• A fast way to a simple desktop environent in WSL1
• No additional X Server download required.
• Works in Server Core.

From an elevated CMD.EXE prompt, change to your desired install directory and type or paste the following command:

powershell -command "wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/DesktopECHO/xWSL/master/xWSL.CMD -UseBasicParsing -OutFile xwsl.cmd ; .\xwsl.cmd"

When the script completes you'll have a lightweight and useable desktop with the following attributes:

• Ubuntu Linux 18.04 App Store Image downloaded directly from Microsoft.
• XFCE 4.14 backport for Ubuntu 18.04, with PPA's from other sources included for customization.
• XRDP Display Server - Access your WSL Linux desktop from the standard Windows Remote Desktop Client (mstsc.exe)
• Remmina remote desktop viewer from developer PPA
• PulseAudio for Windows bundled for audio support.
• Simple init system started through Task Scheduler.
• Mozilla SeaMonkey is the default (stable) Web renderer; YouTube works if at times a little jumpy.
• Included FreeRDP client is compiled to run using OpenH264 and media foundation disabled (Server Core).

Setup Notes:

In your WSL distro's install folder (For example using the default of C:\Users\Administrator\xWSL) you will see a file called xWSL.CMD. Run this to get the RDP Server, InitScripts and PulseAudio going after a reboot.

START XWSL.CMD

Optioally, adjust the scheduled tasks that were pre-configured to increase the level of startup automation.

There are some inelegant solutions used to address various WSL quirks; contributions are welcome to improve these and any other areas needing attention.

Enjoy!

Dan M.