WSL2 is compatible with the Home, Pro, or Server editions of Windows but not Windows 10 S (although you can often upgrade to the Home edition for free).
When working on software, your computer and the software you're using must be compatible. In this step, we'll ensure that you are able to install all the tools that you will need to complete the program.
- Open the "Settings" application using the "Start" menu
- Select the "System" option
- Select "About" at the bottom of the list
- Scroll down to the "Windows specifications" heading
- Check that your "Edition" is one of the following: Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Server, Windows 11
- Check that your "Version" is greater than or equal to "2004"
- Check that your "OS build" is greater than "19041.000"
If your "Edition", "Version" and "OS build" meet the requirements listed above, skip the next step and continue below. Otherwise, continue with the next step to update to the latest version of Windows 10.
Before moving on, make sure that you're using the latest version of Windows 10. The Windows May 2021 update is essential. Follow the steps below to update your operating system.
- Open the Windows 10 Disc Image webpage (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10)
- Click the "Update now" button
- Select "Run" from the pop-up and allow the app to make changes to your device
- Progress through the computer update
If you can successfully update to the latest version of Windows 10, continue below. Otherwise, reach out to your instructor for next steps.
The programs that we'll be installing during environment setup and all of the work you'll do with Flatiron School will need at least 4 GB of free disk space. Follow the steps below to ensure that you have enough disk space to install all the programs needed during the environment setup.
- Open the "Settings" application using the "Start" menu
- Select the "System" option
- On the left-hand side, select "Storage"
- Check that the amount of free space listed beneath the "C:" drive heading is greater than 4 GB
If your free space for your "C:" drive is greater than 4 GB, continue below. Otherwise, use the Disk Cleanup utility to free more space on your computer.
Google Chrome is the browser that we recommend you use for your Flatiron School Student Portal account and also for front-end web development. You are not required to use Google Chrome for personal work, but we highly encourage you to download it for access to your account and for development in the browser.
- Open the Google Chrome webpage (https://www.google.com/chrome)
- Click "Download Chrome"
- Select "Run" from the pop-up and allow the app to make changes to your device
If you can open the "Google Chrome" application using the "Start" menu, continue below.
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is the tool that you'll use to edit your Ruby and JavaScript files. It is a text editor that provides some really useful extensions for developers. One such tool is an integrated terminal! This means that you can edit your code and use your terminal in the same window. Follow the steps below to get both set up.
- Open the Visual Studio Code Download webpage https://code.visualstudio.com/Download in your browser
- Click on the Windows download option
- Download and run the Visual Studio Code installer
- Complete the installer
If you can open the "Visual Studio Code" application using the "Start" menu, continue to the next lesson, Setting up WSL2. Otherwise, reach out to your teaching team for assistance.