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Windows Gets Linux’s Sudo Superpower: Here’s How to Turn It On

8/12/2024

Windows Gets Linux’s Sudo Superpower: Here’s How to Turn It On

Introduction

In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft is bridging the gap between Windows and Unix-like operating systems by introducing the powerful sudo command to Windows 11. If you’re a tech enthusiast or a developer, this feature is a game-changer. Let’s dive into what sudo is, how it works, and how you can enable it on your Windows 11 system.

What Is Sudo?

The sudo command, short for “superuser do,” is a critical tool in Unix and Linux-based operating systems. It allows you to execute programs with the security rights of another user—typically the superuser or administrator/root—without needing full administrative rights for the entire system. In other words, it lets you perform administrative tasks without constantly logging on and off as an administrator or root user.

Benefits of Using Sudo

  1. Enhanced Security: By reducing the need for full administrator accounts with unchecked privileges, sudo increases overall system security. It also creates detailed logs of all commands used with sudo, ensuring secure and traceable administrative tasks.

  2. Fine-Grained Control: With sudo, you can fine-tune permissions for specific tasks, allowing for more precise control over who can perform certain actions.

Sudo Complements RunAs

While Windows already has the RunAs command, it’s not as effective as sudo. Here’s why:

  • RunAs: Allows you to start a program using another user account but is cumbersome and lacks the efficiency of sudo.
  • Sudo: Offers similar functionality but with better application and administration.

Enabling Sudo in Windows 11

To enable sudo on Windows 11, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Navigate to the For developers page.
  4. Turn on the Enable sudo toggle switch.
  5. Choose the Inline mode from the Configure how sudo runs applications setting for a Linux-like experience.

Conclusion

With the introduction of sudo for Windows 11, Microsoft is empowering developers and system administrators to work more efficiently and securely. Whether you’re installing software packages or adjusting security settings, sudo is your new superpower!

Remember, the source code for “Sudo for Windows” is available on GitHub, so feel free to explore and contribute to this exciting development. Happy sudoing! 🚀