How to Install Folio on Windows 11 Using WSL: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a Windows 11 user looking to harness the power of Folio, the popular markdown note-taking app developed by Greg Ross (toolstack)? While Folio is primarily designed for get it running on your Windows machine using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Here’s a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process.

Useful Links:

• Greg Ross’s GitHub: https://github.com/toolstack
• Folio GitHub Repository: https://github.com/toolstack/Folio
• Folio Releases: https://github.com/toolstack/Folio/releases

Step 1: Install Windows Subsystem for Linux

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Run the following command:

   wsl --install

3. Restart your computer when the installation is complete.

Step 2: Set Up Ubuntu

1. Open the Ubuntu application from your Start menu.
2. Follow the prompts to create a username and password for your Ubuntu environment.

Step 3: Install Snap

1. In the Ubuntu terminal, update your package list:

   sudo apt update

2. Install Snap:

   sudo apt install snapd

Step 4: Install Folio

1. Use Snap to install Folio:

   sudo snap install folio --classic

2. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 5: Install and Configure VcXsrv (X Server)

1. Download and install VcXsrv from SourceForge.
2. Launch XLaunch from your Start menu.
3. Choose “Multiple windows” in the first screen and click “Next”.
4. Select “Start no client” and click “Next”.
5. Ensure “Disable access control” is checked, then click “Next”.
6. Click “Finish X server.: Run Folio
7. In your Ubuntu terminal, set the display variable:

   export DISPLAY=:0

2. Launch Folio by typing:

   folio

Congratulations! You should now see Folio running on your Windows 11 system.

Tips for Efficient Use

• Always ensure VcXsrv is running before launching Folio. everything:

1. Close the Folio window.
2. Type exit in the Ubuntu terminal.
3. Close VcXsrv from the system tray.
4. Optionally, run wsl --shutdown in PowerShell to completely shut down WSL you’ll need to repeat steps 5 and 6 each time you want to use Folio.

For the latest updates and releases, make sure to check the Folio Releases page regularly.

Happy note-taking with Folio on Windows 11!