You have a Windows laptop, a project that deploys to Ubuntu servers, and no wish to set up a virtual machine just to run bash. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS from Canonical Group Limited installs as a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution, so a full Ubuntu terminal sits next to your Windows apps. It is freeware at version 2404.0.5.0, about 667.4 MB, and needs Windows 10 or later. The file comes from the official server publicwsldistros.blob.core.windows.net, not from us.
Matching a Linux server from a Windows desktop
The problem is a mismatch between where code is written and where it runs. Scripts that behave on Windows can break on a Linux host because of paths, tools or package versions. Using Ubuntu inside WSL keeps the development shell close to the cloud environment, which the publisher describes as a consistent workflow from development to deployment.
It is aimed at cross-platform development, data science, web development and IT infrastructure work done without leaving Windows.
Bash, Docker and CUDA inside WSL
The tool set includes bash, ssh, git, apt, npm and pip, along with other command line utilities. The publisher says Docker containers can be managed with improved performance and startup times.
For AI and machine learning work, the publisher mentions GPU acceleration through NVIDIA CUDA.
This is an LTS release with 5 years of security patching. The publisher also says upgrades to future LTS releases will not be proposed.
Turning on WSL and launching ubuntu2404
The package requires Windows 10 or later and takes 667.4 MB. Before installing, open "Turn Windows features on or off" from Windows search, make sure Windows Subsystem for Linux is enabled, then restart.
After installation, type ubuntu2404 at a command prompt or in Windows Terminal. You can also use the Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS tile in the Start Menu.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS pros and cons
Pros
- Free to use under a freeware license
- Includes bash, ssh, git, apt, npm and pip
- Docker container management and NVIDIA CUDA GPU acceleration are listed
- 5 years of security patching as an LTS release
- Published by Canonical and served from an official host
Cons
- The package is large at 667.4 MB
- WSL must be enabled and the PC restarted first
- Upgrades to future LTS releases will not be proposed
- No visual preview of the interface
Is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS safe?
The file is served from publicwsldistros.blob.core.windows.net, the official server for this distribution. Canonical Group Limited publishes it, and it is freeware with no price. We have no malware scan results to show, so confirm that the address you download from matches that server before you run anything.
How to install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start Ubuntu 24.04 LTS from the Start menu.
