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How to Access Files in Windows Subsystem for Linux
Apply our detailed procedure right away
2 min. read
Updated onAugust 16, 2024
updated onAugust 16, 2024
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Windows Subsystem forLinux(WSL) is a very useful tool for people who want to runLinux commands on Windows. However, many users encountered several issues with WSL.
One such example is an issue accessingfilesin Windows Subsystem forLinux.
A userreportedthe following problem on a forum:
Why, when I create afilefrom within Windows for example, can I not see it under theLinuxsub system inWindows 10(bash.exe)The screenshot should explain. Folder: OMG was created from within Windows Explorer. Folder OMGBash was created from withLinuxsub system bash.exeWhen a folder ORfileis created outside of bash.exe I can never see it, regardless of permissions and ownership.
So, the user can’t see any folder orfilecreated outside of bash.exe. This is a major problem for anyone who uses Bash on Windows and today we will show you what to do to solve the error.
Can’t access files in Windows Subsystem for Linux? Here’s what to do
1. Update Windows
Make sure you always install the latest builds for Windows. TheWindows updatesfix many issues regarding the boundary betweenLinuxand Windows.
Tosee if your version ofWindows 10is up to date, check out our detailed guide.
2. Store the files in the Windows filesystem
If you editfilesusing Windows tools, you should store them in the Windows filesystem. So, do not create or updateLinuxfilesusing Windows apps.
However, you can run, build, or testLinuxfilesusingLinuxtools.
Keep in mind that you can’t run allLinuxapps in WSL. Windows Subsystem forLinuxis used to run Bash and some basicLinuxtools.
So, WSL doesn’t supportLinuxapps such as Gnome or KDE.
Moreover, Microsoft doesn’t recommend using Windows Subsystem forLinuxto host production services. For that, you can use Azure, Hyper-V, or Docker.
Still, in this case, you should be able to accessfilesthrough Windows orLinuxapps. Ensure your operating system is up to date and store thefilesin the Windows filesystem.
Now that you know how WSL works, you might be interested in learningwhat is rsync in Windowsand how to use it.
Did our solutions work for you? How do you use Windows Subsystem forLinux? Please let us know in the comments section below!
More about the topics:windows 10,Windows Linux subsystem
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
