Optional: Windows Compatibility

Many of the parts of OpihiExarata are built for Linux-only operating systems. However, Windows can use a Linux subsystem to call the compiled Linux parts, allowing OpihiExarata to run on Windows, with a set of assumptions.

When a Linux call is needed, the software calls it via the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) using Powershell. Thus WSL must be installed and Powershell must have script mode enabled.

Powershell Execution Policy

Powershell scripts are seen as the most reliable way to call WSL on Windows. But, the default execution policy of most Windows machines disable scripts. To enable scripts, do the following command in an administrator Powershell shell:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

See Microsoft’s documentation for more information on setting Powershell execution policies and what policies are available.

Windows Subsystem for Linux

As the WSL system is slightly new, the steps to install it differ based on what version of Windows is installed.

For Windows 10 version 2004 and higher (Build 19041 and higher) or Windows 11 and higher, see Modern Install.

For older versions of Windows 10 (version 1903 or higher, with build 18362 or higher), see Manual Install.

OpihiExarata does not support or is designed to run on older versions of Windows.

Modern Install

In newer Windows versions (Windows 10 version 2004 and higher (Build 19041 and higher) or Windows 11), the installation of WSL is relatively simple.

In an administrator Powershell, run the following:

wsl --install

This installs Ubuntu as the WSL distribution by default. See the WSL install documentation for more information.

Manual Install

These installation instructions was taken from the manual installation documentation from Microsoft.

Enable WSL

In an administrator Powershell, enable the WSL system via:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Enable Virtual Machine Feature

In an administrator Powershell, enable the virtual machine platform:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Download Linux Kernel Update Package

You can download the latest kernel package from: WSL2 Linux kernel update package for x64 machines.

Run the downloaded package; you will likely be prompted for administrative permissions.

Set WSL 2 as Default

In an administrator Powershell, use the following command to set WSL 2 as the default version:

wsl --set-default-version 2

This the more typical WSL installation, rather than WSL 1 which is a compatibility layer.

Download Linux Distribution

Download your desired Linux distribution from the Windows store, we suggest WSL Ubuntu:

Verify

To verify that that the Powershell execution policy is correct, check that the Local Machine policy is at least RemoteSigned. You can check this by using an administrative Powershell command:

Get-ExecutionPolicy -List

To verify that you have installed and set up WSL properly, in an administrative Powershell run:

wsl

If this is the first time you have installed the WSL system onto your computer, you will have to setup a user account similar to a fresh install. Follow and complete the prompt, and then check wsl again to ensure that it enters a standard Linux shell without any interruptions.

Final

When installing other parts of the OpihiExarata software, follow the instructions using the WSL OS installed where needed. The commands should be run in your usual WSL shell in the proper relevant directory.