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Asked: 2024-09-27T03:22:30+05:30 In: ,

How can I run OpenCV with Python on WSL2 using Ubuntu 20.04? What steps do I need to follow to set it up correctly?

I’ve been trying to get OpenCV running with Python on WSL2 using Ubuntu 20.04, but I’m stumbling through the process and could really use some help. I’ve read a few tutorials online, but they all seem to gloss over some of the nitty-gritty steps, and I’m kind of stuck in the weeds here.

First off, I’ve already got WSL2 installed and Ubuntu 20.04 set up, which is great. But beyond that, I’m not really sure what to do next. Like, do I need to install Python first? I think it might already be there when I installed Ubuntu, but I’m not 100% sure. And then there’s the whole pip thing—should I be using that to install OpenCV, or is there another way? I keep hearing about conda as well, but I don’t know if that’s overkill for what I’m trying to do.

Also, when it comes to the actual OpenCV installation, I’ve seen different commands in different places. Some people seem to use apt-get, while others are all about getting it from source. What’s the difference, and what would you recommend for someone who’s still trying to figure out where all the libraries live?

And here’s another thing—I’m interested in getting into some computer vision projects, but I’ve come across some issues with displaying images or using the camera. If OpenCV is set up but I can’t even show an image, is that a sign that I messed something up during installation?

Lastly, if anyone could throw some light on getting this running smoothly, it would be awesome. I’m not looking for a deep dive into OpenCV right now, just a straightforward setup guide to help me get over this initial hurdle. Any tips, recommended commands, or troubleshooting advice would be hugely appreciated! I really want to get this working so I can start experimenting with some fun vision-related projects. Thanks a ton!

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    2 Answers


    1. To get OpenCV running on your WSL2 with Ubuntu 20.04, you’ll first want to ensure that Python is installed. You can check this by running the command python3 --version in your terminal. If Python isn’t installed, you can easily install it using sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3 python3-pip. After that, pip is the recommended package manager for Python libraries, and it will also help you install OpenCV easily. You can install OpenCV using pip by running pip3 install opencv-python. Using Conda can be beneficial if you plan to manage multiple environments or libraries, but for a straightforward installation, pip is sufficient.

      When it comes to installing OpenCV, using pip is the simplest route for beginners, as it handles most dependencies for you. While using apt-get can also install OpenCV, it might not provide the latest version or all the optional modules. Sourcing OpenCV from GitHub for a custom build is an advanced method that gives you more control but can be unnecessarily complex for your needs. Regarding image display issues, ensure you have the appropriate packages by running sudo apt-get install python3-opencv (if using apt) or ensuring you’re using a GUI-enabled environment within WSL, or consider using cv2.imshow() with the correct environment configurations. If you’re unable to show images, it might be indicative of a problem, possibly within your installation or display settings, so verify your installation and check if your display server is running correctly.




    2. Setting Up OpenCV with Python on WSL2

      Getting Started with OpenCV on WSL2

      Okay, so you’ve already got WSL2 and Ubuntu 20.04 set up, which is awesome! Let’s tackle this step by step.

      1. Check if Python is Installed

      Open your terminal in Ubuntu and type:

      python3 --version

      If you see a version number, Python is already installed. If not, you can install it with:

      sudo apt update
      sudo apt install python3

      Don’t forget to check if pip (Python’s package manager) is there:

      pip3 --version

      If pip isn’t installed, grab it with:

      sudo apt install python3-pip

      2. Installing OpenCV

      Now, for installing OpenCV, you have a couple of choices:

      • Using pip: This is probably the easiest way! Just run:
        • pip3 install opencv-python
      • Using apt-get: You can also install from the repositories, but this version might be outdated. Use:
        • sudo apt install libopencv-dev python3-opencv
      • Building from source: This is more advanced and usually not necessary for beginners. But if you want the latest features, you might check tutorials on that later.

      3. Displaying Images

      If you want to show images, remember that WSL doesn’t support GUI natively. You’ll likely need an X server (like VcXsrv for Windows) to show images. After setting that up, try running:

      cv2.imshow('window_name', image)

      If you see a window pop up, you’re golden! If not, check your X server setup.

      4. Troubleshooting Tips

      If OpenCV can’t display an image, it might not be an install issue. Just verify:

      • Are you running the X server?
      • Did you set the DISPLAY variable? You can do that with:
        • export DISPLAY=:0

      5. Should You Use Conda?

      Conda can be handy for managing environments and libraries, but if you’re just getting started, it might be overkill. Stick with pip for now, and if you need Conda later, you can explore it then.

      Final Note

      Don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect! Just take it slow, try these steps one at a time, and you’ll be experimenting with computer vision in no time!


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