How to Install Termux on Windows 10

Termux is a popular terminal emulator for Android that provides a Linux-like environment for running commands and installing various packages. Although it is designed for Android devices, many users seek to use Termux on their Windows 10 PCs for its lightweight and flexible terminal capabilities. While Termux isn’t natively available for Windows, you can still achieve a similar setup through Android emulators or using a Linux terminal with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

In this tutorial, we’ll cover two methods to get Termux or a Termux-like environment on your Windows 10 system:

1. Using an Android Emulator (BlueStacks, NoxPlayer)
2. Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to emulate the experience

Method 1: Install Termux on Windows 10 Using an Android Emulator

An Android emulator is one of the simplest ways to install Termux on Windows 10. Android emulators like BlueStacks or NoxPlayer allow you to run Android apps directly on your computer.

Step 1: Install BlueStacks on Windows 10

1. Go to the BlueStacks official website and download the Windows version of the emulator.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Once the installation is complete, open BlueStacks.

Step 2: Set Up BlueStacks

1. When BlueStacks opens for the first time, you will need to sign in using your Google account to access the Google Play Store.
2. After signing in, open the Google Play Store in BlueStacks.

Step 3: Install Termux from the Play Store

1. In the Play Store, search for “Termux” using the search bar.
2. Select the Termux app from the search results and click Install.
3. Once installed, you can launch Termux from the BlueStacks home screen.

Step 4: Run Termux on Windows 10

Once Termux is installed within BlueStacks, you can use it just like you would on an Android device. It allows you to run Linux commands, install packages, and manage scripts from the comfort of your Windows 10 desktop.

To update the package repository and install a package like git, you can use commands like:

pkg update
pkg install git

Method 2: Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

If you’re comfortable with using a Linux terminal and don’t need an Android-specific environment, you can use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to create a similar experience to Termux on your Windows 10 machine. WSL allows you to run a full Linux distribution within Windows, offering a more powerful and flexible environment than an emulator.

Step 1: Enable WSL on Windows 10

1. Open the Start Menu and search for “PowerShell.”
2. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
3. Run the following command to enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux:

   wsl --install

4. Restart your computer to complete the installation of WSL.

Step 2: Install a Linux Distribution

Once WSL is enabled, you need to install a Linux distribution. Ubuntu is a popular choice, but you can choose any available distribution.

1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Search for “Ubuntu” (or another distribution like Debian).
3. Click Install and wait for the installation to complete.

Step 3: Launch WSL (Linux Terminal)

1. Once installed, you can launch the Linux environment by typing wsl into the Windows search bar and selecting Windows Subsystem for Linux.
2. This will open a terminal window running your chosen Linux distribution, similar to what Termux offers on Android.
3. You can now use Linux commands just as you would in Termux. For example, to update the repository and install a package like git, run:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install git

Step 4: Customize Your WSL Terminal

You can customize the appearance and functionality of your WSL terminal by installing additional packages, changing themes, or installing tools like Zsh or Oh My Zsh for an enhanced terminal experience.

To install Zsh, for example:

sudo apt install zsh
chsh -s $(which zsh)

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Key Concepts Explained

• Android Emulator: A program that allows you to run Android apps on a Windows PC by simulating the Android operating system.
• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): A feature in Windows 10 that allows users to run a full Linux environment within Windows without needing to install a separate Linux operating system.
• Termux: A terminal emulator for Android that provides a lightweight Linux environment, often used for programming, script automation, and package management.
• Package Manager: A tool used to install, update, and manage software packages. Termux uses the pkg manager, while WSL-based Linux distributions use apt (Advanced Packaging Tool).

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Conclusion

While Termux is an Android-exclusive app, running it on Windows 10 is possible through the use of Android emulators like BlueStacks. Alternatively, if you’re interested in a more integrated Linux experience, using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a powerful way to achieve a Termux-like environment without the need for an emulator. Both methods provide a terminal interface for executing Linux commands, scripting, and package management.

Choose the method that best suits your needs, whether you prefer the flexibility of a full Linux environment through WSL or the simplicity of running Android apps via an emulator.