microsoft / microsoft/WSL

Prevent `wsl --install` from launching separate windows

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#7,528 2 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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feature
Dominant language
C++
Stars
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Forks
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Avg merge
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Merged PRs (30d)
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Description

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

When I type wsl --install Ubuntu, after it finishes the installation it opens a new prompt for finishing up the Ubuntu installation (equivalent of running Ubuntu from the Start Menu). But this new window is unnecessary. Everything could be done at the first terminal window.

Describe the solution you'd like

Instead of launching another window, I would like wsl --install to attach to the current terminal, equivalent to the user running ubuntu.exe from within the PowerShell or CMD.

https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/29582865/137001795-c40f7cbb-6bef-4824-96af-001c2a5c3c4a.mp4

Describe alternatives you've considered
None.

Additional context
None.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by tracing the wsl --install Ubuntu command path and the code responsible for launching the post-install Ubuntu prompt. Compare its behavior with running ubuntu.exe from PowerShell or CMD. Done means installation finishes in the original terminal without opening a separate window.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
cpp
Domain
cli, operating-systems
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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