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Ever wished you could jump between Windows and Linux without dual booting or running a heavy virtual machine? With Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you get the best of both worlds.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to access Windows files using Linux’s WSL Ubuntu so you can edit, manage, and even run cross-platform workflows with zero hassle. No more switching environments — now you can do it all in one terminal. 🚀

In case the WSL thing sounds new to you, I have already dropped you a concise post on how you can install Ubuntu on your windows using WSL here, no Virtual machine needed.

You can also get your Linux commands and bash scripting game up through this basic and starter friendly tutorial.

Why Access Windows Files Using Linux Ubuntu?

If you’re wondering “Why should I even bother?”, here are some reasons:

• Seamless Workflow → Edit your Windows documents directly from Ubuntu without duplicating files.
• Develop Like a Pro → Run Linux tools on Windows files (great for devs working with code repos).
• Save Time → Forget about file transfers between OSes — everything is right there.
• Cross-Platform Magic → Test apps, run scripts, and manage configs across both environments.
• No Virtual Machine Overhead → You get Linux power without sacrificing Windows speed.
• Boost Productivity – Use Linux’s speed and automation without leaving Windows.
• Security & Control – Manage permissions, processes, and networking like a pro.
• Future-Proof Skills – Linux + Windows skills make you unstoppable in IT, DevOps, and cybersecurity.
• Data-Driven Power → Harness Python, R, Pandas, and SQL directly on your Windows datasets with Linux efficiency — perfect for analysts and data scientists.
• One-Click Insights → Automate repetitive data-cleaning tasks, crunch numbers faster, and build visualizations without switching environments.

🛠️ The Top 20 WSL Ubuntu Commands You Should Try

Here are the 20 essential WSL Ubuntu commands that you can use to access Windows tools and files(with examples and explanations). We will start with opening your favorite windows apps.

1. Open Notepad

notepad.exe

2. Open Calculator

calc.exe

3. Open MS Paint

mspaint.exe

4. Open File Explorer in current directory

explorer.exe .

This command opens the current directory using your regular windows file explorer.

5. Launch Microsoft Edge to a specific site

start microsoft-edge:https://geofsphere.com

6. Open Chrome (if installed)

"/mnt/c/Program Files/Google/Chrome/Application/chrome.exe" https://geofsphere.com

7. Get current Windows date & time (PowerShell)

powershell.exe Get-Date

8. List running Windows processes

powershell.exe Get-Process

9. Open your Windows desktop folder

explorer.exe /mnt/c/Users/YourUsername/Desktop

10. Kill a Windows process

powershell.exe "Stop-Process -Name notepad"

11. Run Windows CMD commands

cmd.exe /c dir

12. Run a batch file

cmd.exe /c "C:\path\to\myscript.bat"

13. Run a PowerShell script

powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\path\to\myscript.ps1"

14. Open Control Panel

control.exe

15. Open Device Manager

devmgmt.msc

16. Open Task Manager

taskmgr.exe

17. Open Windows Settings

start ms-settings:

18. Shut down Windows

shutdown.exe /s /t 0

• shutdown.exe → This is the Windows program that controls shutting down, restarting, or logging off the computer.
• /s → Means shutdown (turn off the computer).
• /t 0 → The /t sets a timer in seconds before the shutdown happens. 0 means do it immediately.

✅ So together:
shutdown.exe /s /t 0 means “Shut down the computer immediately without waiting.”

19. Restart Windows

shutdown.exe /r /t 0

shutdown.exe /r /t 0

• /r → Means restart (instead of shutdown).
• /t 0 → Again, means do it immediately (no waiting).

✅ So together:
shutdown.exe /r /t 0 means “Restart the computer right now.”

20. Lock your Windows session

rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

This one looks scarier, but it’s actually simple:

• rundll32.exe → A Windows tool that can run special functions stored inside system files.
• user32.dll → A Windows system file that controls things like the desktop, windows, and user sessions.
• LockWorkStation → A specific function inside user32.dll that locks the computer.

✅ So together:
rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation means “Lock the computer (like pressing Windows + L).”

⚡ Pro Tip:

If you add the Windows System32 directory to your WSL PATH:

export PATH=$PATH:/mnt/c/Windows/System32

You can skip typing .exe for many commands. That’s it! you now can access windows files using Linux, run windows tools directly from Linux environment and more.

🌟 Conclusions:

By now, you’ve seen how WSL Ubuntu commands open up a new level of control, flexibility, and power on Windows. With these 20 commands, you can:

• Navigate between Windows and Linux files effortlessly
• Run both Linux and Windows apps side-by-side
• Boost productivity as a developer or IT professional

So next time you fire up your terminal, try one new command. Soon, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them.

👉 Your Turn: Which command blew your mind the most? Drop it in the comments below or share this guide with a friend who’s still scared of the terminal!

Let’s talk about taking your Linux and Bash scripting skills to the next level. Book a free consultation today and discover how personalized, advanced training can fast-track your expertise.