If you’re a Windows user exploring the power of Linux through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you’re on the right path. WSL gives you access to a full-fledged Linux terminal without leaving your Windows environment — perfect for developers, sysadmins, and tech learners.

But to truly harness Linux’s potential, you need to speak its language — the command line.

This tech concept, introduces you to the most important Linux commands every beginner should know, especially if you’re using WSL on Windows 10 or 11. These essential commands will help you navigate files, manage software, monitor your system, and automate tasks like a pro. Two decades in tech taught me one thing—technology can change lives. I’ve built, led, and helped businesses grow with it. Now, I’m sharing my experience so you can start strong and dream even bigger.

What Is WSL, and Why Learn Linux Commands?

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) allows you to run a Linux distribution (like Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali) directly on Windows, without dual-booting or using a virtual machine.

With WSL, you can:

• Run Linux command-line tools
• Use Bash scripts
• Install Linux-based dev tools (Node.js, Python, Docker CLI, etc.)
• Work natively with Git, SSH, and package managers

Knowing Linux commands means you can bridge the Windows-Linux gap, automate tasks, and gain skills needed in DevOps, backend development, and cloud computing.

Top Linux (Bash) Commands Every Windows User Should Know

Let’s break it down into categories:

📁 File System Navigation

pwd – Print Working Directory

pwd

Displays your current directory path. Similar to checking your folder location in File Explorer.

ls – List Directory Contents

ls      # List files
ls -la  # List all files including hidden, with detailed info

cd – Change Directory

cd /home/yourname/Documents
cd ..         # Go up one level
cd ~          # Go to home directory

📄 File and Directory Operations

mkdir – Make Directory

mkdir myfolder

touch – Create a New File

touch file.txt

cp – Copy Files

cp source.txt destination.txt

mv – Move/Rename Files

mv file.txt /some/other/path/
mv oldname.txt newname.txt

rm – Remove File or Directory

rm file.txt
rm -r foldername  # Remove directory recursively

🔍 Searching and Viewing Content

cat – Display File Contents

cat file.txt

less or more – View Large Files Page-by-Page

less largefile.log

grep – Search Inside Files

grep "search_term" file.txt

⚙️ System Monitoring and Process Management

top – Live View of Running Processes

top

htop – Improved Process Viewer (install it first)

sudo apt install htop
htop

ps – Show Running Processes

ps aux

kill – Stop a Process

kill PID

📦 Package Management with apt

sudo apt update – Refresh Package Index

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade – Upgrade Installed Packages

sudo apt upgrade

sudo apt install <package> – Install Software

sudo apt install git

sudo apt remove <package> – Uninstall Software

sudo apt remove nodejs

🔐 Permissions and Access

chmod – Change Permissions

chmod +x script.sh  # Make script executable

chown – Change File Ownership

sudo chown username:groupname file.txt

💡 Bonus: Windows-Specific WSL Tricks

Open your WSL distro from PowerShell or CMD:

wsl

Run a Linux command from PowerShell:

wsl ls -la /home

Access Windows files from Linux:

cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Desktop

Copy files from Linux to Windows:

cp file.txt /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Documents/

My Tech Advice: Mastering these Linux commands through WSL opens up a new world of productivity and development flexibility — all from your familiar Windows environment. Whether you’re automating tasks, coding in Python, or deploying Docker containers, Linux knowledge is a must-have skill in today’s tech world.

So start practicing. The terminal might look intimidating at first, but with WSL and this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a power user.

Ready to build your own tech solution ? Try the above tech concept, or contact me for a tech advice!

#AskDushyant

Note: The names and information mentioned are based on my personal experience; however, they do not represent any formal statement.

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