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Windows (WSL2) Guide

Windows (WSL2) Guide

Beginner18 minutes3 questions2026-08-09
The idea in one minute

Start with meaning, then move to detail.

This lesson explains Windows (WSL2) Guide as part of getting started with Hermes correctly. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.

If you are new

If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?

For hands-on use

For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.

For specialists

For advanced readers, inspect Why WSL2 (vs. native Windows), Install WSL2, Distro choice, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.

What do you need first?

No prior experience is required; follow the steps on a safe test setup first.

What will you know?

A clear outcome before you read.

  • Understand Windows (WSL2) Guide without assumed prior knowledge.
  • Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
  • Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Official page description

Run Hermes Agent on Windows via WSL2 — setup, filesystem access between Windows and Linux, networking, and common pitfalls

Topic map

What does the source say, and in what order?

  1. 01
    Why WSL2 (vs. native Windows)

    Start here to understand the core idea or structure.

  2. 02
    Install WSL2

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  3. 03
    Distro choice

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  4. 04
    Enable systemd (recommended)

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  5. 05
    Install Hermes inside WSL

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  6. 06
    Filesystem: crossing the Windows ↔ WSL2 boundary

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  7. 07
    The two directions

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  8. 08
    Where to put Hermes and your projects

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  9. 09
    Getting files back and forth

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  10. 10
    Line endings, BOMs, and git

    Finish here to verify the result and special cases.

Examples from the official page

Copy only after you understand the effect.

wsl --install
wsl --list --verbose
wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2 wsl --set-default-version 2
Try it now

Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.

Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.

Knowledge check

Three decisions before completion.

1. What is the source of truth when “Windows (WSL2) Guide” changes?
2. What is the best way to apply this lesson?
3. What should happen before a step can modify files or an external account?