How to Install Ubuntu Desktop on Windows 10

I am quite sure that some of you, after installing Ubuntu or some other flavour of Linux, have realized to your chagrin that it does not come with a Graphical User Interface that you can use. Most Linux power users including programmers, database administrators and security experts like to use the command line interface and that’s mostly okay for them, but not at all for most newbies who are usually just curious Windows users.

In this article, we are going to learn step-by-step how to install and run the Ubuntu desktop, including how to display it atop your Windows installation. I shall proceed on the assumption that you already installed Ubuntu on your Windows machine. If not, you can find the steps here.

Requirements:

1. You will need an Internet connection. This is non-negotiable (for now). The faster, the better.
2. You will have to be patient for this.
3. Vcxsrv. This is an x-server application for Windows. This is what will make the Ubuntu desktop appear vwwaah! on your desktop.

Steps to follow:

1. Launch Ubuntu. You can use Win+R, cmd or its start menu shortcut.
2. Run the following command to update Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get update

3. Run the following command to install compiz. This will be used to configure graphics behavior for your desktop.

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

4. Download and install the Ubuntu desktop.

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

This command will download at least 2GB of data to your computer.

5. While that is going on on the Ubuntu stove, you can now install Vcxsrv. Make sure the version you download matches your computer’s architecture.
6. Search for and run Xlaunch from your start menu. Toggle the following settings:

One large window: Display number 0 > start no client. Leave the other settings untouched. Click on next then finish.

OR

Fullscreen: Display number -1 > start no client. Leave the other settings untouched. Click on next then finish.

Vcxsrv will open a window corresponding to the settings you choose. Use Win+Tab to go back to Ubuntu.

7. When the Ubuntu desktop finishes installing, run the following command to open compiz:

ccsm

Make sure the settings toggled there match these:

image 1

image 2:

8. Close ccsm.

Now to the Fun Part

1. Tell Ubuntu it has a screen it can use:

export DISPLAY=localhost:0

2. Wake up the desktop:

compiz

OR

unity if your setup is as stubborn as mine.

3. Have fun.

Things You Should Note:

1. The Ubuntu experience is best savoured fullscreen.
2. Some applications may need to be called from the Ubuntu Command Line Interface.
3. Apps may not perform as expected because UBUNTU HAS TO BORROW PERMISSION FROM WINDOWS to use drivers pweheheh.

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