Windows Sub System (WSS)

You're a secret neckbeard and want to seem normal to your colleagues? Reddit is your main source of news? Keep reading!

Prereqs: Qemu, KVM, perms, windows ISO file

1. Create VM disk

qemu-img create -f qcow2 myvm.qcow2 60G

2. Boot

qemu-system-x86_64 -enable-kvm -m 8096 -cpu host -smp 4 -hda myvm.qcow2 -cdrom ~/Downloads/tiny.iso -boot d

3. Start

qemu-system-x86_64 -enable-kvm -m 6144 -cpu host -smp 4 -hda myvm.qcow2 -boot c

4. Have fun! If you ever break something you can always re-install using the boot d (floppy).

I tried getting WSL running and that wasnt a good idea.

WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH VIRTUALIZATION SETTINGS AS THAT WILL BREAK YOUR VM

CTRL ALT G to lock instance + CTRL ALT F for fullscreen

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I tested up to 8 and 10 vCPUs and my laptop barely broke the 40% CPU/ 50% RAM point using the Tiny11 install Also does eat up quite a bit of ram but that was expected... On install it will break the 90%.

1. Python executable

I recommend to not use the Windows Store as that will install it in a weird path that is not recognized. Instead go to python.org and tick all the Admin required options when running the installer.

2. Python extensions on VSCode

Get them so that your venvs activate by themselves.

To share a drive with the guest machine:

  sudo apt-get install samba

qemu-system-x86_64 -enable-kvm -m 6144 -cpu host -smp 8 -hda myvm.qcow2 -boot c -net nic -net user,smb=/home/hadepop/Desktop/vm/shared

Then naviguate in file explorer to: \\10.0.2.4\qemu

This way you don't even need clipboard share.

import random

x = "Hello from Python in Windows on Linux"
#print(f'{x}')
y = random.choice(x)
print(f'{y}')

import sys

print(f"Exec: {sys.executable}")

## Use absolute paths as they are more likely not to change. 
import subprocess
#subprocess.run(['C:\\Program Files\\Mozilla Firefox\\firefox.exe'])

### Run powershell scripts directly
#subprocess.run(['powershell.exe', 'Start-Process firefox'])

## Simplest Hello World Search

import time
#import pyautogui as pag

#time.sleep(2)  # Wait for Firefox to open
#pag.write('Hello World')
#time.sleep(1)
#pag.press('enter')

If the whole set-up works it's very cool!

You a truly on shared system between the Windows and Linux:

If you see this you're a G : (.venv) PS Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::\\10.0.2.4\qemu> 

On the guest system you will have to enable PS scripts in settings (Settings > Then type in the search bar Powershell)

Then run the script again and get output:

(.venv) PS Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::\\10.0.2.4\qemu> & //10.0.2.4/qemu/.venv/Scripts/python.exe //10.0.2.4/qemu/hello.py       
H
Exec: \\10.0.2.4\qemu\.venv\Scripts\python.exe

If you got here congrats :)

If you didn't you need to run a PowerShell in admin then:

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned Yes the good things behind a single toggle or several... And a few downloads.

I don't know how safe any of this is in practice but since this is a VM set-up with a barebones iso... Well you get the idea.

Now if you want to learn about Powershell commands the easiest way is simply to run a powershell and enter ISE. This opens a graphical interface with every single command possible...

Then click the little help icons that will link to Microsoft website for usage information.

For further Windows clean-up:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Search Permissions Tick off everything but local search.

Go to Microsoft Store > Search WinToys Browse wintoys tweaks

Finally I hate the shortcuts on Windows: You can remap them, of course behind a download: Go to Microsoft Store > Search PowerToys Browse keyboard enable then remap

Clean directory:

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📦 VM
├─ myvm.qcow2 # Reserved space for VM
├─ tiny.iso # Bootable W11 ISO
└─ shared
   ├─ .venv
   └─ scripts

Notes:

Windows will reboot 3 times during install make sure to not close the VM and lit it do it's thing until the very end. It will also consume unhealthy amounts of RAM/CPU during install. All normal.

Make sure to change boot order to not install twice once you're in.

Create a desktop shortcut to your shared folder is practical! You can also directly open it in VSCode.

Scripts

I've included some bonuses in the repo:

1. CTRL + H to go to desktop and hide current active windows (Inspired by HideFromMyBoss with some optimization)

This can be done by default using SUPER key + D (but it doesn't actually hide your windows)