How to Install Etcher on Ubuntu Using WSL

This guide will walk you through installing Etcher on Ubuntu using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). Etcher is a popular tool for writing images to SD cards and USB drives. Installing it on Ubuntu through WSL can be an efficient solution for Windows users who want to work with Linux applications without setting up a dual-boot or virtual machine environment.

Keywords for SEO: Install Etcher on Ubuntu, Ubuntu using WSL, install Etcher on Windows, WSL Ubuntu installation, Etcher on Ubuntu WSL.

What is Etcher?

Etcher (now known as Balena Etcher) is a popular and user-friendly tool for writing images to SD cards and USB drives. It’s primarily used for creating bootable drives, making system backups, or flashing Raspberry Pi OS to an SD card.

Why should we Use Etcher on Ubuntu via WSL?

Installing Etcher on Ubuntu through WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is ideal for users who prefer Linux tools but are working on a Windows machine. With WSL, you can run a full Ubuntu distribution directly on your Windows machine without virtualization or dual booting. Etcher can be installed and run smoothly within this environment.

Requirements

Before proceeding with the installation, make sure you meet the following requirements:

Why Use WSL for Ubuntu?

WSL provides a compatibility layer allowing Windows users to run native Linux distributions. It enables you to use Linux command-line tools and utilities alongside your Windows applications, making it a powerful option for developers and users who need to run Linux tools without the overhead of virtual machines or dual-boot setups.

Requirements for Installing Etcher

• Windows machine (Windows 10 or Windows 11).
• WSL is installed and enabled on your system.
• Ubuntu is installed as the Linux distribution in WSL.
• Basic knowledge of using the Ubuntu terminal for installation tasks.

Installing WSL on Windows 10/11

You’ll need to install WSL on your Windows machine to get started.

Step-by-Step Installation of WSL:

Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the following command:

wsl --install

If you’re using Windows 10, Check if your system is current with the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.

Restart Your Computer:

2. Install Ubuntu via the Microsoft Store
3. Open the Microsoft Store, search for Ubuntu, and install the latest version available.

Set Up Ubuntu on WSL:

2. Launch Ubuntu from the Start Menu once installed.
3. Create a user and password when prompted during the initial setup.

Setting Up Ubuntu on WSL

Now that you’ve installed WSL and Ubuntu, you can set up your Ubuntu environment:

Open Ubuntu via WSL from the Start Menu.

Run the following commands to make sure your system is updated:

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

These commands update your package list and keep your software up-to-date.

Installing Etcher on Ubuntu Using WSL

Now, let’s look at the methods for installing Etcher on Ubuntu through WSL. We will explore three options: Snap Store, APT (Advanced Packaging Tool), and installing via the official Etcher website.

Method 1: Installing via Snap Store

Snap is a Linux package manager, one of the easiest ways to install Etcher.

Install Snapd (if not already installed):

• Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt install snapd

Install Etcher using Snap:

• Once Snapd is installed, you can install Etcher with the following command:

sudo snap install etcher --classic

This command downloads and installs Etcher from the Snap Store, making it available immediately.

Method 2: Installing via Terminal (APT)

Alternatively, you can install Etcher using the APT package manager. This method may only sometimes provide the latest version of Etcher.

Add the Etcher repository:

Run the following command to add the repository:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:balena-io/etcher

Update the package list:

After adding the repository, update your system’s package list:

sudo apt update

Install Etcher:

Now, install Etcher by running:

sudo apt install balena-etcher-electron

Method 3: Installing from Etcher Website

If you prefer the latest version of Etcher or want to install a specific release, Download the package from the official website.

Download the Etcher .deb package:

• Visit the official Etcher download page and download the .deb package for Ubuntu.

Install the .deb package:

• Go to the download directory and run the following command:

sudo dpkg -i balena-etcher-electron*.deb

sudo apt --fix-broken install

This will install the Etcher package on your Ubuntu system.

Verifying the Installation

Once the installation is complete, it’s time to verify that Etcher works correctly.

Launch Etcher:

• You can open Etcher by typing balena-etcher-electron in the terminal or searching for it in your applications menu.

Check the version:

• Check the installed version with:

balena-etcher-electron --version

This will display the installed version of Etcher, confirming that the application is successfully installed.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While installing Etcher via WSL on Ubuntu is generally smooth, here are some common issues you might encounter:

Snap Installation Failed

• If the Snap installation fails, check that Snapd is installed correctly and that your system is up to date.

Dependency Errors with APT

If you encounter dependency issues during installation, try fixing them with:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

Etcher Doesn’t Launch

• If Etcher fails to launch after installation, reinstall it using a different method (Snap vs. APT).

Conclusion

Installing Etcher on Ubuntu via WSL is an easy and efficient way to run Linux-based applications on your Windows machine. Whether you choose to install via Snap, APT, or the official website, the process is simple, and you’ll be able to start using Etcher to flash images to SD cards or USB drives quickly.

With the steps outlined in this guide, you should now have Etcher installed and running smoothly on your Ubuntu system inside WSL. Enjoy flashing your bootable drives and SD cards with ease!

FAQs

1. Can I run Etcher directly from Windows without using WSL?

Yes, you can install the Windows version of Etcher directly from the official website. WSL is only necessary if you prefer working in a Linux environment.

2. Can I enable WSL 2 to use Ubuntu on WSL?

No, WSL 1 is sufficient for running Ubuntu and installing tools like Etcher. However, WSL 2 offers better performance and compatibility.

3. Can I use Etcher to flash Raspberry Pi OS on WSL?

Once Etcher is installed, you can flash Raspberry Pi OS or any other supported OS image onto a USB drive or SD card, just like on a regular Linux system.

About the writer

Vinayak Baranwal wrote this article. Use the provided link to connect with Vinayak on LinkedIn for more insightful content or collaboration opportunities.