𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗪𝗦𝗟 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁.𝗷𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽

You can get a Linux development experience on Windows. This setup uses WSL, Node.js, pnpm, and Next.js. It is fast and professional.

Follow these steps to build your environment.

  1. Install WSL Open PowerShell as an admin and run: wsl --install

This installs Ubuntu. You now have a Linux environment inside Windows.

  1. Prepare Linux Open your WSL terminal and run these commands:
  • Check your home directory: cd ~
  • Create a folder: mkdir projects
  • Update your system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  1. Install Node.js via NVM Use NVM to manage your Node versions. Run: curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash nvm install --lts nvm use --lts

  2. Setup pnpm pnpm is faster than npm and saves disk space. Enable it with Corepack: corepack enable pnpm

  3. Create a Next.js Project Run this command to start a new project: pnpm create next-app@latest my-project --typescript --tailwind --eslint --app

If you see an [ERR_PNPM_IGNORED_BUILDS] error, run: pnpm approve-builds Then run: pnpm install

  1. Connect VS Code Install the WSL extension in VS Code. In your terminal, type: code .

VS Code runs on Windows but connects to your Linux environment. This is the best way to work.

Why this setup works:

  • Fast performance
  • Access to Linux tools
  • Better dependency management
  • Professional workflow

To free up RAM when you finish, run: wsl --shutdown

Source: https://dev.to/anikdebnath/windows-wsl-nextjs-development-setup-zero-to-professional-environment-cl1