rather than an earlier version. Here are the instructions:
	# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.		# Click Start and search for Developer mode. Click the first option ("Use developer features") and check enable developer mode.
	# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.		# NOTE: It will ask you to restart your computer during this step, so be sure to save your work first. Run the Windows PowerShell in admin mode (right-click Start and select the option). Then copy the following and paste it in and hit Enter:<br /><br /> Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux <br /><br />Type 'Y' and press Enter when it asks you to restart.
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	## When you see USERNAME@DESKTOP-RANDOMNUMBERSANDLETTERS, you're done.		## When you see USERNAME@DESKTOP-RANDOMNUMBERSANDLETTERS, you're done.
	## [https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/copy-and-paste-arrives-for-linuxwsl-consoles/ To enable copy and paste via Ctrl+Shift+V]		## [https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/copy-and-paste-arrives-for-linuxwsl-consoles/ To enable copy and paste via Ctrl+Shift+V]
	* MobaXterm and [https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty] are other options.
	** Windows now includes OpenSSH installed by default, so you can just use Command Prompt or PowerShell and run the same commands to connect to our servers as Unix users.

	Some quirks of interfacing Windows with Linux:		Some quirks of interfacing Windows with Linux:
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	* Within /drives/c, directories and filenames observe such Windows conventions as capitalizing (e.g.) "Users" and "Documents".		* Within /drives/c, directories and filenames observe such Windows conventions as capitalizing (e.g.) "Users" and "Documents".
	* If you're in a Linux environment, the Windows "\" becomes a Linux "/".		* If you're in a Linux environment, the Windows "\" becomes a Linux "/".

			= Alternatives =

			MobaXterm and [https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty] are other options.

			Windows now includes OpenSSH installed by default, so you can just use Command Prompt or PowerShell and run the same commands to connect to our servers as Unix users.

	(Keyword spam: PC, shell, WSL)		(Keyword spam: PC, shell, WSL)

			= X applications on Windows =

			You may only need X forwarding, not a full local Linux command line. If that's you, see [[X Applications\|our page about X apps]] for this setup.