How to use the command wsl-open (with examples)

The wsl-open command allows users to open files, URLs, and directories from within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in their default Windows GUI applications. This command is especially useful for seamlessly navigating between the Linux and Windows environments.

Use case 1: Open the current directory in Windows Explorer

Code:

wsl-open .

Motivation: Opening the current directory in Windows Explorer can be convenient when you want to quickly access files or perform operations that are better suited for the Windows environment, such as file management or file preview.

Explanation: The command wsl-open . opens the current directory (.) in Windows Explorer. The . represents the current directory in Linux, and wsl-open . passes the current directory as an argument to the wsl-open command.

Example output:

• Windows Explorer opens, displaying the current directory.

Use case 2: Open a URL in the user’s default web browser in Windows

Code:

wsl-open https://example.com

Motivation: When working on Linux, it is often more convenient to view web content in the default web browser of the Windows environment. Using wsl-open allows for a seamless transition between the two environments.

Explanation: The command wsl-open https://example.com opens the specified URL (https://example.com) in the user’s default web browser. The URL is passed as an argument to the wsl-open command.

Example output:

• The default web browser in Windows opens, displaying the specified URL.

Use case 3: Open a specific file in the user’s default application in Windows

Code:

wsl-open path\to\file

Motivation: There may be files in the Linux environment that need to be opened and edited in Windows applications. Using wsl-open allows users to seamlessly open these files in their default Windows application without the need for manual file navigation.

Explanation: The command wsl-open path\to\file opens the specified file (path\to\file) in the user’s default application in Windows. The file path is passed as an argument to the wsl-open command.

Example output:

• The default application associated with the file type in Windows opens, displaying the specified file.

Use case 4: Set wsl-open as the shell’s web browser

Code:

wsl-open -w

Motivation: Setting wsl-open as the shell’s web browser allows for a seamless browsing experience when interacting with web content within the Linux environment. This can be helpful for applications running within WSL that require web browsing capabilities.

Explanation: The command wsl-open -w sets wsl-open as the shell’s web browser. This means that any links or URLs opened within the shell will be passed to wsl-open for handling.

Example output:

• The wsl-open command is configured as the shell’s web browser.

Use case 5: Display help

Code:

wsl-open -h

Motivation: Displaying help provides users with information on the usage and available options of the wsl-open command. This can be helpful for users who are unfamiliar with the command or need a quick reminder of its functionality.

Explanation: The command wsl-open -h displays the help information for the wsl-open command. It provides details on the usage and available options, helping users understand how to use the command effectively.

Example output:

• The help information for the wsl-open command is displayed, providing usage instructions and available options.

Conclusion

The wsl-open command simplifies the process of seamlessly navigating between the Windows and Linux environments within Windows Subsystem for Linux. By enabling users to open files, URLs, and directories in their default Windows applications, wsl-open enhances the integration between the two environments and improves productivity.